Page 8 of Pucking Rebound
I snap my head up from my phone then place it screen down on the table. “What? Hell, no. I asked you out for dinner because I wanted to cheer you up. It was supposed to be my treat.”
She slides into the leather seating booth opposite me, smirking. “Well, it’s paid, and anyway, it was my way of saying thanks for cheering me up.”
My plan is working.
Thank fuck. I was thinking on my feet when I suggested I take her out for the night.
I had no plan. None whatsoever. But she seems to have enjoyed the meal so far, and while she was in the restroom, I decided what we’re doing next.
Being this close to her feels unreal. I’ve always thought Lola was someone I’d love to get to know better—maybe even take out on a date. But I can’t. She’s completely off-limits. As an Eagles’ employee, she falls under the strict no-relationship policy. Getting involved with her isn’t just risky—it’s forbidden.
I clear my throat, ignoring how attracted I am to her, and look around the diner that’s much quieter than it was earlier. Sitting in one of their private booths with no one around us was only made possible by slipping the hostess a stack of dollar bills. The last thing I need is a fan recognizing me and pestering me for a selfie, especially if I am out looking like I’m on a date with Wade’s assistant. Which I’m not.
Tonight, all I want to do is spend time with Lola and make her smile again. Which I’ve managed to do a lot already.
When she talks about something she loves, it makes her all animated and excitable, and her eyes sparkle with genuine happiness, like a kid visiting a carnival for the first time. I’m fascinated by the way her lips curve. It’s impossible not to smile back.
She’s beautiful.
She’s off limits, Jordy.
Lola’s phone rings out for the millionth time tonight. Graham has been texting non-stop. He’s been full of remorse; feeding her bullshit lies and trying to cover up his infidelity.
“I’m blocking him.” She stares down at the ringing phone, hesitating.
“Let me do the honors.” I lift her phone off the table, hit decline and then search for his contact details before pressing theBlock Callerbutton. “Done.”
Rubbing her hand across her forehead, she asks, “How can I go from loving him one minute to hating him the next?”
“It’s easy to hate someone when they hurt you.” I slide her phone back across the table, wanting to punch Graham in the face for the pain he’s inflicted on her.
She scowls, her lips forming a thin line before she adds, “I feel like he wasted my time. If he wasn’t serious about us, then he should have done the decent thing and not asked me to marry him or let me organize a big, stupid wedding.” Sighing, she looks away, as if deep in thought. “I thought he was one of the good guys. I hate being wrong.”
“It’s okay to feel all of those things, just don’t let them eat you up. Breakups make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller-coaster but you need to stop giving him access to your emotions.”
“Emotionally cut him off.”
“Exactly.”
“Then I’m going to cut off his balls.” She makes a chopping gesture with her hand against the tabletop.
I cup my junk. “Remind me never to fuck you over.”
She giggles, then rests her chin in the palm of her hand. “So, what’s next? Tequila?”
“Nope.” I shuffle out of the booth and point in the direction of the door. “There is no alcohol involved tonight. I told you that.”
“I’m never going out with you again,” she jokes, shaking her head with a smile before grabbing her jacket.
She takes the hand I offer to help her out of her seat, causing a thrilling rush, like a current of energy, to run through my veins.
“Are you regretting not having a cocktail with your meal?” I ask, dropping her hand as she puts her jacket on, then pulls on her woolen hat and grabs her fancy designer purse.
“No. Does that make me boring?” she asks, pushing the handles of her purse up over her shoulder, securing it in place.
“You are the most interesting person I know, Lola.”
“I’m going to take you with me everywhere I go. You’re like fuel for my ego.”
