Crazy Stupid Love (Crazy Love #1)(23)

I’m still me and if there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that even if I wanted to give Kimber more I couldn’t. I’m not capable of being the type of man she needs; the type of man she deserves.

Gavin opens his mouth like he is about to say more but then snaps it shut when the door leading from my apartment opens and Kimber emerges, her hair now pulled back into a loose knot and her face free of makeup.

She looks absolutely breathtaking.

“Well, good morning,” Gavin speaks, pulling her attention towards him as he slides back down onto his bar stool.

Her cheeks immediately go pink, and she stutters for a moment before finally managing to get her words out.

“Good morning.” She looks towards me, her blush deepening as she nods in my direction and steps up to the side of the bar.

“I’m Gavin, but you can just call me Gavin.” He leans forward, close enough that he is able to extend a hand to her. She reaches out and shakes it gently, clearly not sure what she’s gotten herself into by coming down here.

“Kimber,” she replies sweetly, pulling her hand away after a brief moment.

“Did you happen to see my purse by any chance?” She looks at me, unable to hide how uncomfortable she feels in this situation.

I have to remind myself it’s a situation she has never found herself in before. I still can’t believe she’s only been with one man, now two, and that the other man was someone she dated for three years. Three years and she had never had even one orgasm with him. Fuck, I’m tempted to look the f*cker up and give him some f*cking pointers.

“It’s by the register.” Gavin points behind me, cutting into my thoughts. “I found it on the stairs this morning.” He shrugs, not the least bit apologetic that he clearly was snooping.

Something tells me he knew Kimber was here the whole time but was simply waiting to see if I would admit that I let her sleep over, considering it’s not something I have ever done before.

I turn, retrieving the small black bag before crossing towards her, laying it on the bar the moment I reach her. She looks up, meets my eyes for only a fraction of a second before turning her attention to the bag.

“Thank you,” she responds, digging inside before pulling out her phone. “Shoot.” She looks flustered and slightly panicked.

“What is it?” I ask, pulling her gaze back towards me.

“I was hoping Harlee would have text me. I completely bailed on them last night.” Her voice is riddled with guilt. “I have no idea how or if they got home.”

“Taxi took them both home just after one thirty,” Gavin speaks up, relief instantly flooding Kimber’s face. “I put them inside of it myself.”

“Thank you.” Kimber meets his gaze.

“It’s what we do.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I can tell there’s more to it.

Deciding not to push the topic in front of Kimber, I keep my thoughts to myself but make a mental note to ask him about it later. Gavin doesn’t personally take care of anyone. The fact that he called a cab and even walked the girls out tells me he was trying to score brownie points. I’m just not sure with whom yet.

“I can’t believe they just left me like that.” She shakes her head, her cheeks heating crimson when she realizes she made the statement aloud.

“Don’t worry. I let them know you were preoccupied. I think they were more than happy to leave you behind.” He raises his eyebrows playfully at her which seems to only deepen her embarrassment.

“Well, I should probably get going.” Kimber’s hesitant gaze comes back to mine.

“I’ll take you home,” I say, ignoring Gavin’s surprised expression.

What does he expect me to do, have her pay a cab for over an hour trip when I can just as easily give her a lift? Then again, I guess even something that considerate is a bit out of character for me.

“Oh, you don’t have to do that.” She slides her phone back into her purse before pulling out a set of keys. “Angel’s car is out back. I’m sure she expects me to bring it home.”

“Okay.” I nod, unable to ignore the disappointment that seems to settle over me.

Fuck.

Get your shit together, Deck.

“Well, at least let me walk you out,” I say as I step out from behind the bar.

“Okay,” she gets out weakly, turning towards Gavin. “It was nice to officially meet you.” She gives him a small wave before allowing me to lead her out of the back door and into the nearly vacant parking lot.

I squint into the bright sun, locating what I can only assume is Angel’s car, a small red Prius, sitting at the back of the lot all by itself. I follow Kimber towards the vehicle, not really sure what the f*ck to say.

Since when do I have trouble figuring out what to say to a woman?

I stop directly next to Kimber once we reach the car. She turns inward to face me, clearly not sure what she should say either.

“Have you ever been to a Ducks game?” she finally blurts after several long moments of tense silence. “As in the college football team?” she tacks on.

“I know who the Ducks are,” I remind her, having grown up just minutes from the University of Oregon.

“Right.” She shakes her head. “Well, they are playing a big game against some rival school next Saturday. I don’t know much about football,” she explains. “But Harlee said it’s a lot of fun. We’re meeting some people early in the day to tailgate, and then we’re gonna catch the game. We have a couple extra tickets if you’d like come with us.” She scrunches her forehead in the cutest f*cking way. “I mean, you don’t have to of course.” She rambles. “But I’ve never tailgated before, and I think it could be fun. But you’re probably busy. You know what, forget I asked.” She turns, ripping open the car door.