Page 43 of Perfect Pact

He’s two for two. If I’m not careful, I’m gonna lose my heart on a fake date with my enemy neighbor.

After dinner, we head to the back of the bar where the music is getting ready to start. Thank God he didn’t pick a karaoke night for our date. Although, that could be fun.

No. This isn’t fun. This isn’t a real date.

This is an arrangement.A coerced arrangement.

But dinner was okay. Who am kidding? It was awesome. He drowns his fried pickles in ranch too. What’s not to love? Okay…nope. No. No. No. Not going there. No way in hell I’m mentioning the L word while on a non-date date with the bearded charmer. Nope. Ranch or no ranch.

I definitely need something a little stronger than beer.

“How about some tequila shots?” I look over at Dusty.

“Count me in. I’m gonna run to little boys’ room real quick. I’ll be right back.”

“Little boys’ room, really?” I doubt there’s anything little about that man.

“Would you rather me say I’m off to hit the head? To the John? How about drain the snake?”

He laughs, and I fight back a smile.

“Okay, okay. I get it. You have to pee.” I waive him away.

“Order me two of whatever you’re having.” He winks.

“Oh, so you think you can outdrink me?” I yell after him, signaling for the bartender to bring another round plus shots.

“Hey, Beth. I have someone I’d like you to meet.” Joey walks up to the bar with a brunette I haven’t seen before.

“Oh, yeah?” I flash a smile, hoping it’s not too obvious it’s forced.

“If it’s not a good time, we can talk later.” She starts to turn around.

“No. It’s fine.” I hold out my hand. “I’m Beth.”

“Hi. I’m Savannah. Savannah Dawson.” She squeezes my hand in a quick shake.

“Oh…” My smile widens. “Aunt Shirley’s great niece.”

“That’s me,” she says.

I loved Shirley. Like Mr. Jacobs, she had a heart of gold.

“She was an incredible lady.”

“That she was.” She looks a little sad. I hope I didn’t upset her.

“Anyway…” Joey cuts in, “I know you’re here on a date.”

“Do not call it that.” I sigh. “I refuse to call anything with Dusty Jacobs a date.”

The last thing I need is news of my perfect little pact with Dusty splashed all over the MC Scoop.

“I ran into Dusty at Dream Big. He seems nice enough. Maybe you should give him a chance,” Joey says, giving her two cents.

“This is his chance.” I reach around and grab my drink, taking a sip from the bottle before continuing. “On a technicality.”

“Well, then…I hope it sucks?” She shrugs.

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