Page 7 of Hot Girls Read Book Club

We sit in the silence together while the rhythm of his breathing regulates. He cracks his neck, then each of his knuckles. Finally, his gaze meets mine, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his expression that I almost miss but have no way of understanding.

“So, I can totally see what you’re saying about their dynamic. You definitely get the arrogant, alphahole vibe from the professor and the more doting, Golden Retriever book boyfriend from Matteo.”

A grumbled sound comes from the back of his throat.

“But that’s kinda the point, and why she can’t choose between them. She gets this rough, demanding, in-charge side from Professor Adams, but then she also has Matteo being sweet, and catering to her.”

Across from me, Jax squints, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. He steeples his hands, leveling me with his gaze.

“And that’s what women want? A—what did you call it—an alphahole?” He asks, tone curious but suspicious.

“I mean… in books, yeah. Real-life red flags look very, very green in these books for most women.” I say slowly, making sure to choose my words with precision so that I don’t give him the wrong impression.

“That’s confusing.”

I measure his words in my head, trying to see it from his perspective. “I guess I can see that, if you’re reading these as an instruction manual. I’d suggest reading this type of romance as pure entertainment, and just ride the ride to the end, but don’t make any personality changes because of it.”

“I don’t like that they shared her. Seems like a good way to lose the best thing in your life. Your person.”

Your person.

My heart does a funny little squeeze. Because beneath the gruff exterior and permanent frown, Jax Mason might actually be a hopeless romantic. A classic love story kind of guy, and that knowledge has me bouncing a little in my seat.

“Noted,” I say with a smile. “How about we pick something a little more traditional for our next meeting. Do you have any recommendations, or do you want me to choose again?”

“I’ll pick. Only seems fair since you picked the last one.”

My grin spreads wider as I nod my agreement.

“Okay, sure. What are you thinking?”

He pauses then, eyes searching the room like maybe he’d see a poster full of romance titles to choose from. Finding none, his gaze lands on mine again, and he shrugs helplessly.

“How about this, I’ll put my number in your phone, and you can take your time choosing. I don’t know how fast you read, but I can get through most books in a day or two, so you find one you think you’ll like and text me the details, okay?”

“Okay.” He nods.

“Okay.”

“Mhm,” he hums, brow furrowed in thought.

“This is where you pass me your phone so I can give you my number, Jax.” I do my best to swallow the anxious laugh rising from my chest.

He wordlessly slides his phone across the table, and my fingers gently brush his as I take it. He pulls back quickly, sliding his hands down his thighs under the table.

When was the last time I gave a man my phone number? To be fair, he didn’t exactly ask for it, but my fingers tremble slightly all the same as I key in my name, phone number, and email for good measure.

“Here you go,” I say cheerfully to hide my nerves.

He stands, taking the phone and sliding it into the pocket of his coveralls. He stretches, fingers nearly brushing the long fluorescent light fixture overhead.

“So, you’ll text me then?” I ask, hating the way my voice shakes with the uncertainty. I really don’t mind picking the book, but I don’t want to rob him of his chance either. He deserves the opportunity to fully participate in this book club.

He nods, backing toward the door. “I will.”

After cleaning up the community room and working my way through the last of the library returns, I flip the lights off and lock up with a contented sigh.

Over the last hour, the storm blew through, never dropping the rain it threatened to wash over us. The air is still heavy with the lingering humidity, and I suck in a deep breath; it still smells like rain.