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3
Anthony
We standin line for five minutes before it’s our turn at the counter. The entire time, Phoebe makes small talk. The woman truly has the gift of gab, and I could listen to her talk all day. I just hope the grin on my face isn’t too goofy. We place our order and Phoebe reaches for her wallet.
“Get out of here with that.” I push her hand away and hand the cashier my card.
“What? No.” Her lilac perfume fills the space between us. “I asked you to join me, remember? It’s only fair I should pay.”
“Too late.” I peer down at her, reveling in my victory. “What kind of guy do you think I am? There’s no way I’d let you pay, Phoebe.”
She licks her full lips and playfully rolls her eyes. “Fine, but I’m paying next time.”
Next time.The words are music to my ears.
“You go find a seat.” I tell her. “I’ll bring the drinks to the table.” Phoebe throws her long, white blonde hair over her shoulder and nods before choosing a table against the tall glass windows. Her gorgeous hips sway with each delicate step she takes. My heart clenches in my chest as she sits and the sun splashes across the bridge of her nose, highlighting her high cheekbones. I turn away before she catches me staring.
When our order’s up, I grab the drinks and head over. Phoebe’s frowns. “Shoot.” She says, “I meant to get a cupcake, too. Or something sweet.” Her eyebrows dance. “I’m feeling naughty.” I open my mouth to respond but it seems the cat’s got my tongue. “Are you feeling naughty, Anthony?”
A smile spreads across my lips. “Honestly? I can’t tell you the last time I had a cupcake.”
“Why the hell would you do that to yourself?”
“I gave up sweets and all of that sugary crap a long time ago.”
Her finger flies into my face. “Whoa, whoa, whoa.” She closes her eyes and gathers her thoughts. “I’m going to need you to explain to me what on God’s green earth possessed you to do this?”
“I was fat in high school.” I shrug, like it’s nothing.
Phoebe’s jaw hits the table. “You? Fat? Mister Gym Bro?”
“You’d be surprised how manyGym Brosused to be fat, too.” I meet her inquisitive hazel stare. “There’s an entire alliance of us. You get picked on enough, you start to overcompensate. I went from binge eating to hitting the gym instead.”
“But,” her eyes dance over my chest, my arms, then back up to my face. “Lookat you. I can’t even imagine you…my mind is officially blown. I’ve tried every diet under the sun and decided food tastes better than sacrifice.” Phoebe runs her finger along the rim of her coffee cup. “So, I commend you.”
“You don’t need to diet, Phoebe. You’re perfect as you are.”
“Says the gym rat.” She scrunches one side of her face, looking like a pirate.
“I’m serious. You’re gorgeous.” I don’t break her gaze, and her face smooths. Eyes wide and open. “You’re absolutely perfect the way you are.” A beat passes between us where neither of us speak and I wonder if I’ve overstepped my bounds. But it’s short lived.
“Phoebe Strong?” A man’s voice turns her head.
“Harlan!” Phoebe yelps, then stands and gives the man a hug. “I haven’t seen you in so long.”
“I’ve been traveling.” The man meets my eyes.
“Sorry! Harlan this is Anthony Hunter.”
I stand and extend my hand. “Officer Anthony Hunter.”
“Nice to meet you.” I say through gritted teeth.
“Same.” The man’s brow cocks and it takes all of my will not to squeeze his hand so hard that his fingers break. Phoebe doesn’t seem to notice.
“We’ll touch base soon, okay?” She says, placing her hand on his shoulder. My fists ball at my sides. I want to take this guy out. Doesn’t he see she’s having coffee with me? My heart pounds in my ears as Harlan heads to the exit. When Phoebe turns back to face me, her smile fades.
“Everything okay?” She asks.
