Page 24 of Deserving Maddie

"That's okay. Just let me know what time it'll be done and I can get someone over there to pick it up."

"That's the thing." There was a definitive pause on the line. "My supplier sent me the wrong tire. I have no idea how they screwed up so bad, but it would seem they don't have one in stock like they said. I'm so sorry."

He should be upset. There was no doubt in his mind Maddie would be. If there was one thing he learned from her incident the day before, she was uncomfortable accepting help. Or maybe it was just help from him.

"No problem. I appreciate you letting me know."

Ray didn't even get to end the call when an alert for a text message pinged in his ear. He had a feeling he knew who it was before he even looked.

Unknown Number: Hi, this is Maddie. I just got a call that my car won't be ready today. Something about the wrong tire was delivered. I'm not entirely sure, as I was in a meeting when the call came in. I'm going to leave work early so I can get a rental car and return yours to you.

Well, well, well. As luck would have it, all it took was one little mix-up and he finally got her number. It was insanely aggravating to gather information the old-fashioned way. He rather preferred his method of having everything at his fingertips.

Ray didn't hesitate to add her number to his phone. He wanted to put her in as something cool or funny, but he figured “MILF” wouldn't win him any bonus points with her.

Ray: Hey. Glad you finally used my number to talk to me. Don't worry about returning the car. As I told you, I have another way to get around. Keep it as long as you like.

He could practically picture her nibbling on her lip at his suggestion. He was pushing his luck and not the least bit sorry about it.

Maddie: No, that's okay. It wouldn't be right.

Hmm. Now he was curious.

Ray: And why is that?

The three little dots popped up and then disappeared. They did it three more times. Whatever she wanted to say to him was obviously uncomfortable. It made the anxiety he had about their situation ratchet up to ten.

Maddie: Because I'm not sure I can do just casual with you.

Fuck. She was calling things off before they even started.

Chapter 12

Ohshit.

Did she really try to break things off with Ray through a text message? This wasn't high school. She was infinitely more mature than that.

Maybe it was for the best. Maddie had a feeling that if she tried to do it in person, she would cave within a moment.

Ray: Are you breaking up with me already? I didn't even realize we got to that point in this friendship so soon. I would've thought we at least would have a few more gossip sessions and maybe one night of crying over a pint of ice cream.

A very loud and inappropriate snort escaped her nose. Maddie covered her face and looked around her office to see if anyone noticed. Her office in Texas was about a quarter of the size she had back in North Carolina and while there was a door, it was always open and her assistant's desk wasn't that far away.

Confident no one heard her, Maddie reread the text message two more times.

Don't engage. Don't engage. Don't engage.

Maddie: Is that your thing? Gossip sessions and ice cream. Kat is going to think you are trying to replace her.

So much for not engaging. Ray made it very hard not to. The man was charismatic.

Ray: Nah. I would make a horrible girl bestie. My fashion sense is shit and I give horrible advice.

Maddie: I doubt that's true.

Now she wanted to know what kind of advice he gave. Was he talking bad dating advice or encouraging one to have crazy wild sex on the first date? Oh wait, who was she kidding? She already knew he put out on the first date. He was the king of one-night stands. There was no way he would be shy about telling someone to go for it on the first date.

Ray: Oh it's true. I once told my roommate in college to take his date to the circus. Turns out she hated clowns and cried the entire time. He didn't speak to me again for an entire semester. He thought she was his one true love, and I ruined it for him.

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