A Guide to Being Just Friends(2)

She’d pushed aside her own dreams for a man for too long. She’d thought she was building a life with her ex, Dorian. While he took small acting gigs, she paid the bills and supported them, thinking her turn would be next.

But her turn never came. Selling the tiny apartment she’d been smart enough to buy in L.A. when she first arrived there had been her saving grace. The reason she could move to San Verde and really start fresh. It was less than two hours away but felt like a different world. One where she could breathe. Maybe even thrive. This time, nothing was holding her back. Not even his cute dimples and sexy, assessing gaze. She’d been fooled once with a pretty exterior. Now, she knew better.

The grunty barista set her scones on the counter. She opened the pack and snuck a piece, holding in the sigh as the delicious taste hit her tongue. There was very little chocolate couldn’t cure. One more bite. Forcing herself to close the bag until she was back in her own place, she grabbed the drink she’d ordered, offering an unacknowledged “thanks.”

Turning, she nearly spilled her latte all over the man she’d been watching. He stood close enough for her to notice he smelled almost as good as the scones. Which was fine. Flowers smelled good, too. Didn’t mean she wouldn’t accidentally kill them within three days.

“Hi,” he said, a hint of those dimples appearing. Like a yummy preview of coming attractions.

Nope. Stay strong. Dimple immunity shields activate. “Hi.”

“I would have bought that for you if you’d given me a chance,” he said.

Hailey glanced around in case he was talking to someone else, but his dark blue eyes were locked on her. Cute or not, he needed a better opening line. “I’m perfectly capable of purchasing my own snacks and drinks, thanks.”

He frowned. “Why don’t we sit down? I have a table right there.” His eyes traveled along her body and she noted the spark of heat when they met her gaze again.

Not even Harry Styles’s dimples could excuse his resigned tone. “I’m good, thanks.”

Someone else joined the waiting area, making it hard for her to sidestep him and leave.

He sighed. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

Oh, good Lord. Even when I’m not trying, I attract the wrong ones. A high-pitched, thankfully short, laugh burst free. “That’s what they all say.” Actually, none of them said that. But he didn’t need to know that.

He stepped back, his square jaw dropping. His blue eyes flashed with … hurt? She watched him gather himself, straighten his shoulders before speaking again. “Is this some sort of game to you?” His whispered words held a hint of embarrassment.

Okay, then. He’s a few tomatoes short of a full salad. Time to shut it down. Hailey stepped to the side so others could collect their purchases. “I have no clue what you’re talking about. We don’t know each other.”

He made a dismissive noise. “That’s the whole point, isn’t it?”

No! The point was chocolate! “I’m sorry. I think you’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

“Really. So, you’re not Hayden?”

Huh? She shook her head, realization dawning. Empathy welled up in her chest. He really was waiting for someone. But not her. She leaned in. “I’m not.”

Hailey wasn’t sure what she expected, but it wasn’t to have him cross his arms over his wide chest and look pointedly at her beverage. “Then explain your cup.”

Her emotions were giving her whiplash. His tone sent her right back to irritated. “What about my cup?” She turned the white container slowly, saying the letters as they appeared. “H-a-y … wait.” The not-so-capable barista had printed “Hayden” on her cup. Damn.

She sent a side glare to the barista, who obviously took no notice, then looked back at Mr. Grumpy. “My name isn’t Hayden.”

He continued to stare, so she did the same despite the number of people milling about them.

“You don’t have to lie. Just say you don’t like what you saw and go.”

Her gaze widened even as her heart pinched. She didn’t even think about her next move. With her treat and cup in one hand, she put the other on his arm and guided them to the side, out of the way.

She needed to get back to the store but she didn’t want him to think something like that.

“Listen, I don’t know who you were meeting and I know my cup says Hayden, but I’m not her. Whoever stood you up is rude and an idiot.”

He still looked like he was having trouble believing her. At that moment, she was grateful she’d given up dating. Who needed this kind of blow to the confidence? If a guy like this was getting ghosted, the dating world was a sad place.

“You’re not Hayden but you’re taking her cup?”

She wasn’t sure if it was amusement or doubt in his tone.

“I’m not her but I’ll be anybody for one of these lattes.” She stepped back. “Good luck.”

He huffed out a sardonic laugh. “Luck has nothing to do with it.” He gave her one more glance then stalked away like she’d actually done something wrong.

Hurrying back to the shop, she was both relieved and disappointed no one was waiting at the door. After letting herself in, she set her cup down on the counter, then attacked the first scone. It never stood a chance.