Something is terribly wrong with me. This is a prime specimen of a man I’m approaching, and all I can think is that it feels like I’m sneaking around behind Gabe’s back. It’s ridiculous, considering we aren’t dating and never have. Heck, the most action I’ve received from him was the time he got sloppy drunk at his twenty-first birthday and slipped as he tried to kiss my cheek, landing on my chin just south of my mouth instead. He’s never even tried to cop a feel. Both Jase and Devon have done that much at least. Gabe Mendoza is very bad for my ego, and worse for my peace of mind. But I won’t let him ruin this date.
Plastering a smile across my face, I sit opposite Jordan. “Hi, I’m Sydney. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“Back at you, Sydney.” He flashes his pearly whites. “So, you’re a doctor?”
“A surgical resident,” I correct. “Sorry about the venue. I couldn’t get away from work today.”
“No problem.” His deep brown eyes warm as they scan my face. “I’d rather eat here than wait another day to see you.”
Aww, now that’s sweet. Exactly the sort of thing that should melt my heart. But no melting occurs because the thing is, this guy isn’t Gabe—who is apparently the only person I want to hear those words from. Damn it.
“Thank you. Have you eaten?”
“No, I thought I’d wait until you arrived and order us both a sandwich, if that works for you.”
“That sounds great.” It saves me from ordering a salad and fighting off hunger pangs later. “I’ll have chicken on rye, please.”
“Coming right up.”
As Jordan gets our food, my phone buzzes, and I take the opportunity to check it while he’s gone. Something tells me it’s Gabe. After constantly being difficult to get in touch with, all of a sudden he’s blowing up my phone. Typical, right? Despite my best intentions, I open the message.
Gabe:Make sure he isn’t a serial killer.
That’s it. Nothing else. No opening, no explanation about who he’s referring to—although I knowanyway. Someone told him about my date today. Lena wouldn’t have broken my confidence, but she might have mentioned it to Jase, who would have gladly rubbed Gabe’s nose in the fact he knew something his friend didn’t. I roll my eyes, but secretly, it is kind of nice to know he’s concerned about me.
When Jordan returns, I ask outright, “Are you a serial killer?”
He blinks at me, stunned, then laughs. “No, of course not. Are you?”
A reluctant smile lifts my lips. “No. Sorry, my friend told me to ask.”
He offers me a chicken sandwich and picks up his own, which appears to be beef. “Don’t worry about it.” He takes a bite, chews, and then wipes his mouth on a napkin. “Let me guess: it’s been a while since you did this.”
Cheeks burning, I nod. “Guilty as charged. If I say anything strange, assume that’s why.”
He grins, and it really is a nice smile, it just doesn’t do anything for me. “I was in your shoes a couple of months ago. I recently got out of a three-year relationship and didn’t remember how to do this anymore. It’ll come back to you.”
“Thanks, you’re nice.” And I feel nothing for him. For a while, we talk, and he tells me all about his dog—the wonderfully goofy Frankie—and shows me several pictures of the two of them in different poses. Jordan is cute, and easy to talk to, but by the time we part ways, I know there won’t be a second date and I suspect he does too.
He kisses my cheek. “Nice meeting you, Sydney. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Same here, Jordan. Hug Frankie for me.”
I return to work, disappointed but not dispirited. Jordan may not have given me butterflies, but there’s nothing to say the next guy won’t. I just hope he can make me feel as much as my best friend does.
Gabe
It’s the day after Sydney’s lunch date with some asshole she met online—which I had to find out about third-hand—and although she replied to my text to tell me she’d survived unharmed, she didn’t respond when I asked how it had gone. Now I have no fucking idea how she is—other than alive—and it’s driving me nuts. That’s why, as soon as training ends, I race through the shower with the intention of heading to her place. But the moment I’m out, Dad steps in front of me.
The corners of his eyes crinkle and he breaks out in a grin. “You looked good out there today,mijo. You keep that up and you’ll be in good shape for Leo.”
“Thanks. But I need to get through the fight next week first.”
“Psh.” He waves a hand dismissively. “Like you need to worry about that. So, how about you come by our place and talk tactics?”
Ugh. Can’t I catch a break?
“Sorry, Dad. Not tonight. I have plans with Sydney.”
