Page 3 of Just A Date

“I didn’t mean you couldn’t. But you can never be too careful with guys like that.”

Her eyes shoot invisible daggers into my soul. “Becauseyou’dnever take advantage of a situation.”

Okay. She got me. “I wasn’t trying to take advantage of the situation; I honestly wanted to help you.”

“Really?” She tugs at a strand of hair. “You hadnoulterior motives?”

I can think of about fifty. I clamp my lips together.

“That’s what I thought.”

Dang it, Sean. This ishis fault.

“Wait.” I scratch my upper arm. She stops, and for the first time tonight, I really focus on her. Her bright green eyes appear bigger behind her wide-rimmed glasses, and it somehow only adds to her appeal. But there’s something else written in those irises, a hint of pain I can only pray I didn’t put there. And if that other guy did, I want to strangle him. “I…” Words fail me.

“Thanks for validating my reason to quit.” She turns away.

“Quit what?”

I can’t see her face, but I swear I hear her say “love.”

I’m at a complete loss. I didn’t think love was something you could simply choose not to feel. But then again, I’ve never had to worry about that, so what do I know?

“I’m sorry,” I say to her back, but she doesn’t stop and walks right out the door.

I narrow my eyes at the empty doorway and slump into my chair. I’m losing my edge. I can’t believe I skipped working overtime forthis. Why did I let Sean hound me into coming out tonight?Come out with me,he said,you work too hard.Have some fun for once.

I can’t believe I almost missed out on all thisfun.

“I’m not the best lip reader.” Sean appears in front of me like a pesky cat that doesn’t know when to leave me alone. “But I’m pretty sure she said something like 'You’re a tool and get lost.’”

He’s notentirelywrong.

“That’s not what she said.”

“Really? Because you only itch your arm like that when a girl rejects you.” Sean smirks.

I drop my hand from my arm. I hate that he is so perceptive.

“Time to pay up.” He holds out his hand. “I’m suddenly very hungry.”

I roll my eyes but toss over my card, anyway. “Only use fifty this time,” I warn him.

Sean shoots me a grin I know not to trust and heads for the bar.

I remain where I am, still wondering where I went wrong.

I should have stayed at work.

The Repercussion

Present Day

Chapter 3

Juliet

My. Brain. Hurts.