Page 35 of Hard To Stay

“Gage, it doesn’t matter how good you think I smell, I’m not sleeping with you tonight. Or ever!”

He paused for a moment, then rested his hands on my shoulders. His thumb intentionally grazed the exposed skin from my shoulder blade to my neck. “I was just being honest about what I wanted. I wasn’t trying to offend you.”

I tilted my head to the side and took a moment to study him. I suppose if I was willing to look long and hard enough I might have found some redeeming qualities in him, but I honestly didn’t have the desire to even try. I forced a smile. “Thank you for dinner. It was a nice restaurant.”

He gazed down at me. “I know I came on a little strong tonight, but I hope you’ll give me another chance. We could be really good together.”

I backed away from him just as he was about to kiss me. “I’ll see you around, Gage.”

As soon as the door to my apartment slammed shut, I leaned my body against the back and sighed. How the hell did I think going on a date with him would be a good idea? I pulled off my heels and rubbed the arch of my foot. I walked into my bedroom trying not to let the disappointment of my failed date get the best of me. It wasn’t that Gage was horrible person. He just wasn’t for me. There were a few times where he was actually funny and charming, but they weren’t all that frequent. I slid the silver bangles off my wrist and pulled my earrings out of my ears. I was startled by the loud knock on my apartment door.

I turned, thinking to myself that this guy was thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. Forget what I said earlier because he just switched from entertaining to exhausting. He clearly didn’t know how to take a hint. I reluctantly made my way over to the door and swung it open.

My heart skittered back to life at the sight of Brad standing in my doorway.

---