Page 149 of Just for the Plot

“Huh.” He scratches his cheek. “Do you read?”

“I do.” I nod, finding so much humor in this interaction. “Do you not read?”

“Sweetheart, I can’t tell you the last time I even picked up a book that was not a playbook. Not even sure I can read at this point.”

“You can read.”

He shakes his head. “Doubtful. I don’t think I have the attention span to be able to complete a book.”

“It does require attention to be able to finish one.”

“The only reason I haven’t drifted off during this conversation is because, well, for one, you taught me about mini trucks, and two, you’re hot to look at.”

I smirk. “Well, I’m flattered that my hotness can keep your attention.”

He tips his drink toward me and says, “You’re welcome.”

Unbeknownst to me, this is kind of what I needed. A mindlessconversation with a guy who just might have more interest in what he looks like in the mirror than the words on pages in a book.

And I’m grateful for this little encounter. I needed to smile.

I now understand why there haven’t been chills or goose bumps whenever I’ve been around Cougar, though. Is he still hot as hell? Yes. But do I want more substance in a man that Cougar just doesn’t have? Also yes. I’ve made a friend, and I’m okay with that.

He takes a look at his phone and mutters, “Shit. I have to go. Same time, same place tomorrow?” He stands. “Maybe I can help you pick out the colors for your mini truck while I convince you to come to one of my games.”

“You can try to convince all you want, not saying it’s going to happen.”

“Can I at least convince you to go with the Foghorn colors? That would be a sharp fucking truck.”

“I was thinking more on the pink side.”

“Should I convince the Foghorns to change their colors then to match your truck?”

“I’d love to see you try.”

He winks. “If anyone can do it, it’s me. See you tomorrow, sweetheart.”

Then he takes off and for a moment, I can’t help but wonder, did I just agree to another date with Cougar?

Bennett:How was your day?

I stare down at his text for the fifth time, knowing I need to answer. I promised him I wouldn’t shy away, push away, flat-out disappear, but God, wouldn’t that be easy?

It would be painful, quite sure my body would hate me, but the mind and heart would appreciate such a move.

Then again, I can’t be that person.

Gabby would hate me even more if I didn’t treat her brother with all the respect he deserves.

So I take a seat on my couch and let out a deep breath as I text him back.

Bower:Pretty decent, how about yours?

Sure, it’s a lie, but telling him that I cried three times because I’m so confused by my thoughts and feelings doesn’t really seem like a great opening line.

Instead of texting back, though, he calls.

Of course he would. He always does.