Page 21 of Knockout (Whiskey Dolls 2)

Jude didn’t remove his gaze from the man sitting—unwelcomingly—beside me. “Move.” Just one word. One clipped order in a voice that dripped with menace, the threat clear as day, and the jerk practically tripped over himself to clear the stool.

“Sorry, man. Didn’t realize she was yours.”

What thewhat?!

Whipping back around on the bastard with all the allure of a used car salesman, I lit into him. “First of all, I amnothis. Second, women aren’t property, you disgusting caveman. We aren’t cattle. Pull your head out of your ass and join the rest of us in this century, will you? News flash, women rule the world now. You dick-swinging apes just haven’t caught on yet. Now go away. And word of advice,” I continued as he started to scamper off, “any cologne found in a pharmacy for less than ten bucks willnotsmell good. Next time, say no to the Brut.”

He didn’t spare me a backward glance, so I turned my attention to the ever-present thorn in my side. “Are you stalking me now, crazy? It’s not enough I have to deal with you living above me, now you’re crashing my date?”

“I think Iamyour date.”

A record scratched in my head, rendering me speechless. Then, “Nuh uh!”

“Afraid so.” The asshole wasn’t afraid to say that at all. He looked way too damn happy as he said it, actually.

“That’s not possible.”

Reaching a long, thick arm out in front of me, he snatched my mojito off the bar, brought the straw to his lips, and sucked the last of it back. “You’re on a blind date, right? So am I, and my date’s name is Layla. I was hoping it was just a coincidence, but it looks like I’m not that lucky.”

My whole head felt like it was filled with sawdust. I couldn’t wrap it around what he’d just said. Nothing made sense. I was too confused to even acknowledge that the dickhead had just stolen my drink! “That can’t be right,” I continued to argue. “I’m supposed to be meeting a gorgeous, successful landscape architect named Jake!” Pulling my phone from my purse, I scrolled through my texts with Charlotte, finding the one where she told me my blind date’s name, and thrust it in his face. “See?” He took the phone from my hand and started to scroll through my messages. “Hey!” I cried. “That’s mine! Give it back.” I tried to reach for my phone, but he put one hand out to hold me back while he continued reading through my texts.

“Jesus. They told you about my ex? Is nothing private anymore?”

“Says the man reading personal messages. Now, give it!”

Of course, he didn’t listen. “Fucking autocorrect,” he grumbled. “Does this shit all the time. Watch.” He held the phone to where I could see it but couldn’t snatch it back, and started to type the name Jude into the line. Sure enough, it autocorrected to Jake.

This couldn’t be happening.

“You’re Jake?”

“Yep.”

“You’re Jake,” I repeated, thinking if I formed it as a statement instead of a question, the answer would somehow be different. “The sexy, chivalrous landscape architect who loves his grandmother.”

“Appears so.”

Losing my cool completely, I dropped my head back and declared to the heavens, “Of course!” A manic, slightly demented laugh bubbled from my throat, drawing the attention of the people all around us. I was sure I looked like a lunatic, but it was what it was. “Of freaking course you are! The first date I go on inmonthsand it turns out to be you. I knew this night was going to be a disaster! Karma, you sadistic bitch.”

“Hey, you’re not the only one unhappy with this situation,” he shot back.

“My friends said you were this sweet, charming guy. Did you drug them or something?” I asked accusingly. “Or are you like one of those serial killers who’s so good at playing normal, his neighbors don’t know he has body parts stashed in his attic until the cops show up on his doorstep. Then when the truth comes out, they have to go on the news talking about what a nice guy he was, and how he always brought spinach dip to poker night!”

Was I overreacting? Oh, without a doubt. But at the realization that Jude Kingsley was my date, a million butterflies had been set loose in my belly, filling it with flutters of excitement. That was an emotion I absolutely shouldnothave been feeling in regards to this man, so in my freak-out I’d gone too far in the other direction. What could I say, the man drove me batshit crazy.

“You have a vivid imagination, princess. I’ve got news for you, I was snowed by your friends too. You were supposed to be this sweet, funny knockout with a big heart who gets along with everyone you come into contact with.”

“Because that’s exactly who I am!” I cried. “I’m a freaking ray of sunshine, man. You just happen to be the only person in existence who can bring out the absolute worst in me. I can’t freaking believe this.” I grabbed my purse and hopped off the stool. “This is just great. So glad I shaved my legs for this.” And got that bikini wax, but I didn’t say that out loud, thankGod. “I’m going home.”

I took a step toward the exit, but Jude stepped into my path before I could make it any farther. “You’re leaving?”

My eyebrows shot to my hairline. “Of course I’m leaving,” I answered in bewilderment. “Aren’t you? I mean, this whole thing was clearly a disaster from the start. We might as well cut our losses early so we can at least salvage some of the evening.”

His dark blue eyes glinted, and something inscrutable flittered across his face. Then he said the very last thing I expected him to say. “Didn’t take you for a coward, but if you’re too scared to go through with this date, fine. Let’s just call it a night.”

Wait. What?

I narrowed my eyes, my expression blanketed with suspicion, and for a damn good reason. “Are youbaitingme?”

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