Looking to Score(35)
Oakley playfully grabbed his chest. “Did the Amanda Matthews just admit to having fun?”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes. I did…” I had the most fun while we were in the woods, with his manly man thigh pressed right up against my—
“So about that kiss,” Oakley interrupted my naughty train of thoughts. I took a deep breath. He was probably going to do that playboy dude thing where he reminded me it was nothing and that he didn’t like to be tied down. It kind of stung to think about, but it was probably for the best. I needed him to be an asshole so I could continue my internship professionally.
“Can I take you on a date?”
I snapped my eyes to him. “What?” I asked.
He smirked and turned up the air conditioning. “You know. A date. It’s this thing where a person takes another person out to dinner or something. They flirt. They hold hands. Maybe even end the night with a romantic kiss on someone’s doorstep.”
“I know what a date is,” I mumbled. “I want to know why you think it’s a good idea to take me out. You’re my client, Oakley. What just happened was a one-time thing.”
He gripped his steering wheel. “Why does it have to be a one-time thing?”
“Because you’re my client, and I have already gotten in trouble for crossing ethical boundaries once.” I reminded him of the little prank he pulled with Dr. Haynes at the beginning of the semester. “I almost lost this internship then. I absolutely will not survive any more scandal, and if I lose this internship, I don’t graduate early,” I finished. I couldn’t believe I was actively talking this gorgeous man out of taking me on a date. Not even just being fuck buddies, but like an actual real date. The boyfriend experience.
Oakley surprised me by reaching over and squeezing my hand. “I’m really sorry about that. I was a complete ass and you didn’t deserve that.”
“Oh, um. Thank you,” I said, a little shocked that he apologized. I was discovering every day that there was more to Oakley Davis than the “send an unsolicited dick pic” persona he hid behind.
“So, how’s tomorrow night?”
“Uh, for what?” I asked, confused.
“Our first date,” he said casually. This man either didn’t listen or he was just so used to getting what he wanted that he didn’t understand being told no.
I sighed, “Oakley…”
“Okay, how about lunch?” He tried again. “No flowers, nothing fancy. Let’s just meet in the cafeteria, surrounded by people. How’s noon?” He made it really hard to say no. But it was just lunch. In the cafeteria, of all places. Nobody could possibly misconstrue that as a romantic rendezvous. Just two friends grabbing lunch. So what if one of those friends had an enormous heat seeking moisture missile?
We pulled up outside my apartment, and I gave in. “Okay. Deal. Lunch at noon tomorrow. In the cafeteria. We can review your schedule!” I said brightly.
“Wow, you sure know how to get a guy hot. Schedules. Are you bringing a binder? How about color-coded tabs? You know that gets me going.”
I clenched my thighs. I knew he was playing, but how on earth he managed to make that sound sexy was a mystery.
“And we can discuss your interview plans,” I added. I was definitely stalling. Why didn’t I want to get out of his car?
And I leaned closer. And then I practically sniffed him. Oh man, I was in way too deep.
“And maybe we can talk about other things…” he said suggestively, leaning over the center console to meet me in the middle. Other things? Maybe. Oh my lanta.
“I gotta go. This isn’t happening. Friends, okay?”
“Sure thing, Solver,” he said with a playful smile as I opened the door and stumbled outside.
Oakley was definitely living up to his nickname. And this was one problem I was ridiculously attracted to.
17
I woke up about five minutes before the alarm on my phone was set to go off. Despite being kidnapped and dragged five miles along a haunted road late last night, I felt strangely energized. It must have been because of other things that happened last night too. I smiled to myself and pulled up an empowerment mantra video. I pressed play and brushed my teeth while listening to the words: “I am a strong, intelligent, and empowered woman.”
My eyes passed over my pathetically small stash of makeup. I had a progress meeting with Dr. Haynes this morning and then lunch with Oakley. I told myself that I was going to do my makeup because I just wanted to look nice today, but really I wanted to look pretty for lunch. I reached for my phone and stopped the mantra video, pulling up a YouTube tutorial on naturally sexy makeup looks instead. Even though I followed each of the five hundred and seven steps the makeup goddess on my screen walked me through, my makeup looked nothing like hers when we were done. Sighing, I washed my face and replaced my failed attempt at natural sexiness with some BB cream, mascara, and a quick swipe of blush.
My phone buzzed, and a message from mom appeared on my screen.
Mom: Can’t wait to see you. Only two more days!
Oh my. I completely forgot my parents were coming. At least it was easier to fake excitement through text than it was on the phone.
Me: Me too - it’s going to be so much fun!
I added a smiley face and hit send. Turning my attention back to the mirror, I decided that it was as good as it was going to get. I picked a white lace blouse from my closet, paired it with dark skinny jeans and black boots and headed for the door. I almost made it out when I heard a loud wolf whistle.