Unsuitable

Funny thing is, when I told her that Kas and I kissed, she didn’t seem at all surprised.

When I asked her why, she said—and I quote—“I’m not surprised because I’ve never seen you so riled up over a guy before, so it was obvious that you fancied him. And, well, you’re you. So, of course, he was gonna want to bone you.”

So, apparently, I’m obvious and boneable.

Just not boneable to Kas.

I’m beneath him. And not in a good way.

Sigh.

“Yeah. I mean, we kissed, and then I immediately said yes to going out with Cooper. It just feels wrong.”

“Kas blew you off. Sorry,” she adds at my wince. “But he acted like an arsehole. You don’t owe him a thing. And you definitely don’t have anything to feel weird about.”

“I know you’re right, but I still feel weird. And I know he’s avoiding me.” My shoulders slump.

She puts the curling iron down on the dressing table and rests her hands on my shoulders, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Babe, if Kas can’t see what he’d be getting in you, then he’s a dick. A massive dick.” She sizes her hands out before landing them back on my shoulders. “You’re awesome, Mayday. Funny and smart and beautiful.”

“And an ex-con.”

“Hush.” She frowns at me. “You’re gorgeous, and obviously, Cooper thinks so because he asked you out. And tonight is just drinks with a good-looking, nice guy. It doesn’t have to be anything more. But you will go tonight, looking your absolute best because I’m awesome at hair, and I’m an awesome friend.” She gives me a grin and fluffs my hair with her hand.

Staring gratefully at her in the mirror, I reach back and take ahold of her hand, giving it a squeeze. “You are awesome, Ce. You’re the best.”

“I know.” She grins again. Then, she picks up the curling iron and wraps another section of my hair around it.

My phone starts to ring on my dressing table. I glance at the display and see that it’s Cooper.

My stomach tightens with nerves.

“Hey,” I answer. “I’m just getting ready. I shouldn’t be much longer.”

“Daisy”—he sounds flustered and a little out of breath—“I am so sorry to do this to you at the last minute, but I’m going to have to cancel our night out.”

A huge amount of relief and also a little disappointment run through me at the same time. “It’s okay. Don’t worry.”

“No, it’s not okay.” His tone is frustrated. “I was really looking forward to tonight with you, but now, I’m in my car, on my way back to work. Somehow, all the horses got out and are running amok around the estate.” He sighs loudly. “I’m gonna have to round them up and then fix wherever they got through in the fence. It’s gonna take all bloody night.”

“Do you want me to come help?”

“Don’t worry.” His tone softens. “But thank you for offering.” There’s a brief pause before he says, “Rain check for tomorrow night? Same time?”

This is my out. I can say no…but I feel bad because the guy seems to really want to go out for a drink with me. So, I hear myself saying, “Sure.”

“Great.” I can practically hear his smile down the phone. “So, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

I hang the phone up with Cooper and put it back down on the dressing table.

“That was Cooper. He had to cancel, so I’m not going out tonight after all.”

“Bastard,” she says in a mock-angry voice.

“You heard the whole conversation?”

“Yeah, sorry. I didn’t mean to listen in, but it was kinda hard not to hear. But he asked you out again for tomorrow night, right?”

I give her a sly smile. “You know he did. And you also know that I said yes.”

Grinning, she says, “Attagirl.” Then, she winds another section of my hair around the curling iron. “And screw not going out tonight. We’re having a girls’ night out. It’s been way too long since you and I hit up the town. So, I’ll finish up doing your hair, then give me half an hour to put my face on, and we’ll go out. We can go to this new club in town. What do you say?”

A night out on the town with my girl…sounds perfect.

I smile at her in the mirror. “I say…hell yeah.”

Twenty-Two

Zayn’s “Like I Would” is pumping through the club. I have a drink in my hand. And I’m totally feeling out of my element.

I’ve never really been a party girl. Having a younger brother to care for meant nights out were a rarity for me.

Honestly, I’m kind of ready to go home. My feet ache, and I’m tired. Plus, I’ve got work in the morning. But Cece’s enjoying herself, and I don’t want to be a party pooper.

We went to a few bars before coming to this club, which I’ve totally forgotten the name of.

Cece’s just at the bar, getting more drinks. I tip my head back, checking on her, and see she’s chatting with some guy who’s in line next to her.

He looks cute.

I finish the last of my drink and put the glass down on a nearby table.

Then, I get this weird prickly feeling on the back of my neck, like someone’s watching me. It’s been happening to me all night.

I spin my head around, looking, but I can’t spot anything—or should I say, anyone watching me. Not that I could tell in this place anyway. It’s packed. I rub a hand over the back of my neck, easing the sensation away.