Page 26 of Tattoo My Heart
I pull my cell phone out and put a finger up to pause my conversation with Bass. “Hang on for a quick sec.”
I open the app and find the last, and only, might I add, message that I have in there. My thumbs fly over the small keyboard when I type up my reply.
Khail, I appreciate you reaching out. While your offer sounds fair and very appealing, I will have to decline it at this time. I believe that I secured a date for the July Fourth party, therefore, I will not need the services provided via this app. I hope you can find the type of person you are looking for. I wish you luck.
“There,” I mutter to myself, the tip of my tongue in between my teeth. I am nervous to send this message, feeling like I am maybe making a mistake. I look up at Bass, who is smiling at me, looking all happy to be here with me. I take a deep breath in and send the message. Done.
“Everything okay?” Bass’ voice intrudes into my inner thoughts. I raise my eyes to his, amazed by how tall he is. And his shoulders are wide. He could put me in his pocket if he so chose to.
Bass is everything I could wish for in a guy. He is the most perfect fake boyfriend I could present to my mother. There’s only one little problem.
He is not Cal.
I want to slap myself when I think that. Ever since Cal kissed me, I have once again become obsessed with him. It’s as if my teenage crush on Cal Prentice has come back with a vengeance. I know I don’t stand a chance, so I need to shake it off.
That’s why, when I look up at Bass, I put on the happiest face I am capable of.
“I’m great,” I assure him. “I’m so glad we’re doing it.”
The smirk forming on his face makes me realize a little too late that my choice of words might give the wrong impression.
“I know what you’re thinking,” I point a finger in his direction before playfully stabbing him in the arm with it. “And you know that’s not what I meant.”
When he shoves me back, I about fall over. It only serves to throw us both into fits of laughter.
“This is seriously the best idea Aunt Nancy ever had,” Bass informs me. “I really needed it.”
“Awww bad breakup?” I tease him, but the smile dies on my lips when his face gets serious.
“You could say that.”
“Bass.” I reach out and squeeze his hand in support. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”
“Hey,” his smile is back. “But now I am on this awesome date with you.”
I blush when I notice the way he looks at me. “I thought this was just a meet and greet type of thing.”
“What do you think a date is?”
I place my hand over my lips to cover the snort threatening to come out.
“Touché,” I agree.
Tires squeal on the street, and a vehicle pulls into the parking spot that’s right where me and Bass are standing. We both turn our heads to look at the same time.
Without warning, my pulse starts racing when I notice who the driver is. The intensity in Cal’s eyes is making me feel as if I am doing something wrong. Which, I know that I’m not. But still…
He slowly gets out of the supped-up Jeep he likes to drive, then walks over to where my feet are glued to the pavement, right next to Bass. My hand still in his. Cal’s eyes seem to zero in right onto that small detail.
“Evelyn,” he greets me in a very official tone.
“Cal,” I respond in kind. “How are you?”
He is just about to respond when he takes a moment to look over my date, so to speak.
I feel like I am about to throw up from the nerves.I am not doing anything wrong. I have that on a loop in my head. That’s how I almost miss the grin suddenly taking over Cal’s face.
“Bass, my man!”
