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“Colby is pissed at me now anyway. So maybe I should just leave well enough alone.”
“He’s pissed because he likes you,” Deek said. “And all you keep doing is sabotaging things.”
The truth hurt. I couldn’t even conjure a response.
“Okay.” He walked away in a huff, but then came back. “I’m just gonna say one more thing. You’re blind if you can’t see that your knee-jerk reaction right now is all the proof you need that you have true feelings for Colby. You can’t even bear to talk about it because you know damn well you can’t hide it. So, whatever. Go out with Eddie Muscle. Pretend like it’s not just a front. But you’re only wasting time.”
***
Wednesday night arrived, and though I hadn’t been excited about my date with Eddie, once we got to the bar, I found myself enjoying his company. I wasn’t attracted to him the way I was attracted to Colby, and I knew this wouldn’t go anywhere, but overall, I didn’t regret coming out tonight. Not to mention, the tapas were really good.
Eddie dipped a piece of shrimp in some cilantro-lime sauce. “It’s amazing how far the shop has come in the past couple of years. I’m kind of proud that I was one of your original clients.”
“Yeah. Well, I couldn’t do it alone. Deek has been a big help. And the new location has brought in a lot of people.”
“Deek is great, but you’re the real talent in there. Word travels fast when someone is good at their job. I know I’ve recommended you to more than a few people.”
I stared down at the full sleeve I’d inked on him. “Well, I really appreciate that, Eddie. You’re a good egg.”
My phone chimed. When I looked down, I saw a text from Colby.
Nice to know you’re actually capable of going out on a real date. Hope you’re having a nice time.
Adrenaline coursed through me as I looked around the room. What the hell is he doing here? It was a weeknight, so I would’ve thought he’d be home with Saylor.
I typed.
Billie: Where are you?
A few seconds later came his response.
Colby: Does it matter?
Billie: I want to know how you know where I am.
Colby: Maybe you should pay attention to your date and stop worrying about such things.
“Is everything okay?” Eddie asked.
“Yeah. Just a…personal issue.” I stood from my chair. “Will you excuse me for a moment? I need to use the restroom.”
“Of course,” he said, looking concerned.
I went to the bathroom to text Colby in peace. Leaning against the sink, I typed lightning fast.
Billie: Have you been watching me all night?
Colby: Yeah. Because I have SO much time on my hands that I’ve now taken to stalking you. Really, Billie?
Billie: Are you here, though?
He dodged the question.
Colby: I just wish you were fucking honest with me.
Billie: What do you mean?
Colby: All this time you’ve been acting like you’re afraid of anything serious, not wanting to date. But apparently you’re just hesitant to date ME. Why not say that and be done with it?
He had no clue. He wanted me to be honest? Honest would have meant admitting that I’d never been more scared of anything in my life than my feelings for him. They were the very reason I was on this date.
Billie: It’s not that simple, Colby.
Colby: Love the royal blue corset, by the way. I hadn’t seen that one before. You must reserve that one for real dates.
Ouch.
I walked back out and surveyed the place. There was no sign of him.
Billie: Why won’t you tell me where you are?
Colby: Because it doesn’t matter.
Billie: It matters to me.
After about a minute, he texted back.
Colby: You think I like coming across as a jealous bastard? This is not a good look, and I know it. I debated whether I should text you. But people do stupid things when they like someone. And I truly like you, Billie. I like you so much that I can’t even think straight right now. I put fucking hot sauce in my daughter’s spaghetti, thinking it was mine. Thank God I caught it before I burned her mouth off.
I just stood there staring down at my phone. My heart hurt.
Colby: Don’t text back. This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have interrupted your night. You don’t owe me anything.
Then one more.
Colby: Goodnight.
My legs were wobbly as I forced myself back to the table. Then I looked to my left and spotted Holden at the bar. His eyes locked with mine, and he lifted his beer in salute. He was the one sending information to Colby. I waved, though I really wanted to give him the finger.
CHAPTER 11
Billie
“Billie?”
I heard Deek call my name but was only sort of half listening. “Hmmm?”
“I’m going to run out and get a smoothie. You want one?”
I continued to sterilize the equipment I’d been cleaning for a while until a high-pitched whistle grabbed my attention. I looked up to find Deek with his brows raised.
