“Depends on what you’re offering.”
A quiet scoff escapes her.“You know what I mean, Ford.Cobie said we’re supposed to tell one of the assistant organizers our plans before we leave so there’s proof you’re getting what you pay for, and since you apparently don’t want to be let off the hook, I figured we should probably pinpoint a night or whatever unless you changed your mind and?—”
“Saturday night?”I suggest.
She hesitates.“Like, next Saturday?”
I nod.
“Oh.”Her forehead wrinkles, and she looks down at her feet again.“Uh.”
“There a problem with Saturday night?”
“Friday’s better, unless you’re busy, then?—”
“I can do Friday,” I tell her.
“Okay.”
Well, would you look at that.We can be agreeable.
“Am I allowed to pick you up?”I ask.My hand clenches as I fight the impulse to touch her chin and force her to look at me.“Or do you think your boyfriend will get his panties in a twist?”
“Not my boyfriend,” she murmurs.
“Not yet.”
“Not yet,” she agrees.The words hit like a lash, shocking the hell out of me, though I have no idea why.At least she isn’t denying it anymore.They’re perfect for each other, even if I did just hand over a wad of cash to defend her from a prick tonight.Not my problem.Besides, if I put my ego aside, it’s easy to see she deserves someone like Bryan.Someone with the same goals and perspective and hopes and dreams and, blah, blah, blah.Kill me now.This.This is why it would never work between us.Because all that bullshit?It leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
“I’ll see you Friday,” I announce.
“Yeah, of course.”She looks down at her hands, her now-blotchy lips from all the rubbing and nibbling bunching on one side.This girl has no right to look so damn cute when she’s out of her comfort zone.
“And June?”I push.
“Yeah?”She peeks up at me again, and it hits like an ice-cold glass of water on a hot summer day.
Something in my chest skips.I move closer, dropping my voice low.“You were worth every penny.”
A ghost of a smile threatens to take over her pretty face, but she stops it from reaching her mouth.Her eyes, though?They’re practically brimming with gratitude.“Thanks, Ford.”
“Anytime, June.”
And fuck me, I’m almost starting to believe it myself.
16
JUNE
Checking the time on my phone, I glance out the window one more time.Lexie’s ten minutes late.I’m not exactly surprised, but I am tired.It’s been a long shift, and after triggering a six-year-old’s gag reflex during x-rays, I had the opportunity to clean up a puddle of vomit on the floor, dental chair, and half the tools.Not exactly what I’d consider the highlight of my day.My nose wrinkles at the memory as I collapse into one of the cushioned chairs in the waiting area.I’m too exhausted to even pace the room properly while waiting for Lexie to show up.Yeah, stick a fork in me because I’m done.If only I hadn’t promised to give her a free cleaning today.
To be fair, we probably could’ve worked out a different day since HHU’s dental department offers free cleanings so students can practice on real people.But Dr.Roger’s office is closer to The Drift, and since Lexie’s brother is already squeamish enough as it is when it comes to Harden territory—and Dr.Roger doesn’t mind if I use the place after hours for dental cleanings for family and friends as long as I promise not to do any scaling—I figured it was a decent alternative.Now, though?Now, I’m starting to second-guess my decision.
The bell on the door jingles, and I stand, striding toward a gorgeous as always Lexie in a red crop top, jean jacket, and dark pants.Seriously, the woman’s a runway model.“You made it!”I give her a hug.
“You really think I’d miss out on a free teeth cleaning?”She lets me go and looks me up and down.“Okay, it’s official.I should’ve looked into becoming a dental whatever-you-are becausethis?”She plucks at my baby blue scrubs.“Looks comfy as hell and so much better than lingerie.Do you know how sick I am of picking my thong out of my ass?”
I cover my snort with a quiet laugh and shake my head.“You did not just say that.”
