“It was more than good,” Cohen says, jumping over the back of the second couch and landing spreadeagled across the cushions. “Manford said you killed it.”
Noah wanders into the room, holding a large bowl and shoveling cereal into his mouth. Dude is addicted to the stuff, eating it at all times of the day and night. He has commandeered one entire cupboard for all his cereal boxes, and I think he single-handedly keeps Kellogg’s in business.
I jerk my head in acknowledgment as Noah settles his butt on the arm of the couch Cohen is sprawled all over. My eyes meet Cohen’s. “Your cousin is cool, man, and I appreciate him putting a word in for me with the boss.” I return my eyes to the screen in time to witness my demise. “I appreciate you vouching for me too.”
“Anytime, broski.” Cohen gives me a two-finger salute before turning his attention to Will. “Are we still on for dinner?”
I finish the game and toss my controller down on the coffee table.
“Affirmative,” Will replies. “But Stevie can’t make it, so I’m not sure if you and Noah still want to come.”
Sitting up straighter, I turn my head to look at my buddy. “Hold up there a sec. Who’s Stevie?” Is it the same Stevie who has transfixed my mind and wrapped soft fingers around my heart? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the redheaded beauty since our paths crossed last night.
“Ellen’s boo, bestie, and roomie.”
“What’s with the dinner invite?” I rest my ankle over my knee.
“We were planning a little matchmaking because Ellen says Stevie never dates and she needs a nudge in the right direction.”
“Cohen doesn’t date.” I state the obvious as my friend smirks.
“I’m aware.” Will shrugs before scrubbing a hand over his smooth jawline. “We were giving her different options.”
“My invite must have gotten lost in the mail.”
“Dude, you know I would’ve invited you if you weren’t heading home tonight.”
It’s got to be the same Stevie, and there’s no fucking way I’m letting Will set her up with Noah and especially not Cohen. Don’t get me wrong. I love both guys like brothers, but if Stevie is being set up with anyone, it’ll be me. I can’t believe Will would even consider setting her up with Cohen anyway. Dude is a legend, and he’s always got my back, but he’s a dirty dawg, and he rotates through girls like they’re a dying breed.
Cohen has no business putting his hands on a girl like Stevie.
I doubt she’d let him anywhere near her anyway.
She had no trouble standing her ground and declining my dinner invite last night, and I’m not a player.
“She wouldn’t happen to be a tall, hot redhead with legs for miles and stunning green eyes?” I ask.
Will’s brow puckers. “Yeah. That sounds like her. I met her this morning, and she’s a sweetheart.” He cocks his head to one side. “How do you know her?”
“She was working at the bar last night. I asked her out, but she turned me down.”
Cohen bursts out laughing. “This is fucking priceless. Has the notorious Allen charm deserted you?”
I shove my middle finger up at him. “She confirmed she doesn’t date, and I got a stubborn vibe from her.”
“Let me guess.” Will chuckles as he tucks his hands behind his head and leans back in the couch. “It only makes you more determined.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.” I grin at my buddy. “You know I love a good challenge, but it’s more than that. I might have only met her, but I really, really like her. She’s sexy and sweet, and we just clicked. It was easy breezy.”
“Until she rejected you.” Cohen smirks.
I flip him the bird again. “That is only a minor obstacle, and she’s the kind of girl worth making an effort for.”
“If you say so.” Cohen’s stupid smirk is still firmly planted on his face, and a wave of irritation crests over me.
“I do, and I’m staking my claim now.”
Will whistles under his breath, Noah almost chokes on a mouthful of cereal, and Cohen chuckles.
