Not Pretending Anymore(6)

He had a point. But the cupcakes were a gift. I supposed I could agree to his stipulation and just vow that I wouldn’t ever touch his food. Pfft! I didn’t need his food.

“Okay.” I shrugged. “Fine. It works both ways.”

He leaned against the small island in the center of my kitchen. “What other rules you got for me?”

“You can do whatever you want when I’m not here, but no bringing people into the apartment when I’m sleeping. Our schedules should make that pretty easy since you have three nights a week when I won’t be here.”

“Fine. Done. Hit me with the rest.”

“I like everything nice and organized. So, if you see something arranged a certain way, don’t change it.”

“You mean like the pastel M&Ms you have in those jars on the counter? Don’t mix the pink with the mint-colored ones, that kind of shit?”

“I only like certain-colored M&Ms, so I order them online. But yes…don’t mess with anything I might have arranged a certain way.”

“Okay.” He chuckled. “You’re a trip, you know that?”

“Everyone has their quirks. Mine include liking color-coordinated candy and a neat and organized apartment. So sue me. I like what I like.”

“What kind of a man does a woman who likes all pink M&Ms in one jar go for? A dude who wears pink Lacoste shirts and loafers?”

“No. I like a man who’s got a good head on his shoulders and who’s—”

“Dull and pretentious as fuck?”

“No,” I answered defensively.

“I’m kidding, Molly. Just messing with you.”

Letting out a long breath, I said, “I know.”

“You’re single?” he asked.

“Yes. But…hopefully not for long.”

“Oh yeah? What’s going on there? Who’s the lucky guy?”

Ugh. Why did I even say that? Now I have to explain it.

Might as well admit to my crush on Dr. Daniels. That way Declan would know I was completely unaffected by his charms.

“There’s this doctor I work with. I’ve had a crush on him for some time, and he just became single. I’m actually meeting him and a bunch of other people for happy hour tomorrow night. So, I’m hopeful something will develop there.”

He smiled. “Good for you. Going for it.”

Feeling embarrassed, I cleared my throat. “What about you? What’s the deal with this girl you said you’re into?”

“Well, she’s a co-worker, too, actually. We work for the same advertising firm. We’re both from California, where the company is based, but we came to Chicago to work on a campaign for a major client out here. That’s why I’m only in town for six months. She and I work on the account together.”

“Does she know you like her?”

“That’s the thing. She’s sort of dating this douchebag back home. He did not want her to come to Chicago. Things are always up and down with them. So, I’m hoping one of these days they go all the way down, and I can move in for the kill. I wouldn’t be a dick and try to make a move when she technically has a boyfriend. So, at the moment, I’m just waiting in the wings.”

“Okay, but does she know you like her?”

“I don’t know. I bet she suspects, though. We’re friends…for now. But I want more. Not only because she’s gorgeous, but she’s intelligent and sweet, too. The whole package. And I do think we’re compatible.”

The hint of jealousy I felt was unnerving. I think it was more just wishing someone felt that way about me . It certainly wasn’t because of an attraction to Declan. He was good-looking and all, but not my type.

“What’s her name?”

“Julia.”

“Pretty name.”

“What about Hot Doctor?”

Smiling shyly, I answered, “Will.”

“What kind of doctor?”

“He’s an OB-GYN.”

“Oh, that’s right. You said you work in a maternity ward. Makes sense. At least the whiny babies you deal with are cute—unlike my clients.” He pretended to reach for my M&M jar, then backed his hand away with an impish smile. “Any other rules, Molly?”

“Well, obvious stuff, like no walking around naked.”

He wriggled his brows. “Worried you might get turned on?”

“No.” I looked down at my feet. “It’s just not appropriate.”

“Same goes for you, then. But that’s just to be fair.” He lowered his voice. “Between you and me, I’m not gonna complain if you do.”

I rolled my eyes. “I thought you only had eyes for one woman?”

“I’m smitten, not dead, Mollz.” He grinned. “If it happens, I’m probably gonna sneak a look. But I won’t say anything or be creepy.”

My cheeks felt hot as I changed the subject. “Is your sister really a nun?”

He chuckled. “Yes.”

“That’s so…unique.”

“Why? Because her brother is the devilish antithesis of holy?” He flashed a mischievous grin.

“Well, that, plus you don’t hear about too many people becoming nuns nowadays.”