Page 45 of Just Say Yes

Annie only winked and bumped her shoulder to mine. “All right, let’s go.”

I swallowed the last bit of my peppermint tea. “Go? Where to?”

Her hand slapped the white countertop as she hopped down from her stool. “I’m kidnapping you.”

I shook my head. Annie was always full of mischief. “Kidnapping me?”

She stood and tucked in the stool. “Yes, I’m kidnapping you. Lee is finishing up his shift at the fire station. And you already said you weren’t working today.”

I looked at my empty cup. “Don’tyouhave a job?” I teased, hoping she wouldn’t pick up on the fact I was still in the middle of a self-pity party.

Annie folded her arms. “I’m an artist and an entrepreneur. I make my own hours. Plus, my muse is a fickle bitch, and right now she’s telling me that my next art project isyou.”

My face twisted. “Me?”

Annie grinned and flipped her curly red hair over one shoulder. “Okay, in fairness, I did watchThe Princess Diarieslast night.” She exhaled a wistful sigh. “It has an incredible makeover scene, and I am dying to re-create it.”

I fought a smile. “And you didn’t think to make over yourself?”

She blew a raspberry with her lips. “Myself? Well, that’s no fun.” Annie’s lips rolled as excitement buzzed through her body.

My eyes narrowed on my friend. “There’s something else, isn’t there?”

Annie squealed like whatever secret she was keeping came clawing out of her. “Okay, fine. I was also hoping you might go on a double date with Lee and me.”

“A double date?” My eyes widened.

Logan’s handsome face flashed in my mind. Sure, I was itching to try on this new bad-girl persona, and we’d agreed tojust friends... but I also had zero desire to get set up with another man right now.

I shook my head. “No way, not a chance, Annie. I know all about the blind dates you set Lee up on.”

Annie tossed her head back and cackled. “This is totally different. Kenny is a fun guy. I actually want you to be happy.”

I pouted at the insinuation. “I am happy,” I countered.

Right?

It wasn’t really a lie. I mean, I wasmostlyhappy.

Annie was practically dancing out of her skin.

I exhaled. “There’s no way I’m getting out of this, is there?”

Annie’s lips folded in as she shook her head. “Nope.”

I tilted my face to the ceiling and let out an audible groan before looking down at my crew neck sweatshirt and jeans.

“And what’s wrong with dating me just the way I am?” I asked.

Annie grinned, probably because she knew I was seconds away from caving. “Absolutely nothing. I’m just also looking for an excuse to go shopping. It’s a win-win.”

Annie’s blue eyes went big and round. “Please,” she pleaded.

Agreeing would make Annie happy, and that tugged at me.

It’s one stupid date. It doesn’t have to mean anything other than a night out of the house.

I huffed and held up one finger. “Fine.Onedinner.”

---