“Yeah, we both have off.”
“What…do you want to do?” I mean, I know where I want the after-party to be. But an honest to goodness date? What does that even look like for us?
“I don’t know. It’s pretty hard to upstage a bingo first date,” he says.
“I mean, what do we do now? I hate when things feel forced. That we’re expected to go on a date. Like, that’s so much pressure.”
“Then let’s not force it. We’ll make it an anti-date,” he offers.
“Anti-date…”
“Yeah, everything that you hate on a first date. We’ll do that. Get it out of the way.”
“Great. I won’t be ready until at least twenty minutes after you arrive.”
He kisses the top of my head. “Good, because I’ll be five minutes late.”
True to his word, Reid shows up tonight five minutes late to our anti-date. This somehow calms my nerves because now if I do anything embarrassing—which, duh, it’ll happen because it’s me—then at least I can blame it on tonight’s rules.
I open the door and find him in jeans and a faded T-shirt. The fabric of the short sleeves stretched to capacity around his biceps makes my mouth water. Everything about this man calls to me on every level.
He shoots me a grin and hands me a box of chocolates. “I’d usually make up a legit excuse as to why I’m late, but really I was standing in the hallway watching funny cat videos.”
I fight a smile and open the chocolate box and find that two of the compartments are empty.
He shrugs. “I got hungry on the way here.”
“I have a lot of catching up to do to hold up my end of the bargain for this anti-date.”
“Oh, I can keep this coming all night.” He shoots me a wicked grin.
“I know you can.” I arch a brow. I’m tempted to call off the date and just spend the rest of the evening in my bedroom, but I want to go out with him. To experience what a night with Reid looks like without the constant weight of our jobs hanging over us.
I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss. Our lips meet, and his fingers find their way to my hair. His tongue teases mine, and I melt into his touch, ready to forget our plans.
He pulls away so quickly it leaves me breathless. When I open my eyes, his are wild. “Nope. If I keep doing that, we’re not making it out of the apartment,” he says.
“So where are you taking me?” I ask.
“A fine dining establishment.” He wraps his arm around me, and we head out of the apartment.
Fifteen minutes later, he pulls into the Taco Bell parking lot, and my head hits the headrest as I cackle.
“Fine dining, huh?”
“Only the best for you, Rainbow.”
“You know, I really do love their bean burritos.”
We make our way into the restaurant and walk up to the register. Reid slides an arm around my waist, and I lean into him, inhaling the scent of his body wash. I like this. Doing something as mundane as ordering fast food, but it feels…normal. As if we should be touching all the time.
A guy in his early twenties with a black headset squishing his red curly hair greets us. “Welcome to Taco Bell, what can I get you?”
“A Mondo burrito for this one”—he points at me— “who can pack it away, let me tell you,” he says.
The cashier’s eyes go wide.
“Oh, you’re so cute. That’ll be two burritos and an empanada.” I smack him on the chest. “And this one. Oh, get some beans in him and phew.” I wrinkle my nose in distaste, waving my hand in front of my face for emphasis, then smile sweetly at Reid.
Reid just shakes his head, clearly amused. “And a number two for me.” He reaches for his wallet in his back pocket and then says loudly, “Oh, whoops, Callie. Looks like I forgot my wallet. Dinner’s on you.”
I can’t help it now. I collapse into a fit of giggles. The cashier looks at us like we’ve lost our minds. And maybe we have, but this is fun. Screwing up on purpose.
I shell out the few bucks for our food. We get our drinks, then find a table to sit at until our order number is called.
I run my finger along the plastic tabletop. “I have to say, this is the most original date I’ve ever been on.”
“But does it top bingo with senior citizens?”
“Absolutely not.” I raise my soda cup and toast. “To bingo and anti-dates.”
“To many more rounds of bingo.” He raises his brow and clinks my cup with his. The implied meaning sends a rush of heat to the space between my thighs. To what we did last night.
The cashier calls our number and Reid grabs the tray, a few hot sauce packets, and napkins, and then makes his way back to the table. I watch him the entire way.
Some guys square their shoulders when they walk, and others hunch their backs. Reid, though, has pure swagger. His body practically prowls toward me, and I can’t tear my gaze away from his broad shoulders—the same shoulders my legs hung over when he kissed between my thighs.
Sweet baby Jesus in a manger, I’m not going to make it ten more minutes if I continue chugging along on that train of thought.
I unwrap my burrito and take a bite. “When I was in high school, I loved coming here. Mel used to drive me before I got my license, and we’d come eat here every day.”
If my parents had known, they would’ve been appalled. They didn’t eat at places like this; instead, they opted for establishments that cost fifty bucks a plate.
“I was more a Burger King fan myself,” he admits. “I didn’t eat out much because my grandma liked to pack my lunches.”
“Please tell me she packed you little notes.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners. “Damn straight, she did. Those were the best.”
Somehow, it’s hard to picture a smaller Reid. One who was innocent and ate fruit cups and Lunchables. It’s endearing.
“Okay, you have to give me more. What were you like in high school?” I ask, taking a bite of my burrito.
He shrugs. “Pretty much the same as I am now. Except I used to be a wide receiver for my high school football team. Senior year, I had a mullet Grayson nicknamed Jo Bob.”
“Pics or it didn’t happen.”
Reid pulls out his phone and swipes through it until he lands on an old Facebook photo Grayson had tagged him in. Wearing a football uniform, Reid’s holding his helmet under one arm with his other draped around his grandma’s shoulders.
And right on top of his head is a glorious, sweaty mullet.
“Oh my God, that is terrible.”
“It might beat out your rainbow clown hair.”
“It definitely does.” We’re both done with our food, but we don’t make a move to leave.
17
Reid
I park in the cinema lot a few minutes before the movie starts. I didn’t bother telling Callie what we’re seeing because this is the anti-date, which has actually been the most fun I’ve had while out with anyone in a long time.
“Two for Alien Innards 3.” It was the most ridiculous-sounding flick on Fandango and got a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 5%.
“With a name like that, it’s no wonder why it’s a trilogy,” she says, not even missing a beat. I like that about Callie. She’s game for anything, even a movie that is for sure going to be a waste of two movie tickets.
We buy popcorn and a pack of Sour Patch Kids at the concession stand and make our way into the theater.
“Oh my God.” She stops, and I almost run into her with the overflowing popcorn bag. “Do you see this, Reid?”
“See what?”
A grin spreads across her face. “We’re the only two people in the theater.” She cups her hands to her mouth. “Echo!”
I shake my head and smile. Damn, she’s cute. “We’d better find a seat before the theater fills up.”
We take our seats in the dead center of the theater and put our feet on the seatbacks in front of us.
“First rated R movie in
a theater.”
“The Matrix. I snuck in with Gray. His older brother worked at a theater and got us in through the back entrance.”
“Mine was Troy. Because Brad Pitt.” She pops a piece of popcorn into her mouth and groans.
“Like the oiled-up pretty boys, huh?” I kid, but that is exactly the type I’d see Callie going for.
“It’d only be fitting that I talk about my crushes on an anti-date.” She quirks a brow at me.
“Then I have to confess I’ve always had a thing for Mila Kunis.”
The movie’s already started, but we just keep shooting the shit. Something that would normally annoy me since I don’t like wasting a movie ticket. But with Callie, it’s worth it.
“Did an alien really just come out of her…”
“Yep. That just happened.”
“Hey, Reid?”
“Yeah?”
“Remember how I said my parents were coming to town in a couple of weeks?”
“Yeah. On bingo night.”
“Will you…go with me? For moral support.”
“Should’ve been more strategic about that, Rainbow. You did just eat my last Sour Patch Kid.”
“And it was delicious.”
I pull her close and drop a gentle kiss on her lips. “I’ll go with you.”
We both fall silent for a couple of minutes, our fingers laced together while we watch the aliens get blown to bits with machine guns. Somehow, this works. Tonight would have pissed off any other woman I know, yet she’s here, smiling and laughing.
“Reid?”
I turn my head to gaze at her, illuminated by the light from the large movie screen. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for the best anti-date ever,” she says.
“Any time, Rainbow.” And I mean it.
18
Callie
“You look like you’re going to bible camp,” Mel says.
I catch Mel’s reflection in the mirror and glare. “It’s not that bad. Seriously. A sweater is sensible.”
“Do you hear yourself? Girl.” She shakes her head. “You are one bad outfit away from becoming the crazy cat lady. Well, if you weren’t banging the bartender anyway.”
It’s true. There has been a lot of that going on. Two weeks’ worth and it’s been the best two weeks of my life. “It sounds so crass when you say it like that. And I like my outfit. It’s something that my parents won’t ridicule.”
She quirks a brow. “The Puritans on the Mayflower showed more skin than you. In fact, you’d probably make all those men drool with your ankle coverage.”
Fine. Okay, so I’m covered up. Last time I checked, this wasn’t a crime.
I stare in the mirror, appraising my outfit. I tend to dress in accordance to my moods. Yesterday, when I was with Reid, I was in a pastel pink tank top and white capris. Today, I’m covered head to toe in black. Like I’m going to my own funeral.
Although I still have two more months, I’ve managed to keep my job and hold up my end of the bargain. If I’m let go before then, it’s back to my parents’ firm.
Obviously, it’s a stellar day.
Although, there’s a tinge of relief in the fact that Reid agreed to accompany me tonight for the routine interrogations—analyze and find Callie lacking—and have dinner in a pretentious restaurant as per tradition with my parents. Woohoo. Super fun times planned for this evening.
In the back of my mind, I consider what Reid’s giving up to accompany me today. Thursday. Bingo with all the ladies, filled with ass pinching and baked goods to ply him with. I’ve gone with him the past couple of weeks and have gotten to know his grandma pretty well. I’d much rather be sitting next to her staring at a bingo card than what I’m about to do.
“Ugh. You are so smitten; it makes me all happy and shit.”
“Shut up. Am not.” Okay, I totally am. Things have been going so well with us. Sure, there’s still the back-and-forth banter, but it’s no longer vicious. We’ve gotten into a good groove at work. And…we make a great team.
“So are. And it’s a good thing. I like seeing you happy,” Mel says.
“Thanks.”
“Of course, I bet you’d feel even happier in a cuter outfit,” she hedges.
I choose to ignore her and smooth a hand down my simple ankle-length dress. It’s a deep shade of midnight black with wide shoulder straps exposing much of my neck and leaving my arms bare. The fabric fits my upper torso, cinching at the waist before draping down to cover my legs. It’s something my parents would approve of, which is why I purchased it in the first place.
It also happens to be the only dress they approve of, so I wear it every time they visit me and insist on having dinner out. This also means my mother will comment on the fact that she’s seen me in this dress every time they visit. Like clockwork.
“Well, if you’re all set, I’ll head out.”
I flash Mel a grateful look. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” She winks and leaves, the sound of my apartment door softly closing behind her. I head to the bathroom to check my hair and touch up my makeup. Reid should be here any minute.
When the doorbell sounds a few minutes later, I place a hand on my stomach, which churns nervously. My quick, sure strides down the hall to my door are punctuated by the sharp staccato click of my heels.
Those are my one concession tonight. Hot, fuck-me shoes. I need to wear something that makes me still feel like I’m me and not a robot catering to my parents.
When I pull open the door, I suck in a quick breath. I knew Reid would clean up well, but he’s devastatingly handsome. “Wow.”
Reid’s expression grows wary. “Is that a good wow or a bad one?”
“Good.” I swallow hard as my gaze traces down his body. “Very good.”
He chuckles, and his blue eyes drift over me, and his features soften a fraction. “Interesting choice of dress.” His gaze draws to a stop at my shoes, and he whistles between his teeth. “Nice shoes, Rainbow.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Suddenly, I’m nervous to introduce him to my parents. Nervous of what they might say to him. They’re never nice—not even to Mel, and I’ve been best friends with her since I was a kid.
“I don’t know what the big deal is. I’m sure your parents will be just fine.”
He removes his suit jacket, and the deep-gray button-down dress shirt molds to his muscled torso. My fingers itch to grab his strong biceps. The black fabric of his slacks encase his powerful thighs and end at the top of his dress shoes.
“I am going to have such a hard time concentrating tonight,” I breathe out as I take in the sight of him from head to toe once again. I can’t quite believe this.
“Do I pass muster?”
I jerk my eyes up and feel myself softening at the tinge of vulnerability in his expression. Something I haven’t really seen from him before. I wonder if he’s just as nervous as I am.
“Always.” A long exhale spills past my lips, and I lean my head against his chest, reveling in the warmth of his skin cutting through the fabric of his shirt. “Look, tonight’s already guaranteed to be the mental and emotional equivalent of American Ninja Warrior for me. Don’t be shocked if I get a little weird.”
“You’re always a little weird.”
I smack him on his chest, but a smile breaks past my lips. Reid steps forward, crowding me into my apartment, then uses his foot to press the door closed. I tip my head to stare up at him, his expression intense. “I’m here, Rainbow. We’ve got this.”
Our gazes hold, as though neither of us can bear to look away. I never thought I’d have this type of connection with Reid, of all people, but here we are. And I wouldn’t want to go to dinner with anyone else tonight.
“There’s going to be much suffering. There might even be bloodshed. I’ll understand if you want to bail.” My tone is hushed amidst the silence of my apartment. I’m not certain if my mind’s playing tricks on me or if Reid’s head is actually descendin
g, moving closer.
“Absolutely not.” His hot, minty breath washes against my lips. He reaches up to run the pad of his thumb along my bottom lip. Drawing back slightly to inspect his thumb, he locks his eyes with mine, blazing with barely banked lust. “Your lipstick didn’t come off.”
I’m suddenly breathless. “It’s long-wearing. Waterproof.”
“Yeah? I don’t remember you wearing this stuff before.” His gaze flickers down to my lips before returning to my eyes. “Have you tested this out?”
No! Stop! Abort! An inner voice screams because my parents will be here any second. And once Reid and I start, there’s no stopping.
Instead, I launch myself at him. Using my bodyweight, I push him back against the wall and fit my mouth to his.
Reid immediately snakes an arm around my waist and tugs me between his legs. His lips move over mine feverishly, as if starved for the taste of me. I reach up, gripping his tie as I steer him closer. His tongue sweeps inside, and a moan is ripped from my throat the instant it touches mine. One of his hands cups the back of my head to tilt my head, deepening the kiss and ravaging my mouth. I reach down to cup him through his pants, reveling in his response and the way he rocks his hips to push into my hand and—
The sound of the doorbell jars us, and we break apart.
Shit. My parents are here.
With labored breathing, I stare up at Reid, stunned at what just happened. His expression mirrors my own, and I wish like hell there was a cure for my ailment.
The doorbell rings again, and I hurriedly run a hand through my hair, which I’ve left down in loose waves. Reid straightens and steps away from the wall. He focuses on smoothing the fabric of his tie, which is now slightly wrinkled because of me, and I realize he’s avoiding looking at me.
I whimper softly. Apparently, it wasn’t softly enough because Reid’s head snaps up. I avert my eyes. “Ready?” I say quietly.
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