Page 8 of Wrong Number, Right Grump
“Well, uh. Thanks for not suing me,” she says, her eyes wide and cheeks flush.
“You’re fine. I’ve survived worse.” I shrug and glance at the coffee stain. The least of my worries. “Solid six out of ten, but no burns. No legal threats.”
She goes still for half a second. Like she’s close to figuring me out. And I’m not ready for that. So I make a quick exit, leaving her standing there like a punchline.
Now’s not the time. I’m not looking to be someone’s rebound fling or a reminder of someone they’re trying to get over.
I want a fresh start. And for now, proof that she’s real is all I need.
CHAPTER 5
***
Logan
I decide to wait a few hours before texting her. Not because I’m playing games. I just... don’t trust myself not to say too much.
After seeing her in person, the image I formed of her from the voicemail and texts finally click into something real. Something warm and loud and weirdly magnetic. She’s sharp and spunky around the edges with gentleness in her eyes. I want to know every single version of her.
I’ve never met someone who talks like she’s one breath away from a monologue. Or someone who could knock the wind out of me with a playlist and a t-shirt that literally saysNot Today Satan.
And she still doesn’t know who I am. Or that I stood there like a jackass, smiling to myself while she scrambled to mop up coffee off my chest. I should tell her. But there’s something fun about this. Letting her come to me without all the pressure. Without her knowing I’m already halfway gone.
My phone buzzes.
Grump, I just had the weirdest run-in at Grounds & Grains.– Drama Queen
I nearly choke on the sip of beer I just took. I don’t reply. I wait because she’s typing more. Three little dots jump up and down, as frenetic as she is.
I accidentally threw my latte at this guy. Okay, not threw. But there was definite contact. Anyway. Super tall. Super serious. And rude-hot. Like, he had an attitude and biceps. I’m emotionally compromised.– Drama Queen
My grin is instant.Rude-hot. That’s a new one.
I stare at the screen for a second, weighing my options. Tell her now? Pretend I’m jealous? Act chill while clearly stirring the pot?
Yeah. That one.
But before I can reply, she texts again.
The weirdest thing happened. He rated my coffee flub. Is that a guy thing?– Drama Queen
I can’t help myself.
6/10 out of best or worst?– Logan
Then, those three little text bubbles appear. Bouncing. One. Two. Three. Still going. She’s on a roll. I sit back on the couch wondering if she’s gearing up to yell or type a dissertation.
***
Lola
Two texts, and still no reply. I don’t know why I thought it would be a good idea to text Grump about my encounter with the guy from the coffee house. I throw my phone across the couch like it’s radioactive.
I have zero chill. Of course, guys don’t want to hear about another man’s hotness. But on a scale of one to ten, the man was at least a fifteen. And then it hits me. That’s what threw me off this morning. It’s what made me think of Grump. He rated me.
I immediately dive for my phone.
The weirdest thing happened. He rated my coffee flub. Is that a guy thing?– Lola
