Page 27 of Hooked
“Yeah, that definitely helps with Saturday traffic.”
Ox smiled. “So what do you have planned for the big date?”
“Not saying a word.”
“Fair enough.” He glanced up from the sink. “You know she’s a girly-girl, right?”
“Since I’ve spent more than five minutes with her, yeah. I know. As long as she’s not wearing heels, she’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” Ox offered Jeremy his knuckles. “Good luck, man. I’ve gotten attached to the girl. She’s hilarious. And on a pure self-interest level, Emmie’ll be a mess if she leaves.”
Jeremy took a deep breath. “I’m not thinking about that right now.”
“Probably a good idea.”
Jeremy turned when he heard the door to the back hall open. The hall that led to the upstairs apartment Emmie and Tayla shared. Emmie walked out and over to Ox.
“Hey, Jeremy. She’ll be down in a sec.”
“Hi.” A wide smile crossed Ox’s face. “Missed you.”
“I was upstairs half an hour at most.”
“Yeah. And I missed you.” He kissed her quickly. “I got another client coming in ten.”
“Want a coffee?”
“Sounds good.”
I want that.Jeremy watched Ox and Emmie with no small amount of envy. He wasn’t made for playing the field. He’d tried dating around in Los Angeles, and it had left him feeling empty. He wanted a relationship. A partner. If that made him uncool, he was fine with that.
The door closed and Jeremy turned.
Tayla walked out, wearing dark ripped jeans, a bright yellow top, and a green canvas jacket that showed off her waist. The jeans hugged the curves of her ass and legs—she had great legs—and a pair of checked canvas flats completed the look. Her brown hair was pulled into two braided buns, and she carried a flowered backpack.
The girl would look adorable in a paper bag, but Jeremy had never even caught a hair out of place.
“Damn, Miss McKinnon.” He walked over to her. “How do you always look perfect?”
Tayla’s cheeks pinked just a little. She turned her cheek and Jeremy planted a kiss. “Since my date was being so mysterious, I figured I better be prepared for anything. There’s even a first aid kit in my backpack.”
He looked her up and down again, just to appreciate. “Does your first aid kit have anything for the heart attack you’re giving me with this look?”
“You gonna tell me where we’re going?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Sorry. You don’t get into my first aid kit until I know where we’re going.”
Ox muttered, “A first aid kit? Is that what the kids are calling it now?”
Emmie punched his arm and walked toward the door. “I’m going down to Café Maya. Have fun, you guys.”
Jeremy held out his hand and reached for the backpack, which Tayla handed over. He slung it over his shoulder and wove their fingers together as he led her toward the door, thrilling at the feeling of her hand in his. “See you, guys.”
“Bye, Ox!” Tayla looked happy, but there was an evil glint in her eye.
Perfect.
