“Why what?”
“Why do you want to help me? You made it clear today you don’t even like me.”
Oh, he liked her. That was the problem. “You’re doing a good thing. I can appreciate that.”
Also, he’d get to spend more time with her. And for some damn reason, that’s exactly what he wanted.
They stood there studying each other. He wanted to wrap her up and hold her tight.
Also, he’d like to discuss getting in her pants. But he’d save that for later. “What’re you doing tomorrow night? I’ll bring you dinner and we’ll talk strategy.”
“Just strategy?” she asked.
“Totally professional.” Mostly. “We’ll call it an official committee meeting.” Except, this time he’d be damn sure someone showed up. Namely, him.
“Then dinner would be great.” She stepped back into her apartment.
“Tomorrow,” he confirmed.
“Tomorrow.” She nodded to her apartment. “I should get back. Thanks for the chocolate.” She didn’t smile, but it was close.
In any case, he caught it. “Here? Or my shop? Tomorrow.”
“Here.” Now she did smile.
She wanted home field advantage. He could work with that.
“Seven?” he asked.
“Seven.” She nodded and made a move to go inside but stopped and caught his gaze. “No steaks.”
With that, the door clicked closed.
9
Chapter Nine
Senior “Senior” Prom Countdown: 31 Days
She shouldn’t have told Jase to meet her at her apartment.
This was a bad idea.
“Not a date. Not a date.” Heather repeated the mantra over and over while she paced her living room. She’d put on lip gloss for this not-a-date. And, fine, she’d even picked out a pair of underwear that matched her bra. That wasn’t for him. Maybe she just didn’t like mismatched lingerie?
“You look amazing,” Candy said. “Stop fussing with your hair.”
Heather hadn’t even realized she was running her fingers through it. That’s why she usually wore a ponytail—it was just easier.
She dropped her hand. “This is just a committee meeting.”
That’s what she’d told herself the entire time she was dressing, blow-drying, curling, and lipsticking.
“Uh-huh.” Candy gave her a look that said she didn’t buy it.
“What does that mean?”
Candy sighed. “It means you’re wearing your sexy jeans, and your hair is down, and that tells me this is not just a committee meeting.”
