Page 20 of Sharkbait
“Oh, hanger is the worst,” I say. “Can’t have you ladies hangry when there’s something we can do about it.”
“You know what? I’m actually gonna go,” Louise says. “I have a bunch of reading I need to do for school.”
“No way! I need you to party plan!” Calliope says. “Just give me an hour and then I will release you to all your fish studies, promise. Mabel, James is here!”
Calliope heads into the apartment, leaving Louise and me facing off in the doorway.
She’s physically blocking me from entering.
“May I?” I look her directly in the eyes and nod toward the entrance.
Louise stays as still as a statue.
“Sister friend!” Calliope shouts from inside the apartment. “Would you let the man in, please?”
I know she said she was only interested in that one night, but damn, was it so bad that she’s embarassed to be in my presence now? Was the new guy at the AA meeting right and I don’t “have the goods?”
No. That’s impossible. I was there that night and neither of us was complaining.
She blows out a breath and finally steps aside.
“I thank you,” I say and pick up the cooler.
So, she has regrets about what happened between us.
Fine.
I certainly don’t.
I was hired to do a job here today, so I’ll get in and get out.
But apparently not without getting a little saucy. A surprising energy rises up in me, one that says she’s not going to dismiss me – or this spark between us – so easily.
“In case you’re wondering,” I say to Calliope, but my awareness is focused entirely on Louise, “like your middle school teacher, I, too, have a butt. I also wear underwear.” As I slide past Louise, my hip brushes against hers, and I whisper in her ear, “Sometimes.”
Chapter Seven
Louise
I’m left alone in the foyer, holding the door open for no one.
Goose bumps ripple across my skin.
Did this guy just show up to a work engagement commando?
Before I can think about what I’m doing, I whip around and shoot my gaze directly to his man region—as if I have X-ray vision and can confirm what is or is not under his jeans. It’s only a split-second glance, but when my eyes shoot back up to meet his, it’s clear I’ve been caught.
He winks.
I scowl and slam the door behind me.
He heads deeper into the apartment while I begrudgingly follow.
“James!” Mabel breezes into the room and dives straight into James’s arms like they’re besties. “Thank you so much for doing this.”
“Of course!” They rock back and forth in a warm hug. “Anything for my buddy’s girl.”
I breathe a sigh of relief when they pull apart, and I see that Mabel is fully dressed now.
