Page 50 of The Problem with Princes
“Yuck. That sounds disgusting.”
I frown, pulling at a string on the edge of the towel. “It isn’t gross at all. It’s actually delicious.”
“Okay. So you ate ice cream. I bet you looked at each other’s lips a lot. Did it lead to any kissing?”
I can picture Texie with her dreamy-eyed look as she imagines Ty and me lip locking over ice cream.
“Ugh. No. That would be so gross. Dairy kissing? No thanks.” I prop my chin up with my hand. “We did play a game of MASH, though. Which was totally awkward and weird.”
“Wait, like the MASH we played in elementary school?”
I nod. “Yep.”
I can hear the confusion in her voice. “How did that happen? I can’t even imagine how that game came up.”
I tell her about his beautiful car and the offhanded comment I had made about Jags.
“Wow. You should probably filter what you say to him.”She’s right, and I know she’s right. Which is probably why I’m annoyed with her.
“I only brought it up as a way to tell him how much I liked his car, not to act as a plea to play the stupid game.”
Her voice changes, hitching up slightly. “What were the girls’ names that he gave you?”
Of course she asks about that. “Why do you care? It’s not like you know any of them.”
“Did he at least put your name on the list?” She pouts and I can tell she regrets not being here to see it all in person. If she had been here, it likely would never have happened. Dang her for leaving.
I really did not want to have this conversation over the phone. It feels too impersonal. I sigh. “Yeah.”
Texie squeals. “Yes. I knew he liked you.”
“It’s so weird, Tex. It’s like we’ve lived a whole month in the last two days. I don’t feel like we just met less than a week ago. How is that possible?”
“What are you say—"
A knock sounds at the door and I pull my phone from my ear to look at the time. “Crap, Texie. I’ve got to go. I think Ty is here to get me. We are going to some ruins today and I’m not even dressed yet.”
“Oooh. Sounds like I did you a favor.”
“You’re ridiculous.” I hang up without saying goodbye.
Another knock sounds.
“Just a minute,” I yell as I open the bathroom door and look through the peephole. Ty and Sander stand outside the door. Sander looks nervously up and down the hall.
I unlock the deadbolt and twist the door handle enough to jar it open. “Come on in,” I holler before shutting myself back in the bathroom.
The door opens and I hear the guys shuffle in. “Grace? Where are you?”
“I just got out of the shower. Sorry. I’m running late.” Ugh. I hate being late. It shows such a disregard for other people’s time. So disrespectful. And to be late for Ty seems doubly so, for some reason. The strain in my voice is obvious as I grab the hair dryer and plug it in with more force than is necessary.
A knock sounds on the bathroom door. “Miss Martindale, are you sure everything is okay?” Sander’s voice is strained.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Texie just called me, and I lost track of the time.” Before I can turn on the dryer, there is another knock. Seriously? I will never get ready if people won’t leave me alone.
“Miss Martindale, please open the door.” Sander’s voice is low.
“Really, Sander. I don’t think that’s necessary.” Ty’s voice sounds close.
