Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove #1)(21)
“The dude nearly took my head off when I spoke to you. Is he just being a protective friend, or is there something there?” he asked.
I chuckled. “He’s always been protective. That’s all it is.”
“All right. You want me to give you a ride home? Are you staying with your dad?”
“No. I’m staying in Hugh’s guest casita for now. And you know he lives really close, so I’ll be fine walking. But thanks for the offer.”
“I see.” His tongue swiped out to wet his bottom lip, and it seemed very deliberate.
I waited to swoon. Wanted there to be butterflies. But there was nothing.
He was good-looking and appeared to have a good personality.
So, once again, I was the problem.
I chuckled. “What do you see?”
“Probably the prettiest fucking girl I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
“Very smooth,” I said, raising a brow as I took another sip.
“How about I take you to dinner this week? Just you and me. And not here. We can go somewhere else. I think we’re both off on Tuesday.”
“Sure. That sounds fun.”
“Damn, you’re cute even when you’re not even trying,” he purred before running a hand through his blond, wavy hair. This man had swagger, and I’m sure plenty of women swooned over him, so maybe it would just take me some time.
“Thank you.” I shrugged as he turned back and started wiping everything down. We made some more small talk, and I actually laughed a few times, so maybe I was being too quick to put him in the friend zone.
He surprised me by offering to walk me home as Hugh’s house was on the way to his place. He said he would leave his car at Reynolds’ since he’d had a couple of drinks.
And he didn’t go for the kiss when we got to the door. He hugged me and walked backward as he waited for me to get inside.
Maybe he did have potential.
seven
Hugh
After the world’s most painful date, I pulled down my street. Lila had texted me that Kline had walked her home, and she didn’t need a ride. I didn’t like the idea of her hanging out with him, and it didn’t make a whole lot of sense. Kline wasn’t a bad guy, but he was a player. And he definitely wasn’t good enough for Lila.
Turning off my truck, my phone vibrated on the dashboard, and I reached for it.
Cage
Stella Jacobs brought her pig, Princess Lowanda, into the office today and asked if I could give the pig Botox because she thinks she’s looking too wrinkly. I cannot make this shit up.
Georgia
Hey, a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. #nojudgment
Finn
My agent suggested for me to consider Botox. But if the pig can’t get it, I’m going to put my foot down.
Brinkley
I’d like to inject Botox into my boss’s ball sack because he’s a misogynistic pig.
Cage
Remind me never to cross you.
Finn
Didn’t Brinks write on your face with a Sharpie because you wouldn’t give her a ride to the movies to meet that horndog, Scotty Peters?
Georgia
That was me, Finny! And Scotty Peters was hot. <fire emoji>
Brinkley
I just ran into him last time I was home, and he didn’t look good.
Finn
He got veneers from Dr. Anderson, who isn’t even a dentist. He’s a dental hygienist. How he is getting away with this shit, is beyond me. So that’s what you get when you go for the too-good-to-be-true deal.
Cage
So… You’re welcome, Georgie. I saved you the embarrassment of dating a dude whose teeth are too big for his mouth.
Brinkley
And he was an odd shade of orange. Like he spray-tanned so many times I think he’s permanently stained.
Georgia
Like tangerine? Cantaloupe?
Brinkley
He didn’t look like a fruit. More like the color of an overcooked sweet potato.
Finn
Damn, I’m hungry now. Where’s Hugh?
Cage
He got sucked into going on a double date with Brax.
Brinkley
Good. He needs to get back out there. He’s acting like an old man.
Georgia
I wish he’d date Lila James. Damn, they would make such pretty babies.
Cage
Um… I’m fairly certain Travis would kill him long before they could procreate.
Brinkley
But, yes… those would be some pretty babies.