Page 38 of Lessons in Love
With her target in sight, she sticks her hand out to Virginia. “I’m Isabella Collins, of Connecticut.”
What the fuck is that about? “Shall I bow to thy royal highness?” Fuck this. I need to save Virginia and fast. “Actually, we were just leaving.”
Virginia accepts the handshake, and replies, “I’m Virginia Ryan of Manhattan.”Isabella looks down at my girl all bundled up and says, “A working girl.”
“You make it sound so seedy, Isabella. On that note, we must be going.” Reaching down, I grab my coat and take Virginia by the arm, whisking her away. Isabella remains standing where we left her, her mouth agape, and her hand on her hip.
“Call me, Hardy. We should get together.”
I don’t bother acknowledging her as we clear the door and walk out into the cold night air. Putting my coat on, Virginia stands close, and says, “She was interesting.”
“She’s an ex.”
“Girlfriend, fiancée, or wife?”
I hear the uptick in her tone, a tell tale sign. “Is that jealousy I hear, Ms. Ryan?”
She spins away from me, I’m sure rolling her eyes. “Not at all. You’re allowed to have as many exes as you want.” Looking back over her shoulder, she summons, and we start walking. “I’m sure there’s a whole slew of women pining over the one who got away when it comes to you.”
My face is too cold for big gestures. I shove my hands in my pockets, and laugh. “It’s freezing.”
“You realize you’re not going to throw me off track that easily, right?” She bumps into me. “You always ask about me, but I want to know about you.”
“How about coffee first?”
“Definitely coffee first.”
We walk into a Starbucks and stand in line with the other freezing patrons looking for a quick warm up. “We met at college and continued dating after for a year.” Dusting my hands together, I add, “That’s about it.” Trying to sidetrack her again, I ask, “Pastry?”
“Yes. Cranberry Bliss. It’s my favorite and is only here for a limited time during winter.” Without missing a beat, she says, “Now back up and let’s go over how you ever dated someone so uppity.”
Calling me on my shit.Check.I’ve got to hand it to her, she’s good. Very good. “I wasn’t always the laid-back handsome and extremely suave happy go lucky bartender you see before you. Oh wait, I’ve always been handsome and suave.”
“And modest. I think that’s what drew me to you.”
If I weren’t falling in love already, I’d be a goner for sure. “Yes, it’s my ‘modesty’ that brings the bees to the honey.”
“Ew, don’t use animals or insects in reference to your penis.”
I bump into her this time, and whisper, “Say it again.”
“What? Penis?”
A little louder, I continue teasing, “Yes, Virginia, just like that.”
She may be embarrassed, but her green eyes sparkle in the pastry counter lights. “Hardy,” she scolds.
I can tell she likes it though, her smile becoming harder to restrain. “Yes, Virginia, you can touch my penis when we get home.”
Frantically looking around to make sure no one heard me, she grabs me by the coat and squeezes the fabric. “Good lord, Hardy. What is wrong with you?”
“Yes, you’re so bad it’s good when you use the lord’s name in vain.”
“You are so going to hell.” Not sure if I’m going to hell for real or if she’s teasing, but either way, I like her feisty.
I slap her ass, the coat breaking the blow. “How about you take my name in vain instead? Will that get me into heaven?”
Loosening her grip, she lifts up on her toes, and whispers, “If I’m taking your name in vain, I promise you, you’re already in heaven.”
