Stuck With Me - Melissa Brown Page 0,22

to dry naturally, spraying coconut mist into my developing curls. It took a bit for me to dig through my luggage, but I found the one dress that I’d packed. I’d intended to wear it on New Year’s Eve, but since Dev was injured and the rest of our friends most likely would never make it to the resort, I decided to wear it for drinks with Craig.

I had six minutes to go, but I looked hot. My hair was drying beautifully and I had just enough mascara on for my eyes to pop. I was ready.

I hope you’re ready for me, Craig.

After all of my running around to be on time, ironically, Craig was the one who ended up making me wait. About fifteen minutes after our meeting time, I was ready to pay for my seltzer water and go back upstairs when he strolled into the bar, looking handsome but not at all concerned about the time. Although I was a little irritated that he didn’t apologize for his lack of punctuality, which was something I valued, I decided to let it roll off my back and just enjoy getting to know him.

“In the mood for a margarita? Or maybe a martini?” Craig asked as I studied the menu. We were tucked in a small booth near the bar. The warmth of the fireplace danced over my bare arms as I settled into my leather seat. The lighting was dim and the music was relaxed and mellow. It was the perfect place to get to know someone new.

“Ooh, they have a sugar cookie martini. I’m all set.”

“That sounds pretty good. I think I’ll join you.”

After the waitress took our drink order, we stared at each other for just a moment, and I was unsure which one of us would break the ice.

“So…your name. Craig.”

Craig shrugged and casually ran his fingers through his dark blond hair. “I know, I know. it’s a little outdated, but it’s a family name. I’m the third.”

“I was going to say it’s classic. Refined.”

“Well, thanks.” His cheeks reddened. “You might be the first person to say that…maybe ever.”

“I’m a librarian. I appreciate classic things, I guess.”

“Interesting. I wouldn’t have pegged you as a librarian.”

“How come?” I’d heard this before, so it was nothing new. I braced myself for what he’d say next. I’d heard I didn’t look smart, nerdy, or educated enough. And all three had made my blood boil.

“You’re just too…good looking.”

Well, it’s a step up, I guess.

“Librarians can be good looking.”

“None I’ve ever met.”

Silence hung between us, as I wasn’t sure what to say. I knew he was complimenting me, but it also felt like a backhanded insult. Craig was definitely full of inconsistencies…eager to have drinks, but strolls in late…obviously thinks I was attractive but doesn’t seem to think much of others in my profession.

Hmmm.

As I told myself to stop making things with Craig more complicated than they needed to be, Dev popped into my mind, and I glanced at my watch. Clearly I was looking for a distraction, as I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the man sitting opposite me. He was charming, yes. Handsome, definitely. But there was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I figured there was plenty of time to figure it out.

Dev’s fine, Lyra. Focus on your date.

“Now Lyra, I gotta admit I’ve never heard that name before.”

“No idea where it came from. My parents just liked it, I guess. My dad used to be a musician, so maybe it’s a play on the word lyric. I should really ask them, huh?” I said with a laugh.

“Couldn’t hurt,” Craig said. “So, elephant in the room. You and Dev?”

“We’re not dating if that’s what you’re asking. And didn’t you already kinda ask that earlier today?”

He nodded.

“We’re friends…I mean, kind of. We kinda drive each other nuts,” I said before taking my first sip of martini. The sugar tickled my tongue and the sweet taste of buttercream consumed me. “Oh my God, this is awesome. You have to try it.”

“Wow, that’s good.” Craig nodded, his eyes wide. “Yeah, so about Dev, he’s, uh….he’s not the easiest guy in the world. I can see how you two wouldn’t exactly click.”

“Our best friends are in love—we get thrown together a lot. He’s not a bad guy or anything, we just…we’re very different. They were supposed to be here with us, but they didn’t get in before the shit hit the fan.”

Craig shook his head. “He’s a