Page 25 of Right Number, Wrong Man

HAILEY

I stare into the face of glasses guy about five inches away from mine.

My heart jumps into my throat as I inhale the scent of sharp soap streaming from him.

He’s not particularly imposing and with his perfectly ironed shirt tucked into beige slacks he reminds me of an insurance rep, but that smile still gives me the creeps.

And the man clearly has no concept of personal space.

“Can I help you?” I ask, leaning away.

He glances at the book in his hands. From between the tattered, yellow pages, he takes a folded paper napkin, offering it to me.

“I don’t mean to interrupt your conversation. Your eyes are so mesmerizing, I just couldn’t leave without giving you this,” he mumbles.

Confused, I take the napkin. “Thanks?”

The man exhales deeply. “Sorry. Again.” He lets out a nervous laugh. “I uh… I’ll be on my way.” As he walks to the exit, he glances at me over his shoulder one more time before he leaves .

“That was a great example of a shy guy. Not every socially awkward male is a psycho,” Andrea says. “What’s on the paper?”

Like snapping out of a trance, I unfold the napkin with my best friend stealing glances.

“His name is Justin and he gave you his number?” she squeals. “You still got it! This is the first time we’ve gone out since you’re single and you’re already pulling a hottie!”

I make an indifferent noise and stuff the napkin into my bag that’s hanging over the backrest. Doesn’t Andrea get unsettling vibes from the guy? But I guess if she did, she wouldn’t be so enthusiastic. It must be my imagination.

My phone lights up on the bar top and Andrea’s head cocks as she looks at the message preview. Oh shit, it’s Jax! My face bursts into flames and I snatch up the device, clutching it to my chest.

“I’ve been thinking about my naughty brat’s tight pussy all day…” Andrea quotes the text. “Is that the reason you’re not interested in nerdy Justin with the glasses? Spill it, Hails. Who is Jax?”

I toss my hair over my shoulder and hide the phone in my bag. “A friend…”

“A friend with benefits ?” She nudges her elbow into my ribs. “Good for you, girl!”

I laugh. “He’s pretty fun.”

“Tell me more! Where did you meet?”

I avert my eyes to my hands, fiddling with my fingers. “We haven’t met.”

“Then you got to talking through one of those dating apps?” she asks.

I nod. Close enough. The truth sounds clinically insane in my head.

No, I accidentally sent pussy vids to a stranger and after he threatened me with the police, we agreed that he’ll introduce me to BDSM instead.

“We sext,” I whisper, smirking. “He likes to tell me what to do to myself, if you catch my drift. Then I film it for him and send him the videos. He responds with videos of himself.”

Andrea giggles. “How kinky! What does he look like?”

“I haven’t seen his face, but of course I’ve seen the goods …” I bite my lip. “He’s big . And pierced. I’m talking multiple piercings , one through the tip and more along the underside.”

She lets out a hysterical squeak. “You lucked out!”

“He teaches me about the submissive thing I’ve been wanting to try out and gives me these tasks. Like walking around in public with a…” I look around and whisper even quieter, “Remote-controlled plug in my butt and I’m not allowed to finish until he gives me permission.”

“Shut the front door!” Andrea slaps a palm across her mouth. “I’m really going to lose our bet!” She doesn’t sound the least bit upset about it, though. I think she wants me to win.

“Oh, you’ll lose, but it won’t be because of Jax.” I gently flick her arm. “It’s not that serious between us, and definitely not serious enough to ask him to be my plus one to your wedding party.”

She raises her hands. “I got it. No strings attached sounds perfect for you at the moment.”

“It’s what I need. A distraction. Fun. And Jax understands me in a way Mike never did. I told him about my fantasies, but he didn’t judge me. He said they are natural and harmless, and that felt incredibly good to hear.”

“I’m so happy for you.” Andrea beams a smile, eyes sparkling.

She’s about to say more when the door opens and her fiancé walks inside.

Steve carries a massive stack of rolled up papers under his arm, almost dropping them when he waves at us from the entrance.

Andrea laughs affectionately and blows him a kiss.

“I have to get going,” she says and gets up.

“I promised Steve that we’d drive home together when he’s finished working.

Since he signed a contract to design energy efficient office buildings for some huge software company, he’s been doing lots of overtime.

” She gathers her bag from the bar counter and slings it over her shoulder.

“But we can use the extra money. Building our own house isn’t cheap. ”

I go in for a hug, squeezing her. “Thank you for listening to my ramblings.”

“Anytime, Hails. Do you have a ride home?”

“I’m parked behind the bar.”

“If you want, we could walk you to your car? I remember that it’s pretty dark out there.”

“I’m good. You two get going. Thanks, though.”

Andrea turns to leave when she pauses, frowning at me. “Oh, one last thing. Are you being safe with Jax? The Eyesnatcher proves that there are some real perverts out there waiting to get their hands on a gorgeous woman.”

“I’m being safe,” I say confidently, but my heart dips.

At least I think I’m safe. Jax’s big talk about a surprise this week didn’t amount to anything, calming my fears he might go too far and visit me. I’m a tiny bit disappointed, too, but I won’t press him about it. We agreed to have no expectations.

Andrea walks toward Steve, waving at me. “Don’t forget to call me on Friday!”

“I’d never.”

Andrea kisses Steve and he blushes. He’s still crazy about her as if every kiss and every touch is the first. They waited to get married until Steve’s career took off and Andrea felt ready to start a family, but these two are the same giddy lovebirds they were when they met.

That’s true love .

My chest pinches as they leave arm in arm. I’m genuinely happy for her, but I can’t help being jealous, too.

Why couldn’t I get so lucky with my marriage?

I sigh, leaving the money for my mocktails and a tip on the counter before I grab my bag. The bartender gives me a tight-lipped smile as I trudge to the back exit.

I have a long drive home ahead of me… and plenty of time to ponder my misery in sober silence.