Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67160 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 336(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
“Yeah, okay. But he obviously didn’t cover the basics.”
“Like what?”
I shot an annoyed look at him. “Like do you go to school here? Did you transfer? If so, why? What’s your major? Where do you live? You look like an athlete. If so, what sport do you play? You know…questions to keep it real.”
Sky furrowed his brow. “Is this a second interview or a date?”
“Very funny. If you want the job, start talking.”
“I already got the job, asshole. Your dad hired me.”
A red haze clouded my vision for a second. I curbed the intense desire to punch him and pushed him against the stucco wall instead. Hard.
“I told you he’s not my fuckin’ dad,” I snarled, splaying my hand over his chest.
Sky didn’t move a muscle. He stared at me intently, like he was trying to figure me out. Then he smiled. One of those condescending quirks of the lips that doubled as a sneer. The little fucker wanted to start something. It was like the classroom scenario all over again…only worse ’cause we were in public now. I couldn’t lose my cool.
I let go of him and stepped away. I wasn’t going to apologize or explain anything, but I had to say something. He beat me to it.
“Hmm. Noted.”
“Just start talking. Who are you?” I demanded.
Sky cocked his head curiously and smiled. “If we’re doing the ‘date’ thing and you want to get personal, you should ask me out. What are you doing right now?”
“Other than trying not to kick your ass…nothing. Why?” I asked suspiciously.
“I’m hungry. Let’s grab a burrito at that Mexican place on Second Street,” he suggested.
“Now?”
“Yeah. Now.”
This time when he smiled, the butterflies turned into a flock of birds batting against my rib cage. I didn’t get it. At all. This couldn’t be a crush. That wasn’t a real option ’cause I was straight and I didn’t even like this guy. He was a jerk. A really good-looking one, for sure. But still a jerk. I studied his full lips, chiseled jaw, and high cheekbones for a moment, then looked away.
“Okay, fine,” I heard myself say.
“Cool. Do you want to drive together? My car is in the front lot next to—”
“No. I’ll meet you there. I don’t want to be stuck with you. I can’t stay long, and there’s a good chance I’m gonna want to ditch your ass before your bean-and-cheese supreme arrives.” I slipped my sunglasses over my eyes and hiked my backpack on my shoulder.
“Nah. You like me, Colby. You just don’t know it yet.” Sky fixed me with a mischievous lopsided grin as he stepped away from the wall. “See ya there.”
2
Don’t ask me why I agreed. I guess I was surprised by the invitation and then curious. And if Harry had really hired Sky to take my position while I was in season, it was practically my duty to find out more about him. Maybe an actual conversation with him would put an end to this strange feeling I got around him whenever he walked into a room.
I parked in the last available spot near a tall brick wall and walked along the pathway to the side entrance of the small Mexican eatery. La Mesa was more of a fast food joint than a real restaurant. You placed your order at the counter, took a number, and pounced on the first table available. Midweek at lunchtime could be tricky. I took my place in line and studied the menu above the register, grateful for the diversion. I didn’t want to get caught staring at the front door like I was waiting for someone special. ’Cause that definitely wasn’t the case. Sky might not show up at all. He seemed like the kind of asshole who’d suggest meeting for lunch and conveniently forget the time or the place.
“Hey.” Sky bumped my elbow and inclined his head meaningfully. “Tell me what you want and grab a table. I saw one outside under an umbrella.”
“You get it. I’ll order.”
“Okay. I’ll have the number five with a side of guacamole and no picante. Make sure the avocados are fresh, though. Oh, and change the beans and rice to salad…dressing on the side.” He shoved a twenty at me and started to walk away.
I grabbed his elbow before he could go anywhere. “What the fuck? I’m never gonna remember all that, and who the hell orders a salad with a burrito? You gotta get the rice and beans. It’s a rule.”
Sky snickered. “Says who?”
“Me and lots of other sane people.”
“Fine. I’ll do it myself. What do you want to eat?”
I shook my head as I stepped forward in line. “No, you get the table. I’ll remember. Do you want a drink too?”
“A Diet Coke, but I don’t trust you to order now.”
“You can trust me.”
“Okay, repeat my order.”