Page 119 of The Accidental Wife

Shayla

“How do you say it again?”Josh asks, squinting as he leans into me to hear me better over the loud music.

“Salud,” I repeat with a snicker, and he nods and holds his Margherita glass up.

“SALUD!” He hollers, and the people around cheer and repeat it holding up their drinks. “Oh, my God. This place is just awesome. I can’t remember the last time I had such fun.” Josh laughs, clinking his glass with mine.

“Ah, all you really need for a good time is some decent company. Surround yourself with people who are on the same wavelength as you, and you’re good to go.” I say with a shrug and watch as Jo and Aimee dance with two guys they just met.

Josh leans forward and licks his lips. “You know I get it.” I look at him with a smile and shake my head confused.

“Get what?”

“Why Cole is having such a hard time letting you go.” I keep the smile on my face and drop my gaze, not wanting to show him how hurt I was over Cole. “I still remember the first time I saw you at Luxe the night you and Cole met.” He explains, looking at me with a smile. I watch him, intrigued. “You were dancing with the girls, just like you were tonight, but there was something about you. Your whole aura was just magnetic. I made a mistake pointing you guys out to Cole. I honestly thought he would have gone for Aimee because she was more his type, but when I saw his eyes zero in on you, he was just as enthralled with you as I was.” Josh explains, and I gape at him, stunned.

“Wait. You saw me first?” I question, and he nods, looking down at his glass.

“I did, and I was trying to pick up the courage to come and talk to you, but Cole got to you first. I’m not a shy guy at all. I’m quite confident, but with you, for some reason, I just lost my nerve.” He sighs with a little smile, shaking his head. “If I had just walked over to you, instead of hesitating, I could have saved you both so much grief, and maybe you and I might have had a chance.”

I sigh, “Yeah, maybe, I definitely wouldn’t have ended up married, that’s for sure,” I mutter, shaking my head while running my finger along the rim of my glass. Josh smiles and turns to face me properly.

“I really like you, Shayla,” He admits, and I lift my gaze to his, taken aback, my smile fading slowly. “Is it definitely over for you and Cole?”

I sigh and nod, “Yes, it’s definitely over. How could it not be? He’s getting married in a couple of weeks, and he’s having a baby with her. I’m not the type of girl to break up a family.” I explain, and Josh nods.

“So, would you think me a complete dickhead if I asked you out?” I look into Josh’s blue eyes and chew on my bottom lip thoughtfully.

“No. Of course I wouldn’t, Josh, but don’t you think it would be weird? The last thing I ever want to do is come between two best friends. And I don’t think Cole would like you dating me.” I explain with a shrug, while Josh reaches out, taking my hand into his, and rubs his thumb over my knuckles.

Josh sighs slowly, “I know it’s a shitty thing to do because he’s like a brother to me, but Cole’s getting married, Shayla. Eventually, you are going to meet someone. He can’t expect you to be single forever, right? If it’s not going to be me, it’s going to be somebody else.” He chuckles a little. “And to be honest with you, I don’t want to miss my chance again because I didn’t ask. So, this is me shooting my shot.”

“Are you sure, Josh, because this is going to cause you a hell of a lot of grief? I know Cole, and he’s going to hit the roof when he finds out.” I ask, and Josh shrugs a little and smiles at me.

“I’ll talk to Cole. Besides, something tells me you’re worth it.” I feel my cheeks go hot under his gaze, and he chuckles. “Ah, fucking hell.” He smiles with a sigh while rubbing his forehead.

“What?”

“You just, you make me feel some type of way. I mean, who looks that adorable when they blush, for God's sake?” I bury my face into my hands and shake my head, blushing like a little girl.

“Oh Jesus, stop it,” I mutter, embarrassed, and I hear Josh snigger.

“I prefer to be called Josh, but I do go by Jesus too, only on the weekends and after hours.” He teases with a chuckle, and I push his shoulder playfully. “So, what do you say, you want to go out with me?”

This was such a bad idea, but I look over at the girls who were nodding enthusiastically. What’s the use of holding onto what Cole and I had any longer, right? It’s not like we have a future anymore. Any chance we did have is now gone. Josh seems like a nice guy, and we do get along. Maybe he’s what I need to get over Cole.

“Okay, I’ll go out with you,” I say before I lose my nerve and Josh grins, biting his lip.

“How about dinner tomorrow night?” He suggests. I wince and shake my head before I turn to face him.

“Let me tell you something about me. You’ve already gathered that I’m not like most girls. I’m not into expensive meals or big romantic gestures. I like things that are fun, going on adventures, not sitting in a stuffy restaurant while we talk about mundane things.” I explain, and Josh frowns a little but nods after a minute.

“Okay, let me rephrase. How about paint-balling tomorrow night?” My eyes go wide with excitement, and I nod with a grin.

“Yes.” I chirp excitedly, and Josh laughs out loud.

“You’re certainly right about one thing; you’re unlike any girl I’ve ever met.” He chuckles, holding up his glass, and I clink mine with his. “Here’s to our first date and hopefully many more after that.”

“Salud.” I smile, and we finish our drinks.

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