Page 22 of The Overdue Kiss

The urge to socialize evaporates the longer he talks. Apparently, today is some radiothon event where he’s going to be popping on all evening to raise donations for a local charity. How freaking wonderful. Even on a work trip he haunts me.

Irritation churns in me. A mixture of frustration and disappointment that he still has this power over me. Why can’t I delete him from my life as easily as I did his number from my phone?

I should probably just bail on this whole thing. Make up an excuse and escape before anyone arrives.

Debating, I tear up my straw wrapper and search for the nearest exit through the crowd that will draw the least attention. For a Monday night, this place is packed with patrons.

“Hey.”

White wrapper bits go flying as Des slides into the open seat next to me. He’s barely holding back his grin as he dusts the pieces from his leather biker jacket.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone so happy to see me before that they threw confetti,” he jokes.

This day won’t stop torturing me.

“I wasn’t expecting a sneak attack from behind.”

He tilts his head. “Sneak attack? I believe I said ‘hey’ first to get your attention. What are you looking at over there?”

“The exit. I was actually thinking of leaving.”

Disappointment washes over his features, his wide shoulders drooping. “Why? You just got here.”

“It’s a silly reason...” I fidget, turning away from him as I internally debate how much backstory I can share without sounding like a loon.

He drums his fingers thoughtfully on the table. “You can be honest. Did you change your mind? I can leave if you’re feeling uncomfortable.”

“What?” I spin to him, sickened that he would think that. Placing a hand on his arm, I yank him back into his seat. His silver eyes hold mine, a hint of sadness glinting in them that has me fighting my instincts to gather him up in a comforting hug. “You are the only reason I’m still sitting here and haven’t dashed out the door.”

“Really?”

The surprise in his tone solidifies my decision to stay. “Of course.”

Felipe’s nasally laughter echoes overtop the bar conversations, and I glance at the ceiling wishing he would just leave me alone.

“What is it? I don’t care if it’s silly,” Des asks, leaning in.

I scrunch my nose, knowing what I’m about to say might make me sound crazy. “It’s the radio station. My ex-boyfriend is one of the co-hosts of the morning show. Unfortunately for me, he’ll be on the air all evening with the charity event.”

“You dated Felipe from KOSI 101.1?” He glances at the ceiling now, listening to his charismatic banter before the next song starts. “He’s obviously an idiot.”

A warm blush settles over me, and we lock eyes. There’s something about his stare. Like he’s one of those superheroes that can see through my layers, exposing the real me hidden underneath. In his gaze, I feel beautiful and nothing like the forgotten leftovers Felipe made me believe I was.

“Now you have to tell me something embarrassing about yourself. We need to be even.” I smile and rest my chin on my fist to wait.

“Oh, is that how this works?”

I nod.

“Well, uh, I’m sure Reese could tell you a dozen.”

“I don’t want to hear it from her. I admitted mine, now it’s your turn. Tit for tat.”

He leans back as he thinks, and the air between us chills with the added space. We must have been closer than I thought.

“Before I had my motorcycle, I rode a dirt bike around town. It was pretty loud and everyone complained. Everyone in our biker group?—‍”

“Hold up. You’re in a biker gang?”

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