Changing Course (Wrecked and Ruined #1)(13)

"That is one fine piece of man," I hear from behind me as I try to stop thinking about his butt.

"Yeah he is," I say a little too dreamy.

"So when is the big day?" Kara asks.

Kara Reed is my best friend. She got me this job at Nell's Coffee House six months ago when the family I was a nanny for moved from Chicago to Colorado. We first met in college three years ago, when she was forced to attend the same "Picking your major" seminar being given by our advisor. We were surrounded by ten high school seniors. Kara and I were not new to college, but we had been in school for five years and kept changing our major, thus never actually earning a degree. Apparently his seminar wasn't very effective because after eight years in college, neither one of us has settled on a major. Unlike Kara, I did actually collect enough credits in one area to apply towards a diploma. I just didn't see a future for myself utilizing a Bowling Alley Management Degree, so the very next day I re-enrolled.

"Tomorrow," I reply to Kara's question.

"I can't believe you are actually going on a date with that man!" she yells, jumping up and down.

"Well he hasn't said yes yet, but what man could turn down box seats to the Bears game? He'll probably be so excited by the invitation that he snatches me up and kisses me on the spot," I joke while picking up a rag to wipe down the counter.

"Can you imagine? Oh my God, I'm so jealous I actually want to punch you right now!"

"Well, if you are going to get violent, make sure you aim below the waist, I don't want to look like Rocky Balboa for our date on Sunday!" I wink, walking over to refill the chocolate muffins.

"You don't think he will see you below the waist?" she raises a questioning eyebrow.

"Jesus, Kara, I'm not a slut!"

"Okay, so if Detective Nice Ass tries to get you into bed on Sunday, you would turn him down?

"Yes!" I lie, knowing there isn't much I would turn down from Brett. Smiling to myself at the very idea of feeling his hard body, I let out a little laugh.

"Liar!" Kara screams, causing the three customers we have in the shop to pause and look.

"Would you shut up?" I whisper, trying to get her to calm down.

"Jess is going to get some. Jess is going get some," she quietly taunts.

"It’s official, my best friend is twelve." I pretend to be exasperated, but inside I'm screaming like a twelve year old too.



THE NEXT morning, I got to work thirty minutes early. I couldn't sleep last night, so I took the extra time this morning to actually iron my white button down work shirt. I wish I could have worn something a little more flattering today. Instead, I'm stuck in this horrible uniform, waiting for God’s gift to women to walk in so I can ask him out.

I must have cleaned the tables by the windows a hundred times hoping to catch a glimpse of Brett before he arrives. I'm a nervous wreck, knowing that in only a few minutes I will have to go against every rule my mother ever taught me about being a girl. I have to ask a guy out on a date. Before I can obsess about it any longer, he comes sexily strolling in walking directly to my register.

"Well hello, officer," I tease the same way I always do. Only today I am so nervous, I have to fight to keep my voice from cracking.

"Hey, Jess." He smiles revealing his perfectly straight white teeth. Seriously, this man is beautiful. What the heck am I doing thinking he would want to go out with a short girl who has far too many curves? I do have good boobs though. Darn it! I should have worn a push up bra today, attracting his attention to the good curves and away from the bad. Ugh, this outfit is bad enough, but a push-up bra totally would have helped.

"Um...Jess?" he asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh sorry...what can I get you today?"

"Same old, same old," he replies in a bored voice.

Oh God. Here we go! Come on Jesse, the worst he can do is say no, effectively stomping on your heart and crushing your dreams. Okay, that might be a little dramatic. You can always quit your job, move to Oklahoma, and marry a rodeo cowboy. Those still exist, right? Crap! Just take a deep breath and spit it out. He's only the hottest guy you have ever met. No biggy. Do it, Jesse! Just ask him to the game!

"So Brett, my um, brother gave me two tickets to the Bears game this Sunday. I was wondering if maybe you would, uh, want to go?" I finally stumble out.

"Oh, um this Sunday?" He stands with his hand frozen behind him reaching for his wallet.

"Yeah, I know it’s short notice, but he just gave them to me last night. His company has some sort of box or something. But it's no big deal if you can't go. I'm sure you already have plans or have to work or something..."

"He can go." I hear Caleb say as he walks up behind Brett. "I'd be happy to cover for him at work, ya know...or something," he finishes winking at Brett and grabbing one of the free apples off the counter, walking over to a table.





Brett

OH. MY. Damn. It's official. I am going to kill Caleb Jones. I hear being a cop in jail is tough, but for the stunt he just pulled the satisfaction of killing him with my bare hands would be completely worth it.

"Oh, okay, great. Thanks Caleb!" she shouts to my ex-best friend. He smiles taking a bite of his apple and waving his hand in a way that signals 'no problem.'