Page 4 of I Can't Help It

Dang.

Ava isn’t just “some girl” though. She’s THE girl. The one who’s confident. And funny. And straight-up gorgeous.

She’s straight-up off limits.

Right.

Wy would never date one of my exes, and I wouldn’t date one of his. I’m hoping that repeating the same thing to myself as often as possible will finally help me accept it.

So far?

No luck. And I’ve been trying for a month.

I still want her anyway.

“You’ve got those lines across your forehead again,” Wyatt says after swallowing his food. “What’s up? You stressed out?”

Something you need to know about me, is that I don’t rock the boat. I don’t stir the pot. I’m allergic to conflict. So, in situations like this, it’s easier to just change the subject.

“There’s some sloppy joe on your arm.” I don’t hide my scolding tone as I offer him a napkin. “I swear, I can’t take you out anywhere.”

Wyatt, being Wyatt, ignores the napkin and proceeds to lick the saucy ground beef mixture off his bicep instead.

I scowl at him. “Dude, come on.”

“What? Sloppy joe is too valuable to waste. I regret nothing.”

Do you regret breaking up with Ava?

The question is on the tip of my tongue, like it always is, but I never ask him. I guess I’m too worried about what his answer will be. Even though the breakup was “mutual,” I really think Wy would start dating Ava again if the opportunity was there. And he would freak out if he knew she’s been flirting with me at the office.

Yeah, a freight train is more subtle than Ava. I’d have to be stupid not to realize that she’s interested in me, even if she shouldn’t be.

“Luke?” Wyatt asks, waving the napkin in front of my face. “You still with me?”

“Uh-huh. Sorry.” I rub the back of my neck. “Did you say something else?”

“That blonde at the bar keeps looking at you, man.” He wiggles his dark eyebrows at me. “You haven’t noticed her?”

No, of course I haven’t noticed her. I’ve been thinking about Ava this whole time. Other women in my age range exist? Since when?

“Maybe she’s looking at you. Did you think about that?”

“Nah, I’m not on her radar, I can tell.” He shrugs before stealing one of my fries. “And besides, you know I’m not back in the dating game yet.”

Yep, it’s one of the main reasons I think he’d date Ava again.

“Well, you could always do a trial run,” I suggest, trying to keep my voice even. “Go on a date and see if you’re ready.”

“Okay, Mr. Romance,” he says with a smirk, “when was the last time you even went on a date?”

“We’re not talking about me.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Actually, we were until you started talking about me instead.”

The bicep-licking dweeb has a point.

“I’ve been busy with the new job.” It’s mostly true. “But once I’m better adjusted, I might pick up dating again.”

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