“You look really nice today,” he said, his eyes lingering on my legs.
If there’d been any doubt in my mind, that last comment dispelled it. I dipped my head, grateful to hide behind my curtain of hair. Another diner called out for him, and then he was gone.
“Are you as allergic to compliments as you are to nuts?” Even though she was teasing, I could hear the disappointment in Alyssa’s tone, and it pained me. Alyssa and I had been best friends since college. She knew me better than anyone.
“No,” I answered a little too quickly, and I didn’t like the defensive tone to my voice. “I just figure the person giving them usually has an ulterior motive.”
“Like wanting to get in your pants,” she teased, popping a chip in her mouth.
“More like football tickets or an autographed jersey or…”
She placed her hand over mine. “I know you’ve dated some jerks in the past, but not all guys are like that.”
I nodded but continued to avoid her gaze, sliding my hand out from under hers so I could lift the sourdough bread to peek at my sandwich filling. Looked pretty good, even if it wasn’t my usual. I removed the sliced tomato and carefully set it aside, not entirely sure how to respond.
But she wasn’t finished. “I just—” She blew out a breath. “I wish you’d see how incredible you are. I wish you’d speak up for yourself. I mean, I had to practically beg you to pitch the Spines for Soldiers program to Seth.”
“And look how well that turned out…” I took a large bite of my sandwich.
The flavors burst on my tongue, toasted sourdough, crispy prosciutto, the crunch of the lettuce, and a zesty freshness from the homemade nut-free pesto. I closed my eyes briefly and relished the combination, wondering why I’d always stuck to that one sandwich. Because it was easy? Or was it because I was boring?
“It turned out amazing. Seth approved it, and soldiers all over the world are feeling a sense of connection with books and people.”
“He only approved it because he’s hoping I’ll talk to my dad about the bio.”
Her eyes narrowed to slits. “He approved it because it’s an awesome idea. I mean, my chick is a badass, and she’s totally loving the romance novels I sent her.”
I continued chewing and swallowed before speaking. “I can think of one person who certainly isn’t.” I purposely ignored her comment about Seth.
“Connor.”
I nodded.
“So, are you ever going to tell me what his email said?”
I shook my head, mortified by the mere idea of repeating it aloud. Instead, I unlocked my phone and placed it on the small table between us. We both set down our sandwiches and leaned in to read from the small screen.
Dear Miss Goody-Two-Shoes,
I do hope it’s okay that I addressed you by that moniker, seeing as it’s fitting.
At this point, Alyssa started to laugh, though she quickly covered it by coughing into her hand. I glared at her, but she kept her eyes fixated on the screen. I returned my attention there.
A little bit about me—fun facts, as you’d say.
Reading novels is a waste of time.
I’m sure you and your cat are very happy together and will be for many years to come. Happy and alone.
The only thing I like eating more than homemade cookies is pussy.
Sincerely,
Connor
“Oh my.” She slid the phone back to me. “Kind of a jerk, but I bet he’s wicked good at dirty talk.”
“Seriously?” I stared at her. That’s what she’d taken away from the email? “He’s such an asshole. Gah!” I banged my fist on the table, which made the silverware clatter. “Can you believe the things he said to me?” I could feel myself getting hotter the more I thought about it, especially when several people nearby turned to see what the commotion was. “The audacity.”
