Page 6 of Blush Crush

Wesley offers a gentle smile. “If you’re busy, it can wait.”

“No! No-no-no-no.” That was way too many nos—at least six. Maybe seven. I lose count. “I mean yes. I mean—I can do it. The speakers.”

Wesley’s brows pinch together, his eyes bouncing between me and Cole. “Uh…great. They’re crackling at the connection. Probably nothing major.”

“Right. Likely a loose cock.” I gasp, my skin turning hot with embarrassment, heart dropping to my stomach. “I mean,cord. Likely aloose cord.”

Cole makes a huffing sound behind me. I ignore him like my life depends on it.

Wesley lifts a hand to his mouth, like he’s trying to hide a smile—or a laugh. “Okay…then. I’ll see you out there.”

“Yep!” I salute him. Actually salute him.

Kill me now.

The second the door swings shut, Cole releases the most obnoxious laugh I’ve ever heard.

“Holy shit.”

I press both hands to my flaming cheeks. “Don’t.”

“That was—wow.” He gestures at the entire room like there’s an audience. “I mean…wow. If secondhand embarrassment could kill…well, I’m sure you can guess the rest.”

“Stop.”

“No, because what was that?” He mutters, “Loose cock,” under his breath.

“You can leave,” I grit, clutching onto the counter for stability.

He doesn’t budge. “And you saluted him.”

“I know.”

“Like he was deploying.”

I bury my face in my hands. “I want to die.”

“No dying.” He rubs his nose, trying to tamp down his laugh. “Who would make me chocolate croissants?”

“Now I have to go back out there and not make it worse.”

“Does it get worse than loose cock?”

“When it comes to me, yes. Absolutely, yes.”

Cole at least has the decency to look at me like he genuinely feels bad for me. Even if he is still trying not to laugh in my face.

It’s truly a selective disease. I have no trouble engaging with most people, but the second that buzz of attraction starts to creep up beneath my skin and bloom in my chest, I’m done for. I’m a tongue-tied freak.

“Well, if you were worried about him forgetting you, he’s definitely not going to forget you now.”

That’s unfortunate. Because I think I’d prefer to be forgotten completely than be remembered for whatever mortifying display that was.

CHAPTER 2

Cole

DISCARDED MEAT