But the dreary weather meant that the normally packed space was free for the taking. I had already picked out a cozy murder mystery and snapped up the far back table by the window in a small nook that housed the perfect spot to watch the rain crash down.
Just as I made myself comfortable and removed my jacket, a familiar figure walked through the door. Josh. He was soaking wet. He shook off the rain and ran his fingers through his hair. My eyes lingered longer than they should have over the tight fabric of his damp running gear, showing off his muscular torso when he glanced up and over at me. Our eyes locked and he unleashed one of his signature, playful smirks that could have melted the panties off anyone he aimed it at.
Except me.My panties must stay on around him. Even if I have to glue them on.I clutched my knees together to remind my vagina not to get her hopes up,again.Even if it was a long time ago and neither of us cared to rehash it. His dating record proved I was just one of many who damn near wandered down the path to the promise of a good night and nothing more.
I sat up straighter in my chair. “What are you doing here?”
“I saw you in the window and thought I’d stop in.” He smiled. It was a great smile. One that showed his perfect teeth and kissable lips. Thankfully, the barista came over and dropped off my latte and a raspberry-chocolate scone, yanking me from my thoughts of those kissable lips.
“That looks great. Can I order one also?” Josh asked her.
“To go,” I added.
Josh shook his head. “For here is fine.”
He took a moment to shake himself out a second time before plopping into the seat across from me. Waterdrops pelted the cover of the book I had resting in my hands.
“Josh, what is this? Some sort of pity on the pathetic girl who got dumped on her birthday and then stood up?”
He openly gaped at me. “There’s no pity. Your ex was an ass and the other guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.” His face softened. “And I like hanging out with you.”
I tilted my head to the side, studying his face. There was sincerity about it. “This doesn’t have anything to do with your latest dating disasters?”
He leaned back in his chair like he was contemplating something. “How much have you heard?”
“Just the usual locker-room chatter. You’re striking out.”
“Hasn’t been my finest month…”
I snorted. “That must be new for you.”
“May I remind you of the previous sentence…” He trailed off.
“Touché.”
“I heard you're in a predicament,” he stated matter-of-factly.
“Damn Kev,” I muttered under my breath. “What exactly did he say?”
He looked down at the table, then shrugged. “Enough.”
“So, what’s this?” I pointed between us.
“I have a solution.”
“A solution?”
“Like you said, there’s chatter. If I tell you mine, you tell me yours, and maybe we could help each other.”
My eyes lasered in on him. “Is this about some dumb bet?”
“Yes.”
At least he didn’t try to lie to me.“I’m not getting involved in the bets you guys make.”
“Normally, I wouldn’t ask you to, but Carlos made an impossible bet I’d rather not lose,” he replied dryly. I’d heard about their bets, even seen a few of them. Banana-hammock Jake was on top of the list.
“Isn’t that the goal of these dumbass games you play? To make it impossible?”
