Page 36 of Twist of Date

She looks down at me, giving me a quick glance. “No, this is more than okay.”

And she’s out of the office like her ass is on fire. I watch her go and when I look back at Ruth, she’s got that look that demands an explanation.

“I always enjoyed being around Layla in college. She’s fun and such a good person. I’ve wanted to catch up with her, be friends again. But I’ve realized she does not mix business and personal. So I’d like to remove us working together in an official capacity. Then maybe I could get my friend back,” I tell Ruth. My fingers drum on my thighs, under her assessing gaze. “I should have tried a little harder to stop you before you called her. I could have told you all this then.”

“Friends?” she repeats.

“I’d like to be her friend again.” Truth, well, mostly the truth. I’d like to get her into my bed, but that’s probably not the smartest thing to share here. Under Ruth’s curious gaze, I want to squirm.

Damn, she’s so much like my grandmother it’s scary.

“All right. I understand and I commend you for considering her feelings.”

“Thank you,” I tell her.

“Now let me get your availability for this date with Mina.” Ruth looks down at her files, flips a few pages, and moves us right along.

Crisis diverted.

Hopefully. Though somehow I don’t think getting Layla to understand my reason will be quite so easy.

Chapter 9

UNFAIRLY GOOD-LOOKING

LAYLA

I would rather just workwith Ruth on this.

The words Cole spewed just an hour ago sit heavy in my stomach. I should be relieved that he put an end to my unnecessary involvement in his matchmaking. But instead, I’m a tiny bit annoyed, shocked, and a whole lot concerned.

It was that damn kiss.

He hated it and can’t stand to be around me.

Oh, that’s poppycock.

It was a great freaking kiss and Cole isn’t one to run away. If he wasn’t into the kiss, he’d still flirt. It’s his nature. It’s not like we had sex.

My phone buzzes from somewhere on my desk. Shuffling around some folders and papers, I find it. My desk is a mess, but since that clusterfuck of an impromptu meeting with Cole and Ruth an hour ago, my head has been a mess. I can’t seem to focus and somehow my desk becomes an explosion of work.

Looking down at my phone, my shoulders sag.

Cole:

Hey. Sorry about that ambush. Ruth caught us both off guard.

I want to explain why I asked Ruth to not involve you anymore.

Me:

Not necessary.

But it is. You’re upset. I promise I have the best intentions here.

Hmm.

Come to my place tonight.

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