“Yeah, I certainly felt a connection with you through our messages,” I say honestly.
“Well, knowing who you are now doesn’t change anything for me. Just know that. If anything, it makes everything far more exciting, more entertaining. You’re way more interesting now, Matthew Levine. A rock star is better than the humble entrepreneur you said you were.”
Strike Three!
Dammit.
Sighing, I sink into my chair.
As much as I like Jaci, it’s painfully clear my fame is more than just a novelty to her—it’s everything. On paper, she seemed perfect, the kind of match that should’ve worked. But in person, she’s managed to shatter the illusion entirely.
“Tell me more about you,” I say, leaning forward slightly, trying to steer the conversation away from being all about my fame. “Let’s not make tonight about me.”
I hope she’ll take the cue and dive into her world. If we keep circling back to my fame or my life, we’ll never find anything real. And real is what I’m searching for.
“Okay, well, as you know, my daddy is a breeder of horses and…” she starts talking, and almost instantly, I tune out.
I can’t help it.
I know it’s wrong.
Hell, I know it isn’t polite.
But I can’t listen.
Because I checked out of this date right back atStrike Two.
The oysters arrive, and I couldn’t care less. Jaci has ruined the night, and I’m majorly disappointed.
But now, as I zone out and leave her to them, my eyes can’t help but wander over to Alex’s table. Logan and she seem to be more comfortable with each other. They’re sitting closer, and his arm is on the table, his sleeve rolled up. She’s looking at his forearm in awe, obviously checking out his tattoos.
I grit my teeth, watching her fingers trail along his arm, stroking his skin. My chest heaves slightly, and I’m not really sure why.
I hate Logan.
He was late.
He was rude on arrival.
Logan doesnotget to win Alex over with some flashy ink.
She’s better than that.
When he says something—I’m not sure what—Alex instantly reacts, moving her hand to embrace his. My nostrils flare as I watch her squeeze his hand as if she’s giving him comfort.
If only I could hear what they’re talking about.
It doesn’t matter, though. After the way he treated her, he should be comforting her, not the other way around.
I want to scream,He’s playing you, Alex!
She’s a strong woman and can handle herself, I know that, but I’ll be here if she needs me.
Suddenly, her fingers lace with his, and just like that, they’re holding hands. My stomach sinks, and a small gasp of air leaves my mouth as I watch her look at him with such sad eyes. A part of me is glad they seem to be hitting it off—if that’s what’s happening—but the other part of me can’t get past my gut feeling. I swear, I will tear him limb from limb if he hurts her in any way.
“Jesus, Matt, you look like you’re going to break someone’s neck,” Jaci states rather loudly, breaking me away from my thoughts.
I stop staring at Alex and Logan and avert my eyes back to Jaci. “Sorry, I’m just hungry, I suppose.”
