Page 29 of Falling for You

“You’re nasty.”

“Oh please. I’m honest. There’s a difference.”

“Whatever. I’m not helping you anymore.”

I grin, scratch my scruff. “Yeah you are because you won’t be able to stop yourself.”

Not positive but I think I hear her growl. IknowI hear her huff in annoyance.

“Fine. FINE! Let me call you right back, though, to give you all the advice because I’ve gotta pee.”

I bark out a laugh. “Pardon?”

“You heard me. I’m pregnant and the baby is resting on my bladder, Rex, so unless you want to talk to me while I pee, I’m going to have to call you back.”

Shocked by her honesty, I grunt in agreement and she quickly hits end. I chuckle and shake my head, grab a glass of water and eat a mini Reece’s peanut butter cup that I keep in a bowl on my kitchen counter at all times while I wait for her to call me back. My sweet tooth is ridiculous, and one of the reasons why I work out daily.

It only takes a few minutes before my phone is ringing again.

“Did you wash your hands?”

“Obviously. I’m not an animal.”

“Feel better?”

“So much. Thanks for asking. Here’s the deal, okay? You and this girl who has you all tangled up in your thoughts are going on a date. That’s amazing, Rex. Truly. Because I know that it’s a big deal for you. I don’t even want to ask when the last time you went on a date was.”Does sharing dessert at Balance count?“Knowing that, go easy on yourself tonight. Casual. If you try too hard, she’ll know it and you’ll be uncomfortable.”

I think for a few seconds, realizing she’s absolutely right. Besides, Chloe doesn’t seem like the “take me out to a fancy dinner on Monday night” type. I don’t know how I know this about her when we’ve only just met, but I do. “Pizza? Chinese? Something like that?”

“Exactly.”

I blow out a relieved breath. “I can do that.”

“Stop stressing and think about it as dinner with a friend. Oh! Oh! Do you want Eth and I to join you? We can double date!” I swear she’d probably be jumping up and down and clapping her hands if we weren’t on the phone. She’s so excited at the prospect of going on a double date Ialmostfeel bad for turning her down flat.

“How about we get through the first date and see how things go from there?” I suggest.

“Oh fine. You big party pooper. But if this thing sticks, we’re definitely doing that some time.”

“Sticks,” I snort.

“What?”

“You said if this thing sticks… trust me, my thing sticks.”

She makes a gagging sound again. “Oh my gosh, Rex! Gross! You’re so immature.”

“Ha ha. Yet, you still find me endearing and love me just a little.”

“Whatever you want to tell yourself,” she murmurs.

“Ouch.”

A few beats of quiet before I hear sniffling and… “Rex? I’m really happy for you.”

“Are you crying?”

“Leave me alone! I’m pregnant and can’t help it!” she cries out.

---