Page 45 of Say Yes to the Hot Mess
“Have you thought about kissing him?”
“I mean, not specifically…” I hedge—although I’m definitely thinking about it now. I’m pretty sure Dex would be an excellent kisser.
“Notspecifically?” Scarlett says in what I’ve come to think of as her calling-me-on-my-nonsense voice. Her eyes are undoubtedly narrowed, and she’s preparing to ferret out the truth.
“Well, we’ve already established he’s attractive,” I say. “It kind of goes with the territory to just—you know.Wonder.But I’ve never sat there daydreaming about what kind of kisser he would be.”
“He’d be great,” Scarlett says, all business. “He’d take charge and take his time and do it right.”
I swallow, and I think my cheeks turn red. “That’s probably accurate.”
“Okay, here’s your homework,” Scarlett says. “When you guys are together this weekend, figure out if you have a crush on him. Pay attention to your pulse when he’s around. Take note of whether you’re flirting or not. See how he talks to you and how it makes you feel.” She pauses, and then, more mischievously, she adds, “And definitely,definitelylook at him and think about kissing him and then see how badly you want to do it.”
“Scarlett,” I groan. “I don’t want to do any of that.”
“Because you’re scared,” she accuses.
“Of course I’m scared!” I say, exasperated. “The last time I had a crush on a guy, I ended up a single mom. My track record isn’t great.”
“I know, babe,” she says gently. All traces of teasing are gone now. “And that’s totally valid. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push. If you don’t want to think about him like that, absolutely don’t. But if you do…well, I can vouch for Dex. He might be a little stuffy sometimes, but he’s a good guy. His family is too. Even his mom—she’s completely overbearing, and she’s superficial to a certain level, but mostly she just loves her kids and doesn’t know how to show it best.”
I sigh. “One of these days we’re going to talk about how well you seem to know the Anthony family,” I say.
“But not today!” she says cheerfully. “Now go be the best fake date ever. Oh, and Maya?”
“Hmm?”
“Um, maybe don’t mention me to Dex? I just haven’t really been in touch with his family, and…I don’t know. It might be weird.”
So many questions. I have so many questions.
But I just smile. “I won’t mention your name.”
“Great,” she says with a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“You too, Scar. Love you.”
“Love you too, babe.”
By the time Dex knocks on my door ten minutes later, I’ve mentally prepared myself and splashed my face a few times with cold water. I feel okay at the moment, but I was crying after leaving Archer at Frank’s, and I’m sure it still shows. I’m not a pretty crier.
“You okay?” Dex says immediately upon seeing me. His full lips tug into a frown. “You look like you’ve been crying.”
“Most people would have the tact not to mention that,” I say dryly, opening the door wider so he can step inside. He’s dressed more casually today, but on him that still means dark jeans and a polo shirt that does very nice things for his shoulders and biceps.
“Sorry,” he says, wincing. “I guess I’m more direct than tactful.”
“I figured,” I say with a shrug, trying to ignore the smell of him as he brushes past me—some sort of fresh pine scent. I do not need to be thinking about how good he smells, especially with Scarlett’s you-have-a-crush theory still fresh on my mind. “And I’m fine. It’s just hard to leave Archer. But it’s okay. I just need to grab my keys and bag and get my shoes on.”
Dex nods, jerking his chin at my suitcase. “Is this all?”
“That’s it,” I say. I slip my feet into my sandals, glancing down at my own outfit—my most comfortable pair of palazzo pants and a fitted t-shirt—and trying not to feel insecure about how nice he looks. But honestly, if I’m going to be in the car for two hours, I’m going to make myself comfortable.
He grabs my suitcase, lifting it with ease and taking it outside. I grab my keys and my leather messenger bag, lock the front door, and follow.
We load up the car, and then we’re off with Dex behind the wheel. The surprise of all surprises is that he doesn’t drive like a little old granny; I fully expected him to be cruising along at a turtle’s pace, what with how careful and strict and uptight he is.
But…is he? He gives off those vibes, sure. And sometimes he does act that way. But hearing him laugh after the cabbage incident sort of opened my eyes to a different side of him, one that’s infinitely more pleasant. He’s been more easygoing too, and it’s a good look on him—
