How the hell did I manage that?
And how did I go from loincloth exposure to a job interview in a matter of hours?
Chapter Five
HALSEY
“Fuck yes, donuts,” Silas says, approaching me and reaching for the box in my hands.
I swat his hand away. “They’re not for you.”
“Who the fuck are they for?” he asks, insulted.
“Not for you, that’s all that matters.” I head toward the elevators, nerves ripping through my stomach. I sat in my car in front of the donut shop for ten minutes to convince myself this was a good idea, not a creepy one.
And the phone I bought right before that wasn’t a creepy, stalkerish move either.
“Why are you going up the elevators?” Silas follows closely. “Wait, are you going to go see Blakely?”
“Don’t you have some warming up with an exercise band to do?”
“The elastic band can wait.” He stands in front of me just before I’m about to press the up button to the elevator. “Are youtaking donuts to Blakely?” A smile passes over his lips, and it takes everything in me not to knock it off his face.
“Can you just mind your own business?” I try to hit the up button again, but he blocks it.
“Why won’t you admit it?”
“Because what does it matter?”
“You’re making a move without telling your boys. That’s why it matters. Don’t you think you should consult with us? Hell, she’s been there for one night, and you’re already hitting on her?”
“I’m not fuckin’ hitting on her,” I say, feeling irritated. “And I sure as hell am not making a move. Also, you were the ones who told me to ask her out the day we discovered she was single.”
“That’s different.”
“How?” I ask.
“It was our idea. We’re always right.”
“You’re a goddamn idiot,” I reply, my blood pressure spiking from this stupid conversation. “And if you must know, she had a rough morning that I won’t get into because, frankly, you don’t need to know, but she also broke her phone. She was stressed and mentioned needing a donut. She also needed a new phone, so I picked it up for her. The donuts were on the way.”
“Luxe Donuts is not on the way to the arena, but nice try.” He folds his arms at his chest. “So this isn’t about making a move on her?”
“No.”
He eyes me suspiciously, but that smile stays fixed on his lips. “I don’t believe you, but tread carefully. You don’t want to shoot your shot too soon.”
“Trust me, I won’t be doing that . . . ever.”
“Okay.” He chuckles and moves out of the way. “Keep telling yourself that.”
I press the button, and when I expect him to walk toward the locker room, he doesn’t.
“What?” I ask, feeling the pressure of his gaze.
“I think you could use someone like Blakely in your life. It would be good for you.”
“Can you keep your fucking voice down?” I say, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one heard him. “Jesus. Just . . . just drop it, okay?”
