Page 38 of Rescue Me (Forget the Past 1)

Both girls turn to stare at me, Paige wide-eyed in confusion, Teresa with offense.

“I doubt that, Dash. I’m sure Paige’s Pumpkin is beautiful. Isn’t that right, sweetie?” Teresa strokes a hand up Paige’s bare arm, and the blonde girl smiles.

“Yes. She’s gorgeous.”

I sigh, slightly amused at the hole Paige is unknowingly digging herself further into.

“I meant she’s an actual dog. Paige adopted her from the rescue where I work.”

Teresa’s lips pinch in momentary disappointment, and I jump on the opportunity to escape.

“Good to see you, Tea. But we were just heading out. I’ll see you around.” My arm wraps in tight possession around Paige’s waist, and I guide her toward the door before she can protest.

“Nice to meet you!” Paige calls out sweetly, glancing over her shoulder to wave at the pouting Teresa.

Stepping out into the night air that has cooled slightly with the setting of the sun, I feel almost as if we’ve escaped a hazardous situation.

“Did I embarrass you in front of your friend? I’m sorry. Sometimes I think I’m doing just fine, but then I realize I’ve fucked it all up. Martin could never—“ Paige shuts her mouth quickly with a grimace and glares off into the night, leaving me wondering who Martin is, and what he did to bring such a dissatisfied expression to Paige’s face.

“No. You’re good.”

How she could be so unaware baffles me. Wasn’t it obvious how Teresa was one step away from propositioning her? I wonder what kind of bars Paige went to in New York if she can’t even tell when she’s getting hit on.

“Okay. So, thanks for dancing with me. And showing me some more of the city.”

Paige turns to leave, but my hand reflexively reaches out to stop her.

“Wait.” This night can’t be over already. I need more time with her. I scramble for something to keep her with me. “Are you hungry?”

I’m about to cringe at the stupidity of my question, seeing as how we just shared some nachos, when Paige nods.

“I could eat.”

Chapter Thirteen

Paige

“Oh my gosh. Where have you been all my life,” I moan, my mouth full.

Dash stares at me as if he thinks I’m insane. “You’ve got to be kidding me, Paige. I know you said you didn’t get out much as a kid, but how could you live in New Orleans for eighteen years and never have had a po boy?”

I swallow before smirking at him. “I’ve had them plenty of times. But never after a night of drinking and dancing. That just adds a new layer of deliciousness.”

We’re sitting side-by-side on a bench eating classic NOLA fair. We decided to share a fried catfish po boy, and the sandwich is fulfilling all my food fantasies. Fried food usually does that.

My arm pressed against Dash’s is bringing back some of the happy warm tingles that got snuffed out when I watched Teresa claim him so blatantly in the middle of that bar’s dance floor. Not like I have any right to be jealous. Dash and I are just friends. Plus, Teresa seemed nice.

Still, that smear of red lipstick on Dash’s cheek serves as a reminder that I’m obviously not his type. And I shouldn’t even be letting the idea of going out with a hot guy enter my mind. I need to focus on finding a job, not improving my dating life.

I’ll find someone to lust after in whatever new city I settle in.

“I’m sorry about Teresa. She can be a bit much.”

Dash’s comment shocks me out of my musings, and I try to figure out what he means.

“A bit much what?”

He raises one of his sharp eyebrows as he peers over at me. “She comes on strong. Been that way since high school.”

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