Page 8 of You're The One
“That’s a shame. I’ve missed you,” I tease, giving her my widest smile.
She returns it with a scowl. “The feeling isn’t mutual.”
We stand there, silent, but holding eye contact.
Bodhi laughs. “Oh, you guys are a hoot. This’ll be?—”
“Congrats are in order,” Mia cuts him off. “What are you going to tell your current roster of women? I’m sure they’ll be disappointed you’re off the market. Or maybe you’ll keep them around. That’s what your type does, isn’t it?”
I finally get a smile out of her, but it’s biting, not sweet. She couldn’t be more wrong, but I don’t correct her. “I’m flattered you’re worried about me, but rosters are for hockey, no?”
Her jaw ticks. “They should be.”
“Do you have any tips for me?” I ask, not ready for our conversation to end. There’s something satisfying about getting under her skin.
“On finding love?” she huffs. “No, definitely not.”
“Maybe love is around the corner for you, too.”
“I very much doubt that.”
I shrug.
She hands the still-nearly-full bottle back to me. “Right, well, I’ve got to get going. I told my dad I’d be back tonight?—”
“You’re not staying for the fireworks?”
“Why you thought fireworks were necessary, I’ll never know…”
“Everyone likes fireworks. And I won’t be here for the Fourth of July,” I reason.
“I’d rather not be around when you’re handling explosives.”
“Wait.” I stop her, not even sure what I’m trying to say. “You’re not driving, are you? You’ve been drinking,” I point out needlessly, the bottle in my hand serving as proof.
Her brows scrunch together. “No,” she draws out the syllable slowly. “I took the train here, and that’s how I’ll get back.”
“You’re not staying here anymore?” I gesture toward her brother’s house behind us.
“I have to go home before… I just have to go home,” she snaps.
“All right. All right.” I lift my hands in surrender. “Want a ride? I can take you.”
Why the hell did I offer that?
I leave for Malibu tomorrow, but I’m not ready for her to go. I was hoping for at least one more verbal lashing. What does that say about me?Do I have a degradation kink?Christ, no. I shake off the thought. It’s the challenge I like. The kind most people don’t give me.
And this is my last chance. I’ll be filming for the next eight weeks… looking for my future wife.
There’s a good possibility I’ll be coming backengaged. The word still feels weird in my mouth.
“No thanks.” She pats my chest, the gesture almost condescending, before turning to hug Bodhi. Apparently, he’s deserving of one.
“We’re all good?” she asks after they separate, and with his nod, she moves off to say her goodbyes.
“What was that about?” I question Bodhi once she’s out of earshot.
“Oh, that.” He clears his throat. “She told me she’s planning a trip out to the West Coast. We made plans to meet up when she’s out there. Cool girl.”
