Page 51 of Twist of Date

emoji

Now my need to see you is even stronger. You look fucking fantastic today.

I feel my cheeks heat. I don’t look any different than I do every day, but his words make their mark.

I could swing by tonight. I’m actually at a stopping point for the day.

Perfect. I have one more call, can you swing by RRG first? Then we can go to your place. I need my Pepper fix.

Eventually, I’m going to be confused as to who you like more. Me or my pup.

You. Always you, Lays.

The pup is an added bonus.

Sweet-talker. See you in a bit.

Sitting my phone down, I make some final notes about my client and some matching I want to explore. At the end of the day, I think I’ve found about three potential men who I want to dig deeper into. Normally, I would have three dates set up, but I need to tread lightly. Starting with one date as I know she’s a bit timid.

My phone dings and I see it’s Cole’s response.

See you soon

I snort at his immature behavior. I know damn well he isn’t talking about getting tacos for dinner. Still grinning at his shenanigan, I start to gather my stuff. I hate leaving my office a mess when I leave each night.

“Well, I’ll be damned.” I hear Cassie say from the doorway. She leans against the doorframe with a knowing smile.

“What?” I ask, still piling up my items to put them away at my desk.

“I know that face.” She points her finger at me, making a circular motion.

“I would like to think you do pretty well by this point as it’s been my face the entirety of the time you’ve known me,” I sass. I know what she meant, but I’ve got a sexy secret fling to protect.

“Oh, smart-ass much? You must be hiding something,” she replies and it takes everything in me to not let it show that she’s spot-on.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, moving to my desk. I start putting files away. A few pens and a highlighter go into little bins on my organized desk.

“Don’t play coy with me, Layla.” She pushes off the wall and joins me at my desk, taking a seat facing me.

I don’t respond. Instead, I carefully snap my Pro onto the docking station. Normally, I’d take it home, but since I won’t be alone tonight…

“Surely, you wouldn’t be hiding something from your best friend? You had that cat ate the goldfish grin on your face, and there are only so many explanations for why. And I’m guessing that it’s something best friends of more than a decade tell each other.” She looks innocent and sweet, this bestie of mine, but I know the truth. She’s scheming.

“You’re wrong. You know I’m not known for resting bitch face. It’s because I practice not having one when I’m alone.” I shrug, taking the opportunity to shove my phone in my purse.

Her eyes dance and she knows I’m bullshitting her.

“Right. Are you leaving? It’s only just past five.” She studies me.

“I am. Heading home. Gonna take Pepper to the park,” I say. Cassie stands as I walk around the desk.

“Oh, do you want to bring her over to my place? We can have a Pepper Waffle play date,” she asks, but there is something there in her voice.

“No, not tonight. I’m kinda tired,” I tell her as we continue to walk to the door. I grab my jacket off the coat hanger.

“You’re so full of shit. I should be offended by your lies. But I’m not. More curious than anything.”

I stop at the doorway, not wanting to have this conversation out in the hall. She’s still firmly in my office, so I move away from the open door and close it next to me.

---