I head back to the living room. I switch on the light, illuminating the space...andthe man standing there in nothing but a pair of sweats, a glass of water in his hand.
“Jesus HELL ON EARTH!” I scream as I stumble backwards. “JP,” I huff out. “What the hell are you doing, standing in the dark like that?”
The lightest of smirks pulls at his lips. “Just grabbing some water.” His eyes scan me, taking in my robe and bare legs. “What are you doing?”
“I was going to read out here and enjoy the skyline. God, when did you get home?” I attempt to calm my racing heart as I make my way to the couch.
“About ten minutes ago. Didn’t feel like saying hi to you.”
“Well, aren’t you kind? You were just going to wait around in the dark to scare me?”
“How was I supposed to know you were going to read in here? Seems kind of weird to me if you plan on reading a book while enjoying the skyline because you can’t do both at the same time.”
“Yes, I can,” I say with a tilt of my chin. “Every so often I can look up from my book and enjoy the scenery, and then go back to reading.”
“The book can’t be that good if you’re looking up from it.”
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Is there a reason you’re sticking around and not retreating back to your space?”
“Question for you.”
“Oh, please delight me with your inquiry,” I say, folding one leg over the other.
His eyes stray to my legs for only a moment before he shifts on his feet. “Friday night, I’ve been invited to the mayor’s house for a ball. Wasn’t sure if you wanted to tag along.”
He’s asking me out again.
Well, not asking me out, like on a date, but asking to spend more time with me, and I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t thrill me that he wants that.
But... hell. I’m busy Friday night.
“Friday night?” I ask and wince. “That’s when I have that date with Derek. I don’t want to stand him up.”
JP’s face tightens as he asks, “Date, huh? Still going out with that guy?”
“Well, seeing as though I’m currently in the dating ring, I would say yes. But if this is a work thing, I can see if Derek can reschedule.”
“It’s not. Go on your date. Find love. I’m sure he’ll be the man of your dreams.” From the clipped tone, the way he’s ducking away from the conversation, it’s clear he’s flip-flopped from the “warming up” JP back to his grumpy persona.
“You don’t have to be a dick about it, JP.”
“Didn’t think I was being a dick.”
I grip my book tighter. “Your sarcasm is unmistakable.”
“I’m sorry you see it that way.”
“I don’t see it that way, JP, that’s how you’re acting.”
“What do you want me to do? Throw a party for you because you finally have a date?”
“Hey,” I say, feeling insulted. “Don’t throw that in my face.”
“Throw what in your face?” He pushes his hand through his hair and I can see how his muscles contract with his annoyance. Well, guess what, I’m annoyed, too.
“The fact that I don’t get many dates. Using the wordfinallyin your sentence was a low blow.”
“Jesus Christ, are you going to pick apart every sentence I say to you?”
