Want Me (Mess with Me 4)

“Oh snap. It’s. About. To. Go. Down,” Ari chuckles.

A squeal comes out of Casey that almost shatters my eardrum. “This is so exciting! He definitely remembers you. A picture of coats. Clearly he’s sending you a message.”

“Let’s not get too excited. He can’t exactly put his real picture on here.”

Casey makes a face. “Ariana, deal with her.”

Ari lets out an aggrieved sigh. “You asked for a signal. Well.” She gestures to my phone. “LEFT TURN BITCH!”

While they crack up laughing, my thumb hovers over Seth’s profile photo.

Even though I’m downplaying it, my pulse picks up speed as I stare at the picture of coats. This isn’t like the other dates I accepted. Seth is on a different level. He’s not a drunk guy with wandering hands or an over-histamined screenwriter with a vendetta. If I accept this match, it feels like taking a permanent step away from Law and toward a new future.

Then I remember Law walking away from me. Walking away for the last time. That kiss on the forehead was a kiss goodbye and we both knew it.

“Okay universe, I get it.” I take a deep breath and then click the Accept button.

If I thought that Seth would be waiting around for me to accept his match, then I quickly get a wakeup call. He doesn’t respond until almost midnight. I’m in bed with a cup of hot tea on the nightstand next to me. The GlowUp notification startles me so badly I fumble my ereader and drop it over the side of the bed.

“Note to self. Tell Mya they need to change the default sound on the app.”

I’m sure any normal person could change it but I’ve always been annoyingly terrible with technology. It’s probably not worth the energy it would take for me to figure out how to do it.

His message is short and to the point.

sbinthecloset: Hidden in any closets lately?

Not the most original opening but it still makes me laugh. I can’t imagine that Seth Barrington has hidden in many closets, ever.

anyapetrova: Not lately. But there’s always tomorrow.

sbinthecloset: Let’s save the closet for another time. I’d rather see you in the light of day. Meet me for dinner?

I’m not sure if it’s just the format but he comes across as the perfect mix of solicitous and commanding. Still, I’m not sure I’m ready for a formal date yet. Who knows the type of place he’d take me. The idea of putting on a fancy dress to dine on snails and caviar, or whatever it is that billionaires eat, is incredibly intimidating.

anyapetrova: I can do lunch tomorrow. There’s a cute little place near my office. Does that work?

sbinthecloset: For you, I’ll make it work. See you then.

A coffee shop close to the office feels like more my speed. Before I can chicken out, I send him the address. There’s a chance the chemistry we had at the party was a fluke. A quick coffee date is perfect since I only have an hour for my lunch break. It’s a built-in eject button.

After drinking my tea, I read for a little while before cutting off the light. Our coffee date may not be a big deal but that doesn’t stop me from feeling guilty.

The next morning flies by. Not in a good way. I overslept and then had to shower, dress and eat breakfast in less than twenty minutes. Then the supplies I ordered for the office arrived except somehow everything was duplicated. Now I have a room filled with boxes of extra supplies and no idea what to do with all of it.

By the time lunch arrives, I feel like a rag that’s been hung up wet.

Sharon waves as I pass the reception desk. I told her earlier I would be leaving early for a lunch date. On the way out, I stop in the bathroom and try to fix my frazzled appearance with a little makeup. Lipgloss and highlighter make me feel a little more normal.

The coffee shop I recommended is this adorable little place called Cuppa. By the time I arrive, Seth has already claimed a table near the door. He stands as I approach.

Suddenly nervous in a way I wasn’t before, I cross my arms and then uncross them. How is it possible that he’s even more handsome wearing sweatpants? It’s obvious he’s going for an unassuming vibe today and looks more like a frat boy who just came from the gym.

“Hi.”

“Hey. I’m glad you came.” His dark eyes are as intense as ever as he yanks out the other chair for me.

Grateful for something to do, I sink down into it. I’ve been here so often that I don’t need the menu but I pick it up anyway. He takes his seat just as the waitress appears to take our orders. He orders a black coffee and a scone.