Page 24 of 28 Dates

I turn back to the counter and flip the water off. Like I want Jonas to see how embarrassed I am. Or to see him at all. Not now.

“Sara came and got me. Said the date didn’t go well.”

I huff. My eyes are wild, my skin is pale, and my hair that had been cutely curled is suddenly a frazzled mess. I look terrified. And nasty.

“It didn’t even start.” I dig into my purse for my lip balm. Brushing it on, I dig back into my massive black slouch bag, fiddling for my lotion. Washing my hands in public restrooms leaves my hands feeling like I’ve just scraped off a layer of skin.

I’m prevented from finding my favorite peaches and cream lotion when Jonas settles his hand on my wrist and tugs. “What happened?”

“Just a liar. Whatever. It’s no big deal.”

In the mirror’s reflection, he hasn’t moved his eyes from my face. In fact, Jonas is studying me a bit too seriously. Too closely. “Then why do you look like you want to cry? Did you like the guy?”

If I’m not mistaken, he struggles with that last question.

He has that body and smile and sweetness about him that’ve always made my heart skip a beat. Even now, being upset, Jonas close to me still warms me far better than a cup of hot water and lemon.

Stop thinking about him!

“No. But let’s just say he’s not exactly the same person I thought I was meeting, either.”

“Ah.” He nods and finally pulls his hand back from mine. “That sucks.”

Monumentally. And I don’t want to know about Ashley. I really don’t.

I don’t even want to ask. But why didn’t he tell me?

“How’s Ashley?”

His lips tighten, and he shrugs, crossing his arms over his chest. There’s a distance in that question, and I definitely shouldn’t have asked. Still, curiosity killed Caitlin and all that. “All right, I guess.”

He’s lying. Tears burn all over again, and I turn back to my purse. Focusing on it intently. What am I looking for? Lotion? A new life?

“That’s nice.” I finally find my lotion and pull it out. I hurry through the motions, surprised Jonas doesn’t have much else to say. What else is there to say?

So, hey, I know you’re lying about having a girlfriend, and that’s cool. Want to go hang out?

God, I could kick myself.

This stupid dating experience I didn’t even want to do is making me feel worse and more confused than I was two weeks ago. If this is the journey it takes to find a forever—which I don’t even want—then count me out.

I slide my coat on and fixate on the buttons. “I should go.”

“Watch a movie with me tonight.”

My fingers stall on a button. It takes effort to lift my head. “What?”

“It’s Monday, and it’ll be slow. You’ve had a shit day. Let me come over and hang out with a friend. That’s all.” He shrugs.

Wow. He shows no emotion, no more than Trey would if he were to ask the same question. Except Trey would just show up at my apartment with a six-pack of beer and help himself to my remote without texting or calling first. I know this because it’s exactly what he does at least twice a month.

On top of just outright lying to me, this hurts. Jonas has never shown a lack of emotion or anything when he wants to get together. Not with me. Of course, that was just for sex, and this…I don’t even know what this offer is. But I do know there’s no way I can be around him alone when I’m feeling all out of sorts.

“No thanks,” I mutter. I can’t even smile at him. Or look at him. All of this is soweirdit’s leaving me rattled. I fling my purse straps over my shoulder and walk around him. “I should probably get going.”

He nods like he expected my answer. There’s nothing in his expression that shows me he’s hurt. And why is the idea of himnotcaring about me outside of being friends, suddenly more painful than if he did? Good Lord. I need a nap. And a drink. Possibly a therapist.

Chapter 9

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