Page 10 of Ready to Snap
My entire core clenches at those two little words, and I make a mental note to request Nora and I avoid any and all future romance books we read together that include praise. No ‘good girl.’ No ‘taking me so well.’ None of it. I’m sure she’ll get her fill with her why choose and monster smut she reads with Ronan. From this moment forward, I’ll only hear it in Will’s sultry voice, with the memory of his strong hand stroking my back—my favorite books are officially ruined.
The bartender sets a tall glass of water in front of me, and I take my time letting the cool liquid soothe my throat. Once I’ve collected myself, he’s about to say something when the hostess approaches, menus tucked against her body.
“Sir, your table is ready. Would you like to close out or add it to your meal check?”
“Add it to my check, please.” He slides off his stool and leaves a twenty-dollar bill for the bartender’s tip. “Are you okay? Do you want me to wait with you?”
“No, I’ll be fine.” I wave him off. “Have a great dinner.”
Will’s wide smile and little wink make my stomach flip. As he walks away, he looks back twice before he’s out of view in the dining room. I check the time and my date is already a few minutes late. There’s a notification from the app, and I’m unsure if there’s a way to contact your date if you’re running behind. I click on it and in big bold letters is the dreaded word:Cancelled.Thankfully, I have a second date in about ninety minutes. Will may figure out my date didn’t show, but I’m not embarrassed; his bailed as well. I’m about to put my phone back in my purse when it vibrates with an incoming text.
Will Darling
If I was this late for an interview, you’d give me shit for the next week.
I begin typing a rebuttal, but there’s another message.
Come have another drink with me while you wait.
How would you feel if you walked into a restaurant and your date was dining with another man?
I’m Will Darling. He’ll probably ask for an autograph.
Chewing on my thumbnail, I consider my reply. I may as well come clean.
My date cancelled.
As Nora would say, he’s a wanker.
I’ll be your date.
You can’t be my date.
Why the hell not?
No-fraternization policy.
The policy says we have to tell HR if we are friends or romantically involved. You hate me, so we aren’t friends. And last time I checked, you weren't naked in my bed.
Have dinner with me. We’ll talk about the game today, nothing more.
It’s not the worst idea. I don’t have a reservation here—it was under Bill’s name. I’m starving, and my date later is only drinks; I shouldn’t drink on an empty stomach.
I don’t hate you.
I’ll join you, but only if I pay.
I need the write-off.
We’ll split it.
Nice try, gorgeous.
Fine, you win.
I always do.
Now that’s settled, get your sexy ass over here and have dinner with me.
