Phoebe: :)
Phoebe: Yes, you don’t have to check before calling.
I pushed her number right away, then put the call on speakerphone.
“It’s a force of habit,” I said when she answered. “In business, most people just won’t pick up if you don’t give them a heads-up about a call.”
She laughed. “Well, this isn’t business, and my calendar is not nearly full enough to warrant scheduling a call.”
She sounded out of breath.
“What are you doing?” I asked her.
“I just finished a Zumba routine. It feels so good. I haven’t done one in a while. I’ve been so worked up, and it was good to get rid of some of that energy.”
Her words traveled straight below my belt. Fucking hell. She hadn’t even meant it in a sexual way. Or perhaps she had. She didn’t specify what kind of pent-up energy she had, and I decided not to ask.
“Now I was thinking about ordering something for dinner,” she continued.
“What do you want? I’ll buy it and bring it to you.”
“Why would you do that?”
Because I want to please youwas the honest answer. I had no idea why, but that was how I felt.
“Why not?” I replied.
“Because you’re probably busy and would like to relax in that amazing house of yours.”
“I can relax with you,” I assured her. “Besides, I was MIA the whole week. I kind of owe you.”
“No, you don’t. Really, Griffin, you don’t owe me anything.”
“We’ll debate that some more once I bring dinner,” I said.
I could swear she was smiling when she said, “I see. Well, there is a place with delicious bowls near the beach. I’ll text you the exact address. It’s going to be easier than explaining.”
“Sure.”
“Then I’ll call and order so you just have to pick it up.”
“Deal.”
She texted me before we’d even finished speaking.
After checking the address, I said, “I’m not far at all. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“Thanks. I only have white or red wine.”
“I’m good.”
I didn’t really care if I drank anything or not. I just wanted to spend time with her, I realized, without having to pretend for Jude’s sake or for that ass of an ex of hers.
CHAPTER 11
GRIFFIN
I foundthe restaurant quick enough. I wasn’t a fan of these bowl things—I felt like it was just an excuse for them to put in a bunch of scraps, cover it in five different types of sauces, and call it a meal. But I had to admit that this place looked good. I’d have to remember it.
