Page 23 of The Little Black Book

“It’ll be fine,” I scoff. “I’m actually a little upset you don’t believe in my charming wit to pull me through.”

I’m kidding, and she gets it, rolling her eyes playfully.

“Okay. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She pauses and cocks her head. “I’m actually a little upset you’re blowing off my advice. Isn’t this what I’m here for? To guide you onto the path toward true love?”

She says the words in a serious tone, but the sparkle in her eyes gives away her humor. I press a palm to my chest and give her an apologetic look.

“Forgive me, oh wise one. Next date, I shall come prepared with an extensive list of conversation starters.”

“Much better,” she says with a chuckle, then quickly looks away as my waiter approaches.

She’s taking the covert part of this operation very seriously, and it’s cute as hell.

“Are you ready to order?” the waiter asks after greeting me.

“Just water, for now,” I reply. “I’m waiting for someone.”

His eyes flick to Zoey and back, telling me our little teasing conversation hasn’t gone unnoticed. One corner of my mouth ticks up with the knowledge. The waiter nods and walks away, and Zoey faces me once more.

“You look nice,” she says. “The rolled-up sleeves were a good choice.”

“Why, Zoey Beckett, are you saying my forearms are attractive?” I ask, arching a brow.

“I never said that,” she says, her voice stern. “I just meant it’s a good look.”

“Mm-hmm,” I say nodding thoughtfully. “Now I know what kind of porn you like.”

Her eyes widen. “Forearm porn is a thing?”

Keeping a straight face, I nod. “I’ll send you a link.”

“You––” She snaps her mouth shut and looks around, then lowers her voice. “You watch forearm porn? Sam, are you even interested in women? Because I can tell you right now, I can’t help you find a man. I obviously knownothingabout that.”

I narrow my eyes at her, and her serious mien cracks. Quiet, tinkling laughter bubbles out of her, and I shake my head, unable to stop my own lips from curving upward. Little minx.

“Nice job, turning the tables on me when we were talking about how sexy you find my forearms,” I say casually. “Makes me wonder what else about me you find attractive.”

“Please,” she says, drawing out the word sarcastically. “Like your ego needs bolstering. You’re gorgeous, and you know it, Sam Simmons.”

“You really think so?” I ask, fluttering my eyelashes at her.

She picks up her glass and plucks the cocktail napkin from beneath it. Balling it up quickly, she tosses it at my face. I dodge the missile easily with a laugh.

My waiter returns with my drink, and I check the time on my phone. Madison is officially late. It’s a quarter after one, and I haven’t gotten a text or anything assuring me she’s still coming.

“Is there anything else you need?” the waiter asks, and my stomach grumbles as another waiter places a large sandwich and fries in front of Zoey.

With a quick glance at the menu, I order a cheesesteak and fries. I’m starving, and though it might be bad manners to order before Madison gets here, I’m not going to go hungry if she decides to be a no-show. I’m sure she’ll understand.

As the waiter walks away, my eyes meet Zoey’s, and she shakes her head. I hold up a palm and press the other to my heart.

“I know. I know. But in my defense, sheislate, and my stomach is currently trying to eat itself.”

I reach over and snag a fry from her plate, laughing at her shout of protest as I pop it into my mouth and groan loud enough for her to hear over the restaurant noise. Zoey laughs, and when I reach out to steal another, her hand snakes out and slaps my fingers away.

We’re still chatting when my food arrives fifteen minutes later, and a quick glance at my phone proves I haven’t missed any text messages or calls from Madison.

“It looks as though I may have been stood up,” I say on a sigh, though truthfully, I’m not reallythatdisappointed.

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