It’s a wonder I was a functioning adult. Though my track record with romantic relationships pointed to deep-seated issues. When I wasn’t avoiding personal complications, I was choosing partners who were the absolute worst possible choice. Mac was a perfect example. He was lazy, lacking in motivation, and a cheater. And I had known all of those things when I asked him to move in with me. None of my friends could understand how their tough-as-nails buddy could allow herself to be taken in by such a jerk. For all my bravado, I was a broken mess.
“Getting your infusion of espresso?”
I was startled at the sound of the deep voice just behind me. I looked over my shoulder and instantly tensed. Robert Jenkins gave me a tentative smile. One that crinkled the edges of his eyes just a little. Enough to make him look ridiculously cute.
I turned my back to him because when I shunned, I shunned completely.
I heard him let out a long breath. “I guess we’re still playing the ‘pretend we don’t know each other game.’”
After my visit with my parents, I was edgy and temperamental. I turned back around, my eyes flashing, and Robert looked taken aback. “If a woman doesn’t want to talk to you, that’s her prerogative. My reason for being on this Earth isn’t to make men feel validated.” I spoke louder than I intended, and I noticed I was getting side-eye from the other customers.
Robert pressed his lips into a thin line. “And when did I ever make you feel that I only wanted you around to stroke my giant male ego? I just don’t understand why you can’t even say hi to me anymore. We used to enjoy spending time together.”
I felt my face flush hot. “Used to being the operative word,” I reminded him.
I went back to watching the barista, hoping my heated stare would get her to move faster. But she seemed to be taking her sweet time making the to-go orders. At this rate, I’d be lucky to get out of there by lunchtime.
I could feel his presence behind me. I could smell the rich scent of his aftershave that wasn’t overpowering but just right. I noticed how the other women waiting in line gave him long, lingering looks. Robert Jenkins was a catch in every sense of the word and most women would gnaw off their left arms for a chance to spend time with such a handsome, intelligent guy.
I wasn’t most women.
And I would not be swayed by a pretty face ever again.
Even if that pretty face was attached to a guy with brains and a good sense of humor. If he couldn’t open up, even a little bit, then I wasn’t interested. My trust had been shattered into a thousand pieces by Mac and I wasn’t looking to get taken for a fool again.
Robert’s order was called before mine. He stepped around me and took what I knew to be his usual black Americano. It was one of the things I had appreciated about him once we started spending time together. I liked a man who didn’t waste time with fancy coffee orders. He took his to-go cup and paper bag. The barista gave him a wide, toothy smile, which he barely returned. She looked disappointed when he turned away with a distracted ‘thank you.’ He came back to stand beside me, and I gave him a confused look, forgetting to pretend he wasn’t there.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I figured I’d wait until you got yours,” he said, taking a sip of his hot coffee.
“Why?”
“Why not?” he countered.
He really was an odd guy. But if he liked spending time with women that clearly didn't want to spend time with him, then that was on him. Luckily, my order was called a few minutes later and I hurried to take it.
Robert followed me outside. “Skylar,” he called out and I debated ignoring him again.
But then I stupidly stopped and let him catch up with me.
It had started raining and his glasses were misting up, his hair plastered down over his forehead. “Adam tells me you’ll be at their house for dinner this weekend.”
I nodded a little hesitantly. “Let me guess, you’re going too?”
Robert grimaced. “Yeah. Meg’s been wearing me down for weeks. I finally caved.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. “She could wear down the granite.”
“She’s a force, that’s for sure. Though I do appreciate how she keeps Decate in check. He needs a firm hand,” Robert smirked.
“You have no idea. He was such a pain in the ass when we were younger.” I stopped myself. I had almost forgotten how easy it was to talk to him. To open up to him. To let him drag things out of me that I hadn’t intended to hand over.
He was dangerous.
**
“Here you go. A housewarming gift.” Robert’s arms were full with a large gift bag and a twelve-pack of assorted microbrews from my favorite brewery in Philly.
I opened the door and waved him through. “You really know the way to this gal’s heart,” I joked, taking the beer from him.
Robert laughed. “After you went through the entire list of beers you liked from this place, explaining ad nauseam their ingredients, I figured it was one thing you’d appreciate.”
I closed the door behind him. He took his coat off and slipped off his shoes. One thing I had come to realize about Robert Jenkins in the past few months is he was incredibly considerate. He picked up on things that other people might not. Like how I always took my
