Page 42 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

He punches me in the arm, and teases, “Like joining the love club.”

“I’m not in love, Cade.” Even though we’re joking around, I don’t know why his words hit close to home. My neck is itchyunder the collar, so I pull at it.Ah, fuck it.I tug my tie loose and undo my top button. “And I’m definitely not in the club.”

“It’s good in the club. The club serves tacos every Tuesday. Do you get tacos every Tuesday?”

“I don’t want tacos every Tuesday. I had them on Monday, and I’m pretty fucking sure they taste the same.”

“Sex whenever you want it.”

I cock an eyebrow for two reasons.One—I don’t want to hear about him getting sex. It’s just a reminder of how long it’s been for me. Not long for some, but for me, too long.Two—I know for a fact he doesn’t get it whenever he wants it. Cammie is in control of that relationship hands down. “You’re reaching.”

“Very funny,” he replies humorlessly.

Shrugging with a smirk, I say, “I have my moments.” Moving around the car, I lean against it. “As entertaining as this has been, I need to get back. I have work to do before tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“A guy who gets tacos every Tuesday and copious amounts of sex shouldn’t be interested in my boring life as a bachelor.”

Cade pulls a face, rolling his eyes. “C’mon, Rad. If you’re not fessing up about who you love, tell me you’re finally calling that fitness model back. Just one more night living the life?—”

“Vicariously?”

“Nah. You just seem like you need to get laid.”

He’s probably right. My dick is messing with my head. I’m about to get in the car, but add, “And stop saying I’m in love. It could ruin my reputation.”

“And make people think you have a heart? Don’t worry, you picked the right profession to throw ’em off the scent.”

“Look who the funny guy is now.”

“Back to the fitness model. Angela?” I nod, letting him have his fun. “She’s no Cammie, but damn, dude, she’s worth a callback. If you’re not calling her tonight, who are you calling,or should I say falling for?” I should have known I’d get interrogated. Even a hint of blood in the water summons the sharks.

“I’m not going out, calling, or falling, asshole. I want to help Tealey settle in. It’s her first night at the apartment.”

“Way to let a guy down. I thought I was going to get some juicy details.” He opens the door to the car. “Not that Tealey’s disappointing, but you know what I mean. She’s . . . just Tealey.”

“Yeah. Just Tealey.” My throat thickens, the words leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Getting in his car, he starts it and rolls down the windows. “When you’re ready for your second session, give me a text.”

“Yeah. Yeah.” I open the car door. “Any words of wisdom before I go?”

“You’re asking a guy who’s getting married soon. I’m smack dab in the middle of mixed-up emotions and taco Tuesdays.” I imagine that wasn’t the dream he had growing up.

“So no second thoughts?”

Cade shakes his head, his hands gripping the wheel. “Nope. I have it good, and I know it. I’m not going to lose it.”

“Cammie’s a catch.”

“She is.” Leaning over the console, he eyes me through the passenger side of his vehicle. “If you’re not going to tell me who the unlucky lady is, then the next time you need advice?—”

“I’ll go to Jackson.”

Shooting me the bird, he laughs. “Probably best.”

Chuckling, I say, “The city beckons.”

---