Page 48 of The Scout

“Yes, she is. Just like your mom.”

Jimmy nodded, making me smile. He looked at me. “Can you drive me to Max’s now?”

“Sure, let’s go.”

“I’ll take you,” Cash interrupted. “Your mom has agreed to go out with me tonight. She can get ready while we’re gone.” He looked back at me. “Pick you up at seven.”

“Bye, Mom. Have fun.”

They walked out, and I grabbed my phone to call Mia. As soon as the call connected, and before she could say hello, I blurted, “I’m in big trouble.”

She laughed. “Trouble like you need bail money? Or trouble like you want in your hot ex’s boxers?”

“Not funny. And I don’t need bail money.”

“So it’s the boxers. Can’t say that I blame you. Look, it’s been way too long since you’ve had sex. I honestly don’t know how you’ve gone so long. Can you tell me why it would be wrong to hook up with Cash Jameson? I mean ... you’re Hannah Hall. You’re supposed to hook up with him.”

“Yeah, a lifetime ago.”

“Honey, I hate to break it to you, but there has always been only one man for you. If not, Pinky wouldn’t be your main source of orgasmic fun.”

“Have you been drinking?”

Mia started laughing. “No. I’m drunk on the fact that my best friend is finally doing something for herself.”

“I do things for myself.”

“Are you talking about Pinky again?”

“Oh my God, I wasn’t talking about that in the first place, and please stop calling it that. I’ve just been thinking.”

“That’s your first problem.”

“Mia, please.”

“Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I just want the best for you, Hannah.”

“I know. I’m just not sure if that’s Cash. It’s been years, and I’m sure he’s had more than his fair share of hookups. We’re not the same people we were back then. I just don’t know ...”

“There’s one way you can find out. And half the battle is over.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m quite certain that Cash is more than sure about you. Just have fun, Hannah. Get out of your own head and negativity. You’re sexy, smart, gorgeous, talented, and any man would be remiss not to want you. You just need to get out of your own way.”

One thing I didn’t tell Mia was that my entire body craved Cash. Going out with him tonight was going to amp that up, and deep down, I didn’t want to end up reaching into my nightstand. I wanted him. Yet giving in to him so quickly after all these years went against everything I told myself not to do. Except the anticipation swirling between my legs told my brain it should shut the hell up.

“You’re right. Okay. I’ll try to relax and have fun.”

“That’s my girl. Oh, and I may or may not have left something in your nightstand ... you know, just in case.”

“Do I even want to know?”

She giggled, and I shook my head.

After hanging up with Mia, I got ready for my nondate with my ex.

What was I getting myself into? And why didn’t Jimmy seem surprised that his parents were going on a date? Cash, that was why.

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