Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 86596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86596 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
There’s nothing fussy about me. And even though Eli is incredibly handsome, I’m not sensing any romantic vibes—at least, not on his end.
I won’t lie. The night we were at the airport, and he mentioned being a good kisser, it definitely made me wonder what it might be like. And since then, I’ve stared at his lips a few times too many.
Satisfied that I look casual but still cute, I bound back down the stairs and find him already on the couch with a full arsenal of snacks. And he’s also wearing sweatpants.
“Where did you get those?” I ask, confused.
“These were in the back of my car. These are my gym pants.”
Briefly, I wonder if they smell like old gym socks. But he also doesn’t seem like the type of guy who smells like old gym socks.
“What should we watch?”
“I don’t know, I’m kind of into documentaries and shit like that. I watch a lot of sports documentaries too.” He laughs.
“I saw the one about Michael Jordan, but other than that…”
“Religious series? About cults? I could get into that…”
“Oh, I’m definitely in the mood for something a little more lighthearted. Something that isn’t going to make me tax my brain. Tonight was kind of exhausting.” I flop down on the couch beside him and pull out a blanket. “That was an emotionally exhausting encounter.”
“Tell me about it.”
twelve
eli
Being at Molly’s house without a slew of other people is strange. The good kind of strange that has a man wondering why he feels so comfortable in a place he’s not familiar with.
Relaxed.
Content.
Short of putting my feet up on the coffee table (I’m not a rude asshole), I snatch another blanket from the back of the couch and pull it over my legs, settling in for whatever show Molly wants to watch.
I’m not particular, considering most of what I watch is sports. So, work-related?
“Is your roommate home?” I ask, glancing around. The kitchen beyond looks dark, save for the light glowing above the stove.
“She will be soon? I think she had a date, but I’m not sure. She may have gone out with friends?”
“Does she go out a lot?”
Molly shakes her head. “Kind of but not really. She likes to be busy, but I get the feeling it’s because she’s lonely. I’m not great company.” She pauses. “Wow. Saying that out loud makes me feel like a shithead.” She pops a chip into her mouth. “Posey is a sweetheart and is…kind of a people pleaser. And loves being surrounded by her friends. I think it’s because she was raised by her aunt and uncle? She wants a family, you know?” Another pause. “Crap. I should spend more time with her.”
“Don’t feel guilty. I’m sure you spend plenty of time with her.”
Molly shrugs, holding the remote and pointing it toward the TV.
“Actually, I don’t. I work too much…”
“No, I work too much. I work so much I hadn’t even noticed my girlfriend was cheating on me with one of my clients until they were in a full on relationship.”
Molly glances sharply at me. “Her cheating on you was not your fault. She could have told you she needed more attention. She could have told you she wanted to work on the relationship. Did she?”
Now I’m the one shrugging. “Not really. Not in those exact words, but I’m sure she mentioned something.” She must have. Hadn’t she? “Sorry, I shouldn’t be talking about this shit. It’s ancient history and water under the bridge and all that.”
“It’s not ancient history if it’s still impacting your relationships.”
Ha. Joke’s on her. “I don’t have any relationships.”
“That’s exactly my point.”
“Well.” I stop to consider my next words, hoping she isn’t offended. “What about your personal life? Why aren’t you dating anyone?”
“Hmm. Good question. I don’t think I have a good answer for you. I suppose it’s mostly…laziness on my end? I don’t really have the patience for stupidity.”
“Stupidity?”
She nods. “Yes. Honestly, I tried the dating apps, sort of? For a few days, I respond and have conversations, and then my brain cells begin to shrivel up along with my ovaries at the sheer audacity of some men.” She eats a few more chips. “Then I shifted my focus to women and didn’t connect with any of them, either, so I switched back to men. All I’ll say is, I’m a one-hit wonder.”
One-hit wonder? “What the hell does that mean?”
“I go on a lot of first dates, but very few second dates and even fewer third dates.”
“Gee, I wonder why.” I laugh.
“I’m not for everyone.” She laughs too. “I literally have a tee shirt that says that. Don’t wear it very often, though.”
“You have a shirt that says I’m not for everyone?”
“Totally.”
“Doesn’t surprise me.”
“I also have one that says Nope—and another one that says ‘It’s a good morning not to talk to me.’” Molly chuckles. “I went through a graphic tee shirt phase that a few of my friends hated. But I think they look so cute with skirts.”