Love At First Hate (Love At Firsts Book 2)(32)

Lindsey is the only one they tried to marry me off to. I’m surprised they didn’t start before that. I know there’s a specific reason as to why it has to be Lindsey, I just haven’t figured it out yet. And if I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to figure it out. I feel like it’s a big dark secret that’s going to f*ck things up even more.

“Stop brooding, it makes you frown, and you’ll get premature wrinkles.” Mina sits next to me.

“I’m already old and wrinkly.”

“You’re not old! You aged like a fine wine, and wrinkles are in.” She giggles.

“You’re too sweet to me.” I smile at her.

“I know. I’m perfect!” she exclaims, grinning like a fool.

“Nutter. What can I do for you?”

“You sound like Ellie. Do you have time for a walk-in?”

“Sure, send them in.” I smile and put the design I was working on to the side. Time to work my magic on a flash tattoo someone picked out because it looked cool. I don’t have anything against that kind of tattoo, but since it’s going on your body forever, might as well get something that’ll have a special meaning to you, but that’s just me.



“You should ask him on a date through the app,” Ellie says out of the blue, bringing me back to reality.

“We just started talking last night.”

“I know, but what will be the point of talking to him endlessly? You’ll only get closer to him in your normal life and then too on your virtual life. There’s no point in dragging things out.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I know I am. You’ll be able to see his reaction straightaway to see you sitting wherever it is that you’ll ask him to meet.” She shrugs. She knows she had a point, and I hate that.

“Maybe…” I groan, hating to admit it.

“I’m awesome.” She swaggers to the door and turns around. “May the force be with you.” She grins smugly.

“Okay?” She confuses me sometimes.

“It’s the fourth of May today…get it?”

“Oh god. Get out of my room.” I chuckle and throw an empty roll of kitchen towels at her.

I pull out my phone and open the chat I have going on with Matt. I have a couple of other messages from random guys, which I don’t even bother opening. I have no interest in meeting other people. Matt is the only one who has my interest.

Tattooedsoldier81: Hey, how is your day going?

I don’t have to wait long for him to reply, it’s like he was glued to his phone expecting my message.

MattTheGod: Hey yourself, not so bad and yours?

Tattooedsoldier81: Been busy with work, but I’m on a break right now.

MattTheGod: I just allowed myself to have a break ;)

Tattooedsoldier81: I know this is totally random, but would you want to have dinner with me tonight or one of these days?

MattTheGod: I’d love that.

Tattooedsoldier81: Really?

MattTheGod: Yes. As long as you aren’t a psycho or my ex stalking me.

Tattooedsoldier81: Your ex is stalking you?

MattTheGod: It’s a long story. I might tell you over dinner. It’s quite comical in hindsight.

Tattooedsoldier81: Can’t wait to hear that one. When would you want to go out?

MattTheGod: I’m free tonight if you’d like?

Tattooedsoldier81: Tonight is good. Where would you want to meet?

MattTheGod: Panzano?

Tattooedsoldier81: Panzano sounds good. Meet there at 8?

MattTheGod: 8 is perfect ;) I can’t wait.

Tattooedsoldier81: Nor can I :)

MattTheGod: See you tonight! I have to attend to something. My co-worker is trying to steal my donuts!

Tattooedsoldier81: See you tonight!

I didn’t think it’d be that easy to ask him out or that he wouldn’t suspect it was me. I wonder if the co-worker who is trying to steal his donuts his Haven. By what he’s been telling me and the little I’ve hung out with them, they have an ongoing battle for donuts.

There’s still that little voice in the back of my mind that makes me wonder if those two have any underlying feelings for each other or if they are just really close. Having never been close to anyone, it’s hard to know what it feels like or looks like from the outside looking in.

I’m excited and nervous about tonight. I have no idea how he’ll react to me being his mysterious date. I don’t know if he suspects it’s me and just kept it to himself, or if he’s oblivious to it. Will he be pleased or annoyed that it’s me and that I picked the easy way out to ask him out?

I’m glad the date is tonight. I don’t think I could have handled waiting until tomorrow. Let’s just hope he’ll be happy to see me in a different light.





I’m leaning back in my chair, holding a glazed donut in my right hand and keeping the bag of glazed donuts in my left hand, just out of reach of Haven.

“Spoilsport,” she huffs.

“I know. I’ll be nice if you help me pick out my outfit for tonight.” I smirk waving the bag closer to her.

“You are pure evil, and why would you need my help for that? You’re the master of fashion.” She tries to grab the bag but to no avail.

“I know, I just want company while I get ready.”