“Why not? You’re single,” Noah says, and my heart sinks as I stare into his eyes. Does he mean it? He wants me to go out with someone else? Did our kiss mean anything?
For the first time, I start to think I should give up, and then I get annoyed. I didn’t ask him to kiss me. I didn’t ask to fall in love with him. He’s so fucking cruel.
“Fine, I will,” I snap, done with these games. At least Conan is kind. It might not mean anything, but I’m so fucking tired of being treated like shit.
“Fine,” Noah snaps, “but get back to work. This isn’t a social club. You are both always lazing around.”
“Lazing?” I turn to Noah incredulously. “We’ve been practicing since 6 AM and we are taking our first break of theday?—”
“Do you want to be a champion or not? There are plenty of others waiting for your car,” Noah argues. “Stop talking back to your boss and do as you’re told.” My mouth gapes open as he turns and stomps away.
“Holy shit,” Skylar whispers, and then he bursts into laughter.
“Why are you laughing? Can you believe him?” I throw my hand at where Noah just stood. “I can’t believe he would speak to us like that. What is his problem?”
Skylar’s laughter tapers off as he watches me with amusement. “You are both morons,” he scoffs as he grabs a bottle from the table and stands before looking back at me. “Go on that date. It will be interesting.” He whistles as he walks away, leaving me confused about what he meant.
One thing’s for certain: I’m done with Noah.
I’m done being in love with someone who only hurts me.
I type out a response and pocket my phone, then I head back to work, determined not to let him get under my skin.
Standing outside, I nervously check my phone again. I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. When I realized I was falling in love with Noah, it didn’t seem fair to waste anyone’s time.
I’m miles away when a horn beeps, and my head jerks up. The sun is still shining since Noah let us go early. I think he felt bad about yelling at us on our break, though he never said so. A perfectly restored Charger idles before me, painted bright orange with a pale roof. It gleams as I gawk at the beautiful car. The nerd inside me is geeking out as I wonder whom it belongs to.
The window of the classic car rolls down, and a smiling Conan leans out. Aviators cover his eyes, his wide smile flashing perfect white teeth. His dirty blond hair is mussed in a sexy way, and his shirt sleeves are rolled up to expose thick, veiny forearms.
“Hey, you ready?” he calls as I stare, completely transfixed.
Blinking, I nod, hoist my bag up, and hurry to his window. “Yourcar is amazing,” I say, my hand hovering over the paint. “I used to have pictures of Chargers all over my room when I was younger. It was my dream car.”
“Really?” He tilts his head as he smiles at me. “Mine too.” Reaching over, he pops the passenger door open. “Come on, furniture shopping waits for no one.”
Smiling, I hurry around and sink into the leather seat, almost groaning at how comfortable it is. I feel like an excited kid as I lean into the dash and eye the interior. “It’s so beautiful.”
Conan’s laugh mixes with the low music. “Glad you like it. As a car guy, I’ll take it as a compliment. Buckle up.”
I’m too busy ogling to follow his instructions.
Chuckling, he leans over, and I slam back into my seat as he reaches across me. His hand slides over my shoulder as he reaches down and fastens my belt for me, his glasses slipping down far enough for me to see his bright eyes. “Safety first,” he murmurs as my heart pounds in my chest, shocking the hell out of me.
It only does that for Noah, but when Conan winks, my heart does it again, and then he leans back and I can breathe. Completely oblivious to my panic, he pulls out, singing softly along to the radio as I stare at him. What the hell is going on?
I love Noah, so why did my body react like that to Conan?
Guilt and excitement assault me, leaving me silent as we drive. If he senses it, he doesn’t say anything, so I start to relax. It’s okay. I’m single. I can feel whatever I want for anyone I want.
“Where do you want to go first?” he asks, glancing at me as we pull up at a light.
“Um, anywhere is fine. I need everything,” I reply with a shy smile.
He smiles widely. “I know a place.”
I nod and let him take me wherever. When we pull up at the department store, I climb out and sling my bag on. He meets me at the front of his car and slides his glasses into his shirt, one hand going into his pocket. “Come on.” I follow him, and when we get inside, I whistle.There are five stories, and it’s fancier than any store I’ve been to before. It also looks like it sells everything I could need.
“Don’t worry about prices, I did a lot of shoots for them here. I get a fifty percent discount on everything. So, Mackie, where shall we start?”
