Page 11 of Flirting with the Bad Boy

“I didn’t want you to forget.”

Like I could forget him.

I type out a message to him and hit send, so he has my number as well. When his phone buzzes, he pulls it out from his front pocket, saving my number, and shoving it back into his jeans.

“I won’t keep you from your meeting. I hope to hear from you soon, duchess.”

Why do I turn into mush when he calls me that? Normally, I hate pet names, but his deep voice has a certain way of making this one sound so sexy.

We both head in different directions. He continues on his way toward the bar and I find my car. The temptation to blow off this meeting and follow him to find out how this day could end is strong. Faking a flat is sounding pretty good right now.

SIX

MIC DROP MOMENT

Olivia

I pick up the phone, then set it down, repeating this five more times. It’s been three days, why hasn’t Ledger called me or texted me? It could be as simple as “hey, it was great seeing you again” or “hey, want to make out again.” I’m game for either one.

After work, I called an emergency meeting at Porter’s. I take a seat at our usual table under a neon brewery sign that hangs on the weathered wood plank wall. Porter’s has a dive bar charm but with a splash of industrial aesthetic with exposed ductwork. Also, the barn wood and sheet metal décor give it rustic vibe.

I need my girls to talk me off the Ledger ledge I’ve found myself desperately perched on. Gripping my margarita glass, I swallow down the last of its contents. As I set my empty glass down, Tatum and Hollyn stroll through the door and spot me immediately.

“Charlie’s busy helping Bennett with a custom table build so she won’t be coming,” Tatum says as she takes a seat next to me.

“And Parisa’s helping Seth at the Lilith House, so she won’t make it either,” Hollyn says, sitting down across from us.

“Okay, I need your advice. Ledger. After running into him again and exchanging numbers, I haven’t heard back. What do I do?” I’ve run every possible scenario as to why I haven’t heard from him, starting with he lost his phone, which means he lost my number, to he has a girlfriend and I’m actually the other woman who helped him cheat. While I’d like to believe it’s the first one, the longer I don’t hear from him, the more I’m convinced it’s the latter.

“First, we need a round of drinks before we tackle this.” Tatum jumps from her seat and saunters up to the bar. She returns with three margaritas in her hands.

Over the next hour, and another round later, we chat about Tatum's hot lawyer boyfriend, Adam, and how he’s booked a Caribbean vacation for them this fall. Hollyn tells us about the new cupcakes she’s been working on, along with the new dance moves Van has been learning. He’s currently practicing the cowboy hip thrust, and it’s everything the move is named for. Hollyn’s words, not mine. When the conversation shifts to me, my face is already flush. I don’t know if it’s from the margaritas or talking about Ledger, but I lift my hair off my neck. The cool air is refreshing, then I let my locks fall.

“So, you haven’t heard from this guy yet?” Tatum takes a sip of her drink.

“It’s been three days and I’ve heard nothing from Ledger. Why hasn’t he called? Do you think he’s changed his mind?” I glance between Hollyn and Tatum, praying one of them has an answer. I need answers.

“You must really like this guy. Normally, you’re a full-on take charge woman, but he’s turned you into a bumbling, hot mess,” Tatum says.

“Ledger has me in uncharted territory. First of all, he’s the complete opposite of any guy I’ve been with. He’s not clean cut, doesn’t have perfectly styled hair, and doesn’t wear a suit. I don’t know what to do.” My throat constricts. I’m at a loss. I’ve never had a guy propel me into such a tailspin before, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to correct myself. Or if I’ll just crash into the ground. Everyone I’ve dated has been either a doctor, lawyer, CEO, or the son of one of those. Someone always introduced me to one of them, and I never had to make the first phone call.

“You took charge when you kissed him. Just do that again.” Hollyn takes a sip of her drink. “I think we’re old enough to be past this whole, waiting to call someone one we like because we don’t want to appear desperate.” She throws up air quotes at the word desperate.

I gasp. “I never said I was desperate.”

“You’re right. You’re not desperate, but you need to go after what you want.” Hollyn squares her shoulders.

“She’s not wrong,” Tatum says. “Games get you nowhere. You’ll just end up driving yourself crazy. And all your friends.” She nudges me with her elbow.

“So, I should call him?” I glance between my two friends.

“Yes! Take charge!” Hollyn holds her drink in the air.

“Put your big girl panties on and show him exactly who Olivia Gretchen Ellis is. Strong. Fierce. And doesn’t need to wait for a guy to call her.” Tatum lifts her glass to meet Hollyn’s.

“And if he doesn’t respond, to hell with him. You’ll find someone better,” Hollyn says.

“I’m going to call him!” I straighten myself in my chair and raise my glass to join theirs above the middle of our table.

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