Page 33 of The Book Club Boyfriend
Because I run straight into one at the coffee shop.
Well, more like she almost runs into me, arms full of two coffees, balancing a bag of something against her ribs.
Scarlett freezes mid-step, barely catching herself before slamming into my chest.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” she mutters under her breath.
Ah. There she is.
The tightness in my chest that Irefuseto call relief eases slightly.
I lean casually against the counter, smirking. “So, did I scare you off, or did you just need a break from glaring at me every morning?”
Her lips press together. Adorable.
“If only I’d been so lucky,” she deadpans. “But no. Just working. Unlike some people, I actually have a job to do.”
I arch a brow. “Didn’t say you didn’t.”
Her expression sours.
Here’s the thing about Scarlett—poking at her is way too much fun. Because every time I think she’s maxed out on irritation, she finds a new level.
“So,” I say, “you gonna tell me why you’ve been avoiding me, or should I just assume it’s because you can’t stop thinking about me?”
Her death glare is immediate. “I have literally never thought about you once in my life.”
I drop my gaze pointedly to the two coffees she’s holding. “That for me?”
She exhales sharply and shifts them out of reach.
“You know,” I muse, “you’re kind of proving my point here.”
She scowls. “What point?”
“That you’re avoiding me. Like, real effort, full-fledged strategy, radio silence avoidance. I’d almost be impressed if it weren’t so obvious.”
She huffs. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was just busy.”
“Oh yeah? Busy with what?”
Her pause is all the answer I need.
I grin. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”
Her jaw clenches, but then she forces a fake smile.
“Strange turn of events,” I say, meeting her eyes. “Looks like we’re stuck hosting a book club together.”
“That was all Harper. Just know she’s dead to me.”
I smirk. “Let’s try not to make it awkward.”
She scoffs. “You make everything awkward.”
“Nah,” I say, tilting my head. “You just make everything more fun.”
Her eye roll is brutal, but for the first time allweek, I feel like myself again.
