Page 52 of Guys Can't Write Romance
“What about you and Rhino? You two seemed to hit it off over quarters and burping contests.”
Chloe grinned. “Rhino’s fun. I like how he takes my crap and throws it back without getting all butt-hurt. Unlike Banker Boy.”
Daisy sighed. “So, what do you want me to say?”
“Admit you like hanging out with Chad, and I’ll call off the dogs.”
“I’d rather eat chalk.”
“You’re not fooling anyone, girl. So you might as well fess up.”
“Okay. Fine. If it’ll make you drop it, hanging out with Chad didn’t totally suck.”
Chloe grinned. “See. Didn’t that feel liberating?”
“No! And if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll label your paint jars.”
“Don’t worry. Your not-so-secret secret’s safe with me.”
“So, Fields actually turned out to be kinda cool,” Rhino said as he and Chad walked home down the boardwalk. The setting sun painted Venice Beach in shades of pink and orange, while the smell of salt spray and distant barbecues filled the air. Street performers packed up their gear for the day.
“She’s not bad when she’s not cataloging everything by expiration date,” Chad admitted, hands shoved deep in his pockets. A volleyball game was winding down on their left, players laughing and collecting their belongings as the daylight faded.
“Bummer for Troy and Brett. They were hoping to see one of the smackdowns between you and her.”
Chad grinned. “There’s always next time.”
“So, this wasn’t just a one-off?”
“You just said she’s kinda cool.”
“Yeah. But I’m still wondering what happened to World War III between you guys.”
“We have this cease-fire thing going till we finish our books. Plus, the beers didn’t hurt.”
“So, you’re blaming the beer for the looks passing between you guys?”
“What looks?”
“The googly eyes looks.” Rhino demonstrated, batting his eyelashes exaggeratedly and making kissy faces that drew amused glances from a passing couple.
Chad scoffed and shook his head. “There weren’t any googly eyes looks passing between us.”
“Uh huh.”
“You’re drunk.”
“Yup. And honest. Which is more than I can say for you right now.”
“Look. If you want to say something, just say it.” Chad’s tone sharpened slightly in annoyance.
“Not saying anything, bro.” Rhino held up his hands in mock surrender. “Just making an observation.”
“Which is...?”
“You guys seemed pretty into each other.”
Chad snorted. “That’s the beer talking.”
