Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78007 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Puppy: Money is more important. And so are friends. We’re friends, Perry! Bros before blows. (Blowjobs. Get it?)
My cheeks hurt, and I realize it’s because I’ve been holding a smile. Again. Jesus, this guy.
I can pretend I’m going to choose the hookup, but the truth is, I do need to make some more money. Bills before… Shit. I can’t think of anything to rhyme with that.
Me: What am I going to do with you?
Puppy: Pick me up in fifteen?
I sigh.
Me: I’ll be there.
And once again, for a reason I don’t understand, I let him cockblock me.
I change into another pair of jeans and T-shirt, then jump into my car and drive to Theo’s. He’s sitting on the porch, looking at his phone, but glances up as soon as I stop along the curb. He gives me a huge smile that basically swallows his face, and then he bounces on his feet and jogs over. It’s like he’s always happy to see me, and while I’m sure he’s like that with everyone, I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel good.
“You’re the most genuine person I’ve ever met,” I say when he gets into the car.
“Huh?” He frowns, as if he can’t understand why I would say that. I don’t think Theo realizes most of the good things about himself. I still can’t get over the fact that he didn’t realize how hot he is. And this seems equally confusing to him.
“You. You’re genuine. And kind.”
“Thank you?” His brows pull together.
“How do you not know this, Puppy?”
“So we’re going with that nickname, huh?”
“Not if you hate it, but I don’t think you do. If you say any variation of Perry, please don’t call me that or I’m gonna punch you in the nose, then I won’t use it again. If you don’t tell me not to, I’ll assume you like it.”
“You know what they say about assuming…”
“You’re still not telling me not to use it.”
“I’d like to get back to all those compliments. I’m…what did you say? Genuine, kind, and gorgeous?”
“You added the gorgeous.”
“Because you said I’m a nine and a half.”
I chuckle. “I believe I said a nine.”
He waves me off. “Whatever.”
I don’t mention his fascination with how I’m attracted to him. “We know I think you’re hot. I wanted to have sex with you, remember?”
His cheeks flush pink, and damn, it’s cuter than it should be.
He covers his face. “Don’t remind me that I’m an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot. I would know because I’m one myself.”
“You are not an idiot,” he counters.
“We’re ridiculous.” I wait for the urge to run to hit me, for that discomfort at the base of my spine to spread through me more, but Theo is safe because we’re just friends. He’s not going to want more from me, and I’m pretty good at enjoying time with someone while also not letting them get close enough to hurt me, to leave me, like my father left us. There’s no reason that won’t be the same with my puppy.
“We’re fun,” he adds, and I can’t help but grin.
Yeah, yeah we are.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Theo
I play navigator for the night. Sure, Perry can do it just as easily, but I like having a hand in this evening. When the orders come through the app, I tell him where we’re going and he drives there, picks up the food, and then delivers it to the house. I also add his miles into the notes on his phone so he can use them as a write-off at the end of the year.
I don’t know why I’ve never considered doing this for extra money, but like Perry tells me at one point, it’s also a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle, so it’s not always worth it.
Early in the night we make a stop at the store and splurge on a bag of Sour Patch Kids for me and mini M&M’s for Perry, but end up sharing candy.
We stay at it until almost midnight, and there’s rarely a lull in the conversation the whole time.
When he drops me off, I don’t want to go, but I also have class early the next morning, so I do.
The following day I text to see what he’s doing, but he has to work at the bar when I’m out of school. Wednesday and Thursday we hang out again. When we’re not together, we keep messaging throughout the day. I enjoy chatting with him. He makes me laugh and smile, and I can’t lie and pretend he’s not good on the ego. Still, that’s not why I like chilling with him. I just like Perry.
My mom calls Friday afternoon, like she does every week. My stomach automatically fills with dread, and then it’s all tangled up in guilt because I have no reason to feel that way.