Page 96 of Never Say Never
“So stay cute, you’re saying.”
“You’re always cute,” she replies. “I’m not.”
“What do you mean? You’re hot all the time.” Whoops, maybe I shouldn’t have said that out loud.
“I have one of those faces.”
“What do you mean?” I repeat.
“RBF. Resting bitch face. Only I can look mad when I’m talking too, not just resting. If I’m not pushing a full grin on my face, photos come off like I’m angry, or grouchy, or whatever.”
“Oh. I never noticed.”
“Well, you’re the one who’s actually talking to me, so you know I’m just being normal.”
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
There’s a pause in the conversation and when I look over at her, her face looks slightly flushed. She catches me and gives me a fresh smile.
“Always hot, huh?” she asks, a trace of curiosity in her voice. Is she fishing for a compliment? Because I’m happy to provide one.
“Yes, you know that, right? At least to me.”
She studies me a bit longer and then turns away, sucking in her cheeks before continuing.
“Look, Rawley, just to get it on record…” Oh shit, this is going to be about thething. “I…about last week, I’m still in. As long as you’re still all right with the ground rules, of course. No other women, yes?”
“Yeah, one hundred percent agreed. I have no interest.”
“I believe you. Okay, I’ll suspend my rule for you.”
Thank fuck for that.
“A bet is a bet, yeah?” I mean it as a joke, but my words come out sounding nervous. I should probably just keep my mouth shut when this gorgeous woman is saying she wants me.
“But it’s just physical, okay? No feelings, just fun?”
The answer is automatic. I’m not fucking this up.
“Sure. Yes.”
She lets out a breath. “Good.”
I don’t know if she’s ready to move on, so I stay silent. She does too, though and after a minute, I decide to bring the conversation to a lighter subject.
“So, tell me about your bowling experience. You have any skills?”
“Do seven-year-old birthday parties count?” she asks.
“Oh, I’m liking my chances today.”
“I guess I need to throw you a bone once in a while.”
I tilt my head toward her, and this time it’s my eyebrow that’s raised.
“Keep your eyes on the road, Rawley,” she says, humor in her voice. “Guys are so ridiculous,” she adds under her breath.
We’re finally at the bowling alley, and I get us parked.
