Page 103 of Just for the Plot

I had to pick up some sort of silver platter that I was told would be perfect. Looks like a useless piece of serveware, but what do I know?

I said bye to Gabby yesterday. She was suffering just as much as me after our night of drinking, but she also had a huge smile on her face and I knew exactly why. Of course, that made me jealous all over again.

Either way, it was good to see her and Ryland and remind myself that I’m looking for something like they have.

This is why I’m attempting another date with Cougar.

I check my phone for the time, just as my phone buzzes with another text from Bennett.

My stomach flips for a moment as his name reminds me of how we cuddled the other night.

Sure, I was drunk.

Sure, I probably should have gone to my apartment.

But there was so much comfort in having him there, and well, we’re friends. Friends cuddle, right?

Close friends, at least, and that’s what we are. We’re very close.

Bennett:Did you see Gretchen’s email?

Bower:No, am I going to be upset?

I’m about to go check, but he calls instead. Damn Brinkmans always call.

“What did I tell you about calling?” I answer playfully.

“And what did I say about hearing your voice?”

“When you put it like that…what’s up?”

“She named the book club and started social media for us, as well as posted a graphic.”

I startle to attention. “Wait, seriously? What’s the name? Is it lame? Is it Kim Halpert’s Book Club?”

“It’s Books with Bombers,” he says flatly.

“Ugh, I hate that. That makes it seem like it’s your whole team. Is it your whole team?”

“As far as I know, it’s just me.”

“Why would she do that?”

“According to the email, we were taking too long on a name and she took matters into her own hands. She also announced what book we’re reading.”

“She did not!” I gasp. “How dare she. This was our thing, not hers. What book did she pick?”

“The baseball romance I already read.”

I bring my hand to my chest. “Well, thank God for that. Still, I think I might type her back and scold her for such brazen behavior.”

“Good luck. She’s fucking brutal, so I don’t think she will give a damn.”

“Yeah, and I don’t think I have it in me to actually scold.”

He chuckles, the sound so deep and rumbly. “All bark, no bite?”

“Precisely,” I answer just as Cougar walks into the restaurant wearing his workout gear and a backward hat. Although, his hat makes him look like he has a bit of a pickle head. He can’t rock it like Bennett.