Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
He’s right and I know it, but one of my toxic traits is the need to fix situations. At least, that’s what my sister calls it.
“You guys want another round?”
I turn to find Chrissy there, pretty blue eyes locked onto me. I glance to Stone who says, “Sure… I’ll take another one.”
“I’ll have another bottle of water,” I add.
“Sure thing,” she chirps and then takes a step closer to me. From the corner of my eye, I see Stone turn away as if to give us privacy. She places her hand on my arm. “I hope this isn’t too forward, but I was hoping maybe I could give you my number and we could go out or something. Like… maybe even tonight after I get off work. We could go to my place.”
It appears the guys were right about Chrissy having an obvious interest in me but unfortunately, I don’t feel the same. I hate letting anyone down and I certainly don’t like hurting anyone’s feelings, but it’s awkward as hell to find the right words. I’m not suave with women the way Rafferty is, and I’m not as outgoing and charming as Atlas. I definitely don’t have North’s cool confidence.
Frankly, I don’t have the experience, having only had one girlfriend my entire life and that relationship lasted from the time I was fifteen until just two years ago. I don’t know how to play the field, nor do I really want to. I actually loved being in a relationship and until that type of person piques my interest—like a Mazzy, for example—I’m not looking. It’s hard to find someone genuine and unfortunately, that’s what I want. Not to get picked up in a bar for a one-night stand.
“Um…,” I falter, looking to Stone who is still turned away, then back to Chrissy. “I appreciate the offer and all, but um… I’ve got to get up early to go to a friend’s hockey game for his kid and—”
“It doesn’t have to be tonight,” she interrupts me. “It can be anytime, really.”
Christ, this is difficult. I could lie and tell her I’m gay or have a girlfriend or I’m terminally celibate, none of which are true. But I’m a big believer in chemical attraction and I’m not feeling it here, despite the fact she’s beautiful. It’s something you just can’t put your finger on, I guess.
Ultimately, I decide to go with the truth because I’m a believer in karma and I don’t want it to bite me in the ass later. “Listen… Chrissy…” Her eyes light up with a faith that I’m getting ready to make her dreams come true. “I’m sorry, but it’s just not something I’m interested in. I’m flattered, of course, as you’re very beautiful, but…”
She’s crestfallen, her mouth sagging into a frown and her brows drawing in. “Oh, okay… sure… I understand.”
“I really am sorry,” I repeat.
“It’s fine.” She gives an overly bright smile. “Never hurts to ask, right?”
“Right.” I smile back at her. “It never hurts to ask.”
She mumbles something about getting our drinks and hurries off. Stone immediately turns around, eyes shining with amusement.
“You heard all of that?” I query.
“Every word,” he replies with a laugh. “And dude… it’s commendable the way you let her down. Sweet, even. You’re a good guy.”
“I try to be.” It’s the way my parents raised me. It’s the way my sister Jenny looks up to me. I treat women the way I would want Jenny to be treated and I’ve been in this league enough to see other guys who take their fame as a license to be dicks. That’s not going to be me.
Rafferty walks up to the table to take a drink of his beer. He clearly saw that as well. “You’re hopeless.” He laughs with a light punch to my arm. “She’s been practically throwing herself at you since we started coming in here.”
“So I’ve been told,” I reply in a dry tone.
“Leave him alone.” Stone defends my actions. “It’s part of his charm.”
“His charm is going to give him blue balls.” Rafferty chortles.
“And your charm is going to give you an STI,” I shoot back, causing Stone to snort.
“Hey,” Rafferty says, looking completely offended. “I practice safe sex.”
“Yeah, I know.” Grinning, I squeeze his shoulder. “And as much as you have it, I’m going to buy stock in condoms.”
“Don’t hate on me because I’m getting it regularly,” he scoffs.
“I could never hate you, Raff.” I laugh. “Even if you had syphilis.”
“Gee, thanks,” he mutters and pushes my hand off him. “But you don’t mind if I take a crack at Chrissy, do you?”
“Be my guest.” I wave my hand in her general direction. “Just keep it wrapped.”
“Always,” he quips with a twinkle in his eye.
CHAPTER 4
Willa
I stand at the stove, flipping pancakes, the familiar sizzle and aroma filling the modest kitchen. My home, a cozy two-story house in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood, is just outside the Pittsburgh city limits. It’s a quiet, friendly area with tree-lined streets and well-kept houses, the kind of place where neighbors still greet one another from their porches. The house itself, built in the 1950s, has a charming brick exterior with white trim and a small front porch. It’s not grand, but it’s home, and it’s all mine since Scott and I divorced.