I had to smile. “He’s still not my man and I’m proud of him. He is a good guy.”
“He builds ships. That is crazy. I really didn’t think it was true.”
“Yes, he does. He is smart.”
“I told you, you like him.”
I sighed and headed back for our table. “I do like him, which is why I’m not taking him home to Dad. He would turn and run in the other direction before I could blink twice.”
“I hope you won’t let that stop you from enjoying time with him,” she said.
I shrugged. “I don’t know if it even matters. I haven’t talked to him since the boat incident.”
“It isn’t an incident. It was sex. Damn good sex, judging by how red you got when you told me. Maybe you should reach out to him. We aren’t in the Stone Age anymore. You can call him. Text him. Whatever. I’m not saying marry the man. I’m saying have fun with him. You have said repeatedly you like him.”
She had a point. “Maybe I will next week. I have to get through this weekend.”
“Take him to the park again on Sunday or maybe ask for another boat ride, and by ride, I mean—”
“Don’t even say it,” I told her, cutting her off.
“Call him.”
“I will. Sunday.”
“I’m going to keep hounding you until you do it,” she warned.
“I know you will. Now, if you are done trying to set me up, I need to get home. I have a few more details to iron out before I go to bed.”
We finished our late dinner and headed for her car. After she dropped me off, I couldn’t stop myself from doing a little more Googling. I wanted to know more about the man that had captivated my attention. I couldn’t quite figure him out. I got the impression he wanted to make people think he was the tough, unfeeling guy. I didn’t think he was all that tough. Definitely alpha male but not tough in a mean way.
I clicked off the image of him that appeared on his company website. I wondered if maybe, just maybe, he could pass my dad’s litmus test. He was successful and well spoken, at least when he wanted to speak. If there was ever going to be a man that could get close to measuring up to my dad’s very high standards, I had a feeling it would be Xander.
What could it hurt to have a little fun and a casual relationship? Spending my one day off a week with him would be fun. We could agree not to be the kind of couple that fawned all over each other every minute of the day. We would be the kind of couple—not couple, friends. We would be friends who needed a date for a party on occasion and could call one another up without explaining where we’ve been the last week or two.
Chapter 15
Xander
I flipped off the TV and walked outside. I had my swim trunks on and was ready to dive into my pool. I had gone down to the beach earlier, but it was packed. I couldn’t wait until school picked up and some of the tourists drifted away.
I dove in headfirst, the cool water washing over me. I swam a few laps before drifting to the edge of the pool and holding on. I waited to see if I heard the sound again. My brain could be playing tricks on me.
When I heard the birdsong again, I sprang out of the pool, using my arms to lift myself up. That was Evie’s ringtone. I felt a bit like a teenage girl, but I wanted to make sure I knew when she called. I picked up my phone. “Hello?” I answered, pretending to be totally cool and casual.
“Hey, it’s me, Evie.”
I smiled as I picked up my towel and rubbed it over my head. “Yes, I gathered that. What are you doing?”
“I am calling to ask you for a huge favor,” she said.
“What would that be?” I asked, praying like hell she didn’t ask me for money. I didn’t want to think she was using me. I would never trust my judgement again if that was the case.
“Are you busy tonight?”
“I don’t think so,” I said hesitantly.
“You don’t think so? That sounds like you are keeping your options open.”
Busted. “Not entirely.”
“It’s not terrible,” she said. “Well, not too terrible.”