I nodded, Brock mumbling a yeah. His timing was awful. I wanted to know what Brock was going to say.
Logan didn't wait long to talk again, the mood from seconds ago gone. “So, you have a hot date tonight, eh? Dish it.”
“I'd rather not,” I said, tight lipped.
“Come on, we're all friends here,” Logan baited, sharing a look with Brock. “You dating someone?”
“No. It's the first one with this guy,” I said with as little as enthusiasm as possible. “You don't want to know this, really?”
“Our lives are boring. Humor us. How'd he get you to agree to the date? You don't look excited about it.”
“It's not that. Well,” I stammered, hating to admit to the online dating, but screw it. I didn't think they would care, but I found both men, good-looking men, staring at me with expectant faces. “My best friend made me an online dating profile.”
“No way!” Logan said, laughing. “You're not someone who strikes me as a Tinder lady.”
My face heated, turning bright red. “This is why I didn't want to say anything. Forget it.”
Logan’s face paled, realizing he upset me, but Brock beat me to the punch before I could yell at him. His tone darkened, genuine anger in it. “Don't be a dick to her man. A lot of people use dating apps.”
Oh.
Oh my.
Brock stood up for me.
Logan’s gaze flew between Brock and me, an apologetic grimace taking over. “Shit. I'm sorry, Grace. I was teasing you. I didn't mean to hurt ya.”
“Thank you for apologizing.”
“So, who is the guy?” Logan had the balls to ask.
“You expect me to answer that, now?” I said, eyes widening. “Yeah, not happening.”
“I'm curious. Sue me.” He shrugged. “I’ll go wait for the beers and bring them back.” He got up, leaving just Brock and me at the table. I wished I’d had my drink, so I could distract myself with that and not this silence. It was maddening.
“If I may ask, how did you end up online? You're young, friendly, and uh, pretty. I'm sure you meet lots of guys.” He kept his face blank, like he was talking to a distant cousin. The ball in my stomach grew, the reminder of his conversation about me still fresh in my mind.
Friendly, pretty, young. I rolled my eyes. “You know, despite you thinkingI’m too much work, too young, anddefinitelynot your type, I do meet guys. But, they don't have patience to deal with the fact I’m busy all the time.” My heart rose in my throat, and my palms sweated. I refused to look at his face after that, his neck being a better option. I regretted sitting on the inside of the booth, because now I was trapped there. By his body.
“Look, can I get out?” I asked in a small voice. “I should leave.” I tried to move, but he put his arm out, blocking me. I looked up, finally seeing his face and I gulped. I gulped hard. His face was stone. He looked seriously pissed off. And it was all directed at me.
He stared at me. Nostrils flaring, tightening jaw, and tight lips.
I tried again, feeling uncomfortable, stupid, tired, and so sexually aware of him I wanted to die. “Can I—”
“Shut up for a damn second,” he barked at me, putting his fingers on the bridge of his nose and pinching. “I'm pissed off right now, Grace. Give me a minute.”
I had no idea why he was pissed. Sure, maybe he was annoyed with me. But this goddamn mad? Drama king. “Brock, I don’t have time for your Asshole persona to come out. I'm sorry I said that. It was out of line.”
“You heard us.” He didn't need to specify what he was referring to. We both knew.
I nodded.
“Fuck.” He ran his hand over his hair, looking back and forth between my eyes. I knew they showed how hurt I was. I didn't care. I wore my heart on my sleeve. However, I didn't want pity. “Grace, look— “
“No. I don't want an explanation. There is none needed. I acted out of line to prove a point. I might not be your type, and that's fine. I'm not trying to be. I'm embarrassed about using dating apps, and I handled it poorly.” I laughed, well more like coughed, dramatically. “I really need to go. I won't bring it up again. Thanks for today—it was truly an incredible experience being on the field like that.”
He looked at me, hard. Then, he sighed, getting up from the booth to let me leave. I felt no reason to say goodbye, but he reached out and circled my wrist with his large hand. I had no choice but to turn around. His tortured eyes were back, wreaking havoc on my lady parts. “I'm sorry you had to hear it.”
