Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 133224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
He leads her through the restaurant and over to the table by her hand. “Hello,” he says. “I’m Blake, and this is Ruby.”
Mr. No Name stands up and shakes their hands. “Hello. Nice to meet you both.”
He doesn’t say his name.
Fuck. Me. Dead.
“Hi.” I stand, and Blake kisses my cheek. I shake hands with his date. “I’m Rebecca. Lovely to meet you.”
Blake pulls out Ruby’s chair, and she sits down. Her long blond hair is so shiny, thick, and healthy. I don’t remember the last time I saw a natural blonde.
Blake sits down opposite me while my eyes linger on Ruby.
She looks like Grace Kelly, absolutely stunning; this is the date he scrambles to get days before.
“Isn’t this fun.” Mr. No Name smiles. He holds his hand up to me for another high five. “Hit me, baby.”
I want to die.
I weakly slap his hand.
“Wow, you guys are on high-fiving terms. I’m jealous,” Blake says. He holds his hand up to Ruby. “Hit me, baby.”
Ruby goes to give him a high five, but then he grabs her hand and kisses it. “Only joking. Just wanted an excuse to touch you.”
Ruby giggles on cue. “Oh, Blake,” she gushes. “You’re so funny.”
I glare at Blake across the table as mischief dances in his eyes.
Fucker.
I give him a swift kick under the table, and he rolls his lips to hide his smile.
The waitress walks over. “Can I get you two a drink?”
Blake gestures to Ruby. “Ladies first.”
“I’ll have a cosmopolitan, please.” She smiles.
“Hmm, that sounds good. Make that two,” Blake replies. He casually picks up Ruby’s hand and puts it on his thigh.
She swoons into her chair while I want to vomit in my own mouth.
I try to make conversation. “So, how did you two meet?” I ask.
Blake smiles. He’s so self-assured, and he gestures to Ruby to answer. “You go.”
Ruby giggles on cue.
I take another huge gulp of my drink.
“I’m a neurosurgeon.” Ruby smiles. “We met in the children’s ward about two years ago when we shared a patient. We’ve been friends ever since.”
A neurosurgeon?
What the fuck?
How do you get those looks and brains?
“Oh. How great.” I fake another smile and tip my head back and drain my glass.
“How did you two meet?” Ruby asks.
“Well, Rebecca was my son’s teacher last year,” Mr. No Name replies. “And she’s the most perfect teacher of all time. The children all adore her.” He smiles proudly over at me.
I smile in surprise. Oh . . . that was nice.
“What do you do?” Blake replies flatly. “I didn’t catch your name, sorry.”
“Herman. My name is Herman.”
Amusement flashes in Blake’s eyes.
Don’t do the Pee-wee Herman joke, or I will end you.
I squish Blake’s foot into the ground, and he kicks me back. I jump as his kick connects harder than he meant, and he drops his head to hide his smile.
“So, Ruby,” I say. “Wow, a neurosurgeon, so impressive. I’ve never met a neurosurgeon before.”
“Oh, thanks,” she replies. “What grade do you teach?”
“Kindergarten.”
She’s not so bad, actually pretty nice.
“What do you do?” Blake asks again as their drinks arrive. “Thank you,” he replies to the waitress.
“I’m a firefighter,” Herman says. “I was special ops but retired from the army three years ago.”
Oh . . .
Ruby and I smile like giddy schoolgirls over at Herman while Blake raises an unimpressed eyebrow.
Oh, the night just got interesting.
Chapter 10
“What?” Herman says. “You don’t believe me?”
“I never said that.” Blake sits back in his chair. “Why wouldn’t I believe you?”
“You just . . .” He shrugs. “I don’t know what that look is on your face.”
“What look?” Blake smirks over at Herman, as if issuing a silent dare.
What is he doing?
I tread on Blake’s foot so hard, I swear his toes must break in ten places.
They stare at each other in a silent standoff.
“These drinks are good.” I hold mine up to Ruby. She gives a weak smile and gulps hers down.
Awkward.
“Looking out for your own. I respect that. You’re all right. Give me five, brother,” Herman says as he holds his hand up for a high five.
Blake fakes a smile and slaps his hand.
“You know,” Herman continues as he sips his beer, “I’ve always had a thing for your sister.”
“My sister?” Blake frowns.
Oh no . . . I forgot to tell Blake that Herman thinks we are siblings.
Ahhhhhh . . . abort mission.
“How the hell do you know my sister?” Blake asks.
“We met at school,” I stammer. “Remember, Blake?” I widen my eyes. “I taught his son.”
“Oh . . .” Blake nods as he catches on. “That’s right.” He runs his hands through his hair as if flustered.
“What was it like growing up with her?” Herman asks.
“Surprising.” Blake’s unimpressed eyes flick to me.
Shit.
“I do love surprises.” Herman smiles broadly. “How so?”
“Well, I guess it’s expected if you live with a champion pole vaulter.”