Page 54 of Off the Wall

“Better at what?”

“Not engaging.”

Nori lets out a tiny snort. “Is there a bunch of social media revolving around surgical sales I don’t know about?”

Good point. And I can’t clarify what I meant without dredging up my past. So I turn my attention to Ben, who’s coming over with a couple of bags full of bakery boxes. Perfect timing. “Thanks, man.” I force my face into a smile. “I’d better get this stuff to the hospital.”

“Hold on.” Nori takes what’s left of the latte she made me and pours it into a to-go cup. Then she draws a smiley face on it. “Here.” She hands the cup back over. “Hope you have a good day.”

“I’ll try. Thanks.”

I’d like to tell her I hope she has a good date.

But I can’t.

Twelve hours later, I’m too amped to sleep, which is the last thing I need after a long work week. So I head to the courtyard, hoping the cool air will help me unwind.

Don’t be jealous of my wild Saturday night.

A lounge chair in the darkest corner has my name written all over it. I’m not looking to socialize. I’d probably be out of sight either way, but luckily, the place is deserted. An almost-full moon hangs like the world’s largest baseball in the sky. I release a long breath, preparing to relax. But despite the hot shower I took and the sweats I slipped on, my body’s tense. Throat tight. Shoulders stiff. I’m in fight-or-flight mode.

And I only have myself to blame.

Why? Because I spent all day on Swipe Rite’s various social media platforms poring over every post featuring Nori. They’ve had someone planted everywhere she’s gone, getting shots, taking footage, then uploading everything with catchy captions. I don’t know much about marketing or promotions, but the number of comments and shares this stuff gets seems … high.

Man, I wish I didn’t care.

But I absolutely cannot look away. Whoever chose Nori for this campaign was brilliant. There’s just something about her that draws you in, makes you want to know her, tempts you into thinking you already do. For one thing, she’s undeniably beautiful. But she’s also silly sometimes. Fun. Willing to try anything. Nori Sinclair is the girl next door you believe you could totally date.

And yeah.

The irony isn’t lost on me that she practically does live next door to me.

I scrutinized all the posts multiple times, searching for the moments when her true feelings sneak through. I triedcatching something in each picture. Every video. A flash behind her eyes. A dip in her smile. And whenever I failed to find a clue right away, my gut tightened. To be clear, I’m in no position to be in a relationship with Nori. I just don’t want her to be in a relationship with anyone else.

Does that make me selfish?

I’m sure it does.

But I can’t help thinking these guys aren’t good enough for her. Nori deserves a man who wants to be there for her fully, not someone randomly matched with her by a dating app.

Too bad you’ve got no right to an opinion about that.You’ve got one foot out the door. Your sights are set on Los Angeles. You’re not good enough for Nori either.

My jaw clenches.

I need to stop arguing with myself.

This has been happening a lot. Ever since Nori showed me her vulnerable side. Not the part of her that tries not to need anyone. The side where she actually lets me help. She also makes me smile. And laugh. I feel warm and safe around her. I just want her to feel warm and safe too. So I hate the thought that Swipe Rite’s planning a not-so-great date for her soon.

I’ve got no reason to think they won’t take care of her. Nori says they vet all the men they match her with. Still. They won’t be matching her with me.

And that puts a twist in my gut I just can’t shake.

I blow out a long breath, and—against my better judgment—I check Instagram one more time. I need to see if Swipe Rite’s uploaded any new posts for the night.

What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment. And apparently Nori’s being punished too.

Because from the looks of the latest video, her not-so-great date is Warren Snuze.

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