Page 41 of Use Me

I hesitated for a beat, but then just went for it. “I’m free on Saturday.”

“Saturday it is.”

“Perfect. Where were you thinking?”

“Ever been to the Signature Room?”

I hadn’t but had always wanted to go. The restaurant was on the ninety-fifth floor of the John Hancock Building. “I haven’t, but I heard the view is amazing.”

“And the food.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you there.”

“Aren’t I supposed to pick you up?”

I wasn’t letting a stranger know my address. Maybe it would be different if he didn’t know who I was or if I weren’t on TV, but I had to take precautions when I could, and that was why I gave Philip my office number.

“Maybe on the third date,” I teased.

“Oh, so there will be two more dates?”

I chuckled. “If date one goes well.”

“No pressure.”

“None at all,” I affirmed.

Watching Rhys talk about hockey was like staring at a pair of shoes in a store window. They were beautiful and exciting, but you couldn’t touch them.

I wanted to touch him.

A feeling of sadness fell over me as I watched his broadcast while I lay in bed. Why couldn’t Rhys be the one who wanted to take me out? I’d even settle for another date on a booze cruise. But he wasn’t ready, so I fell asleep with Rhys talking in the background about shots on goal and power plays.

I hadn’t seen Rhys all week. I knew he was busy, and so was I, but for the past four weeks we’d at least seen each other—well, went back to my place. However, it seemed as though once I told him I had a date, he stopped talking to me. The day after Philip called me, I’d texted Rhys with the news. Maybe that was my mistake, but I thought we were only friends with benefits. I didn’t expect him to stop talking to me.

Me: So … I have a date on Saturday.

Thirty minutes later, he texted me back.

Rhys: I have a game.

Me: He’s taking me to The Signature Room. Have you been before?

There was another lapse in time between texts. This time only five minutes.

Rhys: Once. Took Bridgette there for our anniversary last year.

I stared at his reply. Even though I was going with another guy to the restaurant, I was instantly jealous as I read the words.

Me: Do you recommend anything? I’ve never been.

Rhys: Well, since you’re going with another dude, get the center cut.

I smiled as I texted back.

Me: Is that the most expensive thing on the menu?

Rhys: Well, the seafood tower is, I think. But I don’t think you can eat that by yourself.