They scatter in a fit of giggles, leaving me free to zero in on my target.
“All good?” I hold my arms out for a hug.
“I’m fine.” She sidesteps to the right as if I’m contagious and strides toward my car.
I jog ahead so I can open the passenger door for her.
“Where to?” I ask, watching her get settled in.
“Do you know Sweety’s?”
“Sure thing.”
I circle around to my side, buckle in, and instantly feel her stare burning a hole through my cheek.
“What?”
“What, what?” She shrugs. “I was just thinking—four girls in one ride. Impressive work.”
“I know! I love my job.” I grin.
“They looked… satisfied with the service.”
“Oh, trust me. They’ll definitely be back for more.”
She takes a deep breath in and slips off her glasses, cleaning the lenses on her tee before putting them back on.
“You ready for your first lesson of the day, Wolinski?” she asks in this weirdly sweet voice.
“Shoot!”
“Great!” Her voice goes flat. “Mo-nog-a-my. Ever heard of it?”
I actually stall the engine, and the car lurches forward.What the hell?
“Okay, wow, Ms. Judgmental. I wasn’t planning on hooking up with them, if that’s what you’re picturing. They’re paying customers, though. My job is to keep them happy.”
“That is so incredibly honorable of you, Donovan. I really admire your work ethic.”
I gun the engine as we swing out of the parking lot. I was actually in a pretty good mood, but it’s tanking fast.
“It’s just business, baby,” I say, hoping the charm lands. It does not.
“First of all, never call me baby ever again,” she starts. “And second of all—are you a driver, or a himbo?”
“Wow! Harsh, man…”
“Not harsh. Realistic.” She holds up a hand. “Picture the scene. You’re on your way to pick up a girl you started dating. She’s really nice, you guys are just starting to vibe, and thenBAM!You come spilling out the car with four girls who are totally eye-fucking you. And you’re giving them that stupid little side grin of yours that you think is so subtle.”
“?‘Stupid little…’?” My eyebrows shoot up. “I wasn’t even—”
“Please! When a girl knows, she knows.”
I grip the steering wheel harder, frowning as I replay the scene in my mind, searching for what I could have possibly done wrong. Okay, sure—they were hot. And in a different time and place, I probablywouldhave been tempted for more, but I didn’t! I don’t think I messed up here. And even if I did—so what? It’s not like I signed up to get neutered.
“I asked for your help, but the plan was never to go all-out monk, you know,” I grumble.
“That’s not the point.” She sighs. “But if you’re gonna act like that, don’t be surprised when girls think you’re… well.” She waves a hand. “A walking red flag.”
