Page 25 of Challenge Me

I mimed zipping my lips. “Well, Kevin is adorable. And wrinkly. He looks exactly like your boyfriend. Will probably yip like him too.”

“You’re such a douche.”

I looked at the Boxer puppy on the screen with a smile before I passed it back. “Seriously, though. I’m happy for you. You’ll be the best dog dad. And the best human dad when it’s time.”

He squeezed my arm. “Thanks. Now, tell me what’s in Florida.”

With a groan, I grabbed a whiskey bottle and a glass.

“That bad, huh?”

With a grunt of agreement, I knocked back the drink, then set it down. “It’s more about what’s not in Florida.” Running my finger around the rim, I explained what had happened over the past week. I could already see his lecture face sliding into place.

“Yeah, I know,” I sighed when I’d caught him up to speed. “Tabletop one-night stands are a no-no.”

“That’s not what I was going to say. I mean, you know I saw the article. My biggest concern is Cole. Do you think he’ll actually show up?”

“I don’t know. Before I hung up on him, he asked if I want to see him.”

“Not that he cares if you say no.”

I could see his mood shift in the set of his lips. Oli wasn’t quick to anger. The opposite, actually. When it came to my problematic ex, though, he would probably throw a punch if he thought it would protect me. And that wasn’t something I’d ever let him do for me.

“It’s been four days,” I said. “Nobody’s been lurking around. I’ve got the cameras. And—” I nodded toward the gun on the counter.

“Is that why you want to do this weird dating thing? To get out of town.”

“Obviously.”

“It’s not more than that?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Maybe it has more to do with the guy than you’re letting on.”

I scoffed and crossed my arms. “We hit it off that night, but if our other encounters are any indication, we aren’t compatible.” I shuddered. “You should’ve seen how awkward dinner was. We barely said a word to each other outside of his long-winded itinerary details. Neither of us could get out of there fast enough.”

“Alright, if you say so. Just be careful.”

“You think I’m worried about some hoity-toity bastard with a man-bun and a hefty bank account?”

“Course not. I’m actually worried for him.”

With a harrumph, I sat on the counter next to him. “Think you guys could man the bar for me?”

“Remi,” he groaned. “It’s an hour drive.”

“Yeah, that was a dumb thing to ask. So, four o’clock is when we open, but I’ll accept you pushing it back, like, an hour. Last call at one.”

“Your customers can be assured that they won’t get sexually harassed while you’re gone, at least.” He glanced toward the pool table. “Is there really a stain?”

Grabbing a bowl of nuts from last night, I cracked a shell with my teeth. “Achievement unlocked.”

“This guy’s gonna bury you in a swamp.”

“Let him try.”

He laughed, shaking his head. I took him by the nape of his neck and brought him close enough to rest my forehead against his.