Page 57 of The Mr. Right Checklist

Piper:

I’ll make it happen. Is she around today?

Fletch:

Yes. We’re out now, but we’ll be heading back that way later.

Piper:

Can you bring her by my house? Anytime after 4 is good.

Fletch:

Absolutely. I’ll text when we’re on our way. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Piper:

And don’t think I didn’t notice the WE.

As I pocket my phone, Destiny parks a hand on her hip, a mannerism I’ve already come to associate with her, and looks out at the lake. “What is going on with the fish? We’ve been here for hours and haven’t caught a darn thing.” She glances back at me. “Know what my daddy would say?”

That you’re scaring them off? “What?”

“Fish don’t get to grow big by being stupid.”

I chuckle and reel in my line.

“My mama used to say, that’s why they call it fishin’ and not catchin’.”

“Smart woman. Hey, Piper finally texted back. We can stop by and see her on the way back into town.”

“She did? Yay!” She walks out of the water with Molly, and as Destiny sets down her rod, Molly shakes off the water, splattering her.

“Molly,” I holler, but Destiny’s carefree laughter drowns me out.

“It’s fine. Did you know dogs shake off like that near us because they love us?”

I set down my fishing rod and grab a towel for her. “Who told you that lie?” As I hand her the towel, I lean in and kiss her. As soon as our lips touch, I realize I probably shouldn’t’ve done it.

“It’s not a lie. It’s a doggy-love ritual.”

Why does she have to find love in everything? I grit my teeth.

She tosses the towel onto one of the chairs I brought and goes up on her toes, winding her arms around my neck. “You can relax, No-Love Gus. Kisses between friends who are enjoying the benefits of fake dating aren’t going to make me dream of walking down an aisle to you.” She presses her lips to mine, as if to emphasize her point.

I’m relieved, but now I feel like an asshole. Partly because I hate that she noticed a reaction from me and partly because apparently my ego has decided to be a dick where she’s concerned and it wants to claim all the titles even if I don’t want them. I’m well versed in shutting down emotions, so I kick my ego to the curb, and then I tie the fucker up so he can no longer annoy me.

I put my arms around Destiny and touch my forehead to hers. “Sorry for acting like an ass.” I gaze down at her. “I’m afraid I don’t know where to draw the line. I don’t spend time like this with women I casually date.”

“You don’t?” she asks incredulously.

I shake my head. “I might take them to dinner or out for drinks, but that’s about it.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m your friend, because according to my dating handbook, you’ve got casual dating all wrong. But don’t worry. I’ll make it my mission to train you properly.”

I cock a brow. “Train me?”

“You know. Show you the ropes.”