Page 26 of Please Don't Leave Me

“I meantafter,but that would be sexy, too.”

I roll my eyes at her. “We didn’t talk about hanging out after. We just planned to meet there at 2:00.”

“Invite him over after.”

“Let’s take this one step at a time. What if I don’t like him in person?”

“Who said you had to like him to fuck him? I mean, did you forget about Darrah.”

“Yeah, because that went soooo well.”

She’s off-screen at the moment, but I can hear her cackling in the distance. “You got me there.”

I’ve been waiting for her to come back so I can show her the outfit I picked. “What do you think?”

“I was ready to shut down your first pick, but honestly, Lou, you look damn good! I’ve taught you well.”

“Sure, take all the credit, you brat.”

“Love you!” She blows me a kiss through the phone.

“Alright, I have to go. Have fun at your work dinner.”

“I will! There’s this really cute blonde on their marketing team. I’m going to convince her to take me clubbing after.”

“Good luck.”

“Honey, I don’t need luck tonight; you do.”

She’s right. I really need all the luck I can get. I’ve never gone on a date with someone I met online, and I’ve heard such horror stories. My nerves are through the roof. But if he’s the same way in person as he is online, I think we’ll have a good time. If anything, he may just end up being another friend, which is always good to have.

Chapter Nine

LOUISA

I pull into the parking lot of Penelope’s Apple Orchard. It was a 30-minute drive from my apartment, giving me plenty of time to freak out. I almost turned around three times, but my curiosity about this man kept me driving.

Sam and I finally exchanged cell phone numbers. It’s been a lot easier than messaging on the app. I was tired of getting notifications from other guys and getting my hopes up that it was Sam.

Lou

Just got here. I’m the brunette standing by the entrance.

Sam

Be right there. I’ll be the guy looking for the cute brunette.

My heart races, and even though it’s a crisp fall day, I’m starting to sweat. Shit, there he is! Breathe, Lou. As soon as he spots me, a big smile stretches across his face.

“Hey, Lou.”

“Hi, Sam.”

As he walks up to me, he stretches out his arms and wraps me in a hug. I’m completely swallowed up by this man. And god, he smells so good. His grip on me loosens, and I step back, taking in the sight before me. How is he even hotter in person?

He’s wearing a green long-sleeve shirt and over it a lightweight wool jacket in a tan color. His dark jeans hug his muscular thighs. And his stylish white sneakers round out the outfit to make him look like an Abercrombie model.

“Thank you for not being a catfish.”

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