Page 30 of The Wrong Date Deal

August laughed. “There are bigger questions if your ass looks like the outside of a dragon fruit.”

“Fair point.” Piper giggled. “So, how’s it going with you?”

“What—dating?”

“Sure. You know, that, life, whatever?”

“Well, in the twelve hours since I last spoke to you,” she said, amused, “I’ve had three more women like my profile, but not one message.”

“Yeah, I learned to get comfortable, really quickly, with making the first move, especially when it was a woman. We’re not exactly taught that’s an okay thing for us to do.”

“I know. I can’t believe not one of them has asked me to lick their ass.”

“Oh, just give it time.”

“Can’t wait.”

She laughed. “Somehow, if you message the women in question, I’m certain they won’t lead with that.”

“Yeah, we can hope. Although, maybe I should make it my opening line. If that doesn’t scare them off, maybe that’s a sign they’re a keeper.”

“I think, if you don’t have the fuzz to follow through with, that might be a waste of a question. They probably just end up disappointed.”

“Ah. Do you think?”

“Mm, a little.”

August laughed. “Cool. So, I’ll try something else then.”

“Probably for the best.” Piper stopped outside the art gallery where she was meeting her friends, ducking under an awning to avoid any further rain that might surprise her. “And how’s Ford doing?”

August sighed. “Eh. He’s okay. Better than yesterday, for sure.”

“That’s good. Though, I’m sure having a caring sister ensure you’re eating regular meals and getting some actual sleep helps loads.”

“I’m doing what I can. It is still just a couch he’s stuck sleeping on. Pull-out or not, a couch is still a couch.”

“Better than a table.”

“You’re not wrong there.”

“Although, to be fair, I don’t think I’ve ever slept on a table, so I guess I can’t vouch for their comfort levels.”

August laughed. “You know, same. I’ve done other things on a table, but never slept there.”

Piper’s eyebrows shot up and she smirked. “Have you indeed?”

“Maybe I’ll tell you about it another time,” she replied, laughing.

“I can’t wait to hear that whole story.”

“I’m sure you can’t.” The roll of her eyes was practically audible.

Piper laughed. “Either way, I’m still betting your couch is better than barely sleeping for a week.”

“Yeah, I can’t argue that. He’s back at work tonight, though, so hopefully he’ll still be okay tomorrow.”

“He’s fed, rested, and, I assume, coming home to your place again. I think he’ll be okay. And I’m sure he’s grateful.”

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