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“Listen.” He sighs. “I’ll try to help, okay? But I’m not a relationship expert…and I don’t think this guy is worth your time.”
“You’re an expert in getting, and keeping, the attention of the opposite sex. And that’s what I need.”
Colby picks up his paper napkin and wipes his mouth. “We’ll talk about the details at our next destination.”
“Next destination? I did not agree to this.”
He arches a brow. “Do you want my help or not?”
I glare at him. “Fine.”
CHAPTER 9
COLBY
Noel insisted on driving herself to our next location, and I was surprisingly relieved. I need a minute to process the fact that she not only likes someone who isn’t me, but is so desperate for his attention that she’s willing to ask me for help with it.
The last thing I want to do is help her get some other guy’s attention… but if I play my cards right, this could work to my advantage. She will have to talk to me, and even spend time with me, if I’m helping her. She’d owe me.
Dr. Noel Woodcock owing me a favor is quite possibly the most power I will ever hold.
I pull to a stop at a red light and close my eyes, willing myself to relax. Hoping to calm down before I arrive at the Action City Ziplining and Bungee Jumping, and I only have like two more blocks to compose myself. “Only an idiot wouldn’t notice Noel,” I tell myself in the rearview mirror. “This guy is the biggest moron to ever walk the planet.”
The light turns green, and I continue driving until I pull into the parking lot near the bungee and zipline course. Noel must have a lead foot, because her drool-worthy classic car is already parked in the lot. I bring my Mercedes Benz G-Wagon to a stop beside it. Noel steps out of her car, and I don’t miss the way her eyes peruse my G-Wagon. If only she’d look at me that way.
Opening my door, I hop out of the SUV and close the driver’s door, then lean against it. Draping one arm across my baby, I smolder at Noel. “You know, me and G are a package deal.”
She groans. “You’re impossible. Aren’t you supposed to be helping me make Dr. Hawthorne fall in love with me?”
The reminder makes my stomach coil. “Right.” I huff a laugh. It sounds forced. I remind myself that helping her with this will allow us to spend time together. Then maybe she’ll realize I’m her Knight in shining armor. I snicker at my own pun.
“What’s so funny?” Noel asks, crossing her arms.
I clear my throat. “Nothing.”
My hand finds its way to the small of her back, and I lead her in the direction of the trail that will lead us to the bungee platform. It’s a bit of a walk since it’s out in the forest where the trees are taller.
“Alright, angel. We’ve got about thirty minutes before the team’s publicist starts photographing your evening with an Eagle.”
She scoffs. “You didn’t want them photographing us at the Pancake Palace?”
I stare at her, growing serious. “Of course not. The Pancake Palace is special.” She studies me like she can’t tell if I’m joking. I’m not. I’ve never taken anyone to that place before, not even my teammates. It’s the place I can go and have everyone leave me be, a secret spot no one else knows about. It’s just for me. And now, Noel. But I’m not telling her that. I can’t play all my cards just yet. Especially when she thinks she wants some other guy. Slapping my usual cocky smile back on my face, the one that hides what I’m truly feeling, I say, “Plus, people will eat this up.”
She ignores the cocky facade the way she always does. “What’s so great about ziplining? That’s what we’re doing, right?”
I shrug. “Sure.”
She ignores my vague response. “Do you like being photographed? I’m sure you’re quite the model.”
I take a long stride to get in front of her then spin to face her, making her stop in her tracks and look up at me. “You think I’m handsome enough to be a model?”
She rolls her eyes and tries to push past me, but I keep her where she’s at by gently grabbing her arms. “It’s the dimples, isn’t it?” I ask, trying to ignore how soft her warm skin beneath my hands.
The physical contact makes me not only feel warm all over but makes me want things I shouldn’t want. Does she seriously not feel this?
Tugging out of my grasp, she scurries past me, continuing on the trail.
With a few long strides, I catch up to Noel. We walk in comfortable silence beside each other, and she matches me stride for stride, easily keeping up with me. Our classic cars, our long strides, our love of food… we’re the perfect match.
