He gave her his rendition of a charming smile. The more times she saw it, the more she wanted to laugh, because he seemed to be trying so hard not to be scary.
“Look, one date. That’s all I’m asking. I promise not to make a move or be obnoxious. Not more than I am already,” he added before she could.
“Why me?”
He gave her a real smile that dazzled. “You don’t seem to like me much. With you, I get the real deal, not someone impressed by my pro-hockey status. Plus, you’re hot. And mean. I like that.”
Figured she’d attract a weirdo. But he had been nice to Jeff and Steve. And he’d been the one to call in, asking for a rescue for those stray cats.
And the real truth—she kind of liked him.
Ignoring the fact she’d recently broken up with a guy who’d seemed perfect for her, only to turn around and say yes to someone obviously not right for her at all, she shrugged. “Fine. One date. I get to pick the place, and you’re paying.”
“Perfect.” He held his phone to her. “Gimme your number.”
“Okay, but no abusing phone privileges.”
“As if I want you mad at me.” His eyes gleamed, saying the exact opposite. “Is it okay to text you? Or is that against the rules too?”
“Max of five texts daily. And keep it clean. I’m not a fan of dick pics.”
He chuckled. “I don’t know why, but I really like you.”
She couldn’t help a smile.
“Tonight?”
“I can’t. I’m having movie night with Jeff. Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. How about Friday?”
“Perfect. I’ll keep it to five texts or less per day until we meet.”
She gave him the side-eye, read his sincerity, and nodded, reluctantly charmed.
The ringing of his phone interrupted whatever he meant to say. He grimaced as he glanced at the caller ID and answered, “Yo, Dad, what’s up?”
Silence, followed by a loud sigh, then a, “I’ll be home soon. Yeah, yeah.” In a growl he added, “I heard you the first time.” He turned to Marlie with an apology. “Sorry. I need to go. My mom’s having an existential crisis, and that’s a quote from my father. I’d better get back before she enrolls them both in more self-help classes.”
“I thought self-help classes were good. You know, helping your mental health.”
“I agree. But my mother’s addicted. You have no idea how many books, classes, and seminars she’s signed up for in the last year alone.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah, she’s hooked on bettering herself and everyone around her.” He stood and loomed over her, a dark cloud blotting out her sunshine.
The thunder of annoyance on his face made her smile.
“You think that’s funny?”
“I do. Because my mom’s the same way, except her way of bettering you is to throw you in jail to rethink your life choices before she officially arrests you.”
He frowned.
“She’s the sheriff.”
He grinned. “No shit?”
“Seriously.”
