The Introvert's Guide to Speed Dating (The Introvert's Guide 2)

His eyes twinkled.

“I graduated high school here, went to college to get my degree, and stayed in the city with Chris because I was pregnant. We got engaged, and about four years ago I caught him cheating on me, but I think I already told you that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Blessing in disguise.” I waved my hand dismissively. “Either way, I moved back here a few months ago when he transferred to Miami. But he told me today he misses Montana and Leo, so he’s going to try to transfer back closer to home.”

“Leo will love that. How do you feel about it?”

“I’ll let you know when he knows where he’s going. It’d be nice to have him in the state, but he did mention something about Idaho, and that’s where he’s been doing business, so that’s probably the most likely.” I shrugged. “But I’ll take anything at this point. It’s hard doing it all by myself.”

“And good for Leo.”

I fought a smile. “And good for Leo, but selfishly, I’m looking forward to sharing the load.”

Ollie laughed. “You know you don’t have to stay for his practices, right? You can leave.”

“How can I leave? I’ll miss stuff, and how else will you use my child to get more of my food if I’m not there?”

“You’ll just have to take my word for it that he needs practice.” His eyes shone with laughter as he lifted his glass to his lips. “Every single day.”

I rolled my eyes in an over-dramatic fashion and leaned forward on the table. “So that’s it. You’re using my son to get to me.”

“We’ve already had this conversation and I believe I issued a denial.”

“I think your denial is bollocks.”

“Ooh, that’s a big word.”

“My new favorite, actually.” I couldn’t help but smile at him, and I reached up and tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m glad you coerced me into this.”

“Coerced you? I take issue with that. I did nothing of the sort.”

“Oh, that kiss?” I rested my chin on my hand. “That wasn’t coercion?”

He held his hands up. “I asked if I could kiss you, and you said yes. No coercion there.”

Damn it. “That was very polite of you to ask.”

“Well, now that Dylan is definitely off the market, I’m the only single British guy in town. I have to keep up our gentlemanly reputation.” He leaned forward. “Keeps the ladies guessing.”

“Does it,” I deadpanned, more of a sarcastic statement than a question. “Guessing about what? If you ask before spanking?”

Ollie’s lips curved up. “Only the first time. It ruins the mood if you ask every single time.”

I stared at him for a long moment before I burst into laughter. I couldn’t believe we were really having this conversation. It seemed completely wild to me.

“This is a very strange conversation to be having here,” I noted. “Might ruin your reputation.”

“You’re right. Let’s change the subject. So… What’s your favorite color?”

CHAPTER TWELVE – LONDON

RULE TWELVE: TWO HOURS IS DEFINITELY BETTER TO GET TO KNOW SOMEONE THAN TWO MINUTES. ESPECIALLY IF YOU’VE ALREADY MADE OUT.

“Do you want to go for a walk?”

I looked down at my feet. “Uh, I’m not sure walking is the best idea. My toes are already pretty numb.”

Chuckling, Ollie guided me to the car. “I have some flip-flops in the boot.”

“Why would you have flip-flops in your boots?”

“The boot, London.”

I blinked at him.

“The back of the car. You know, the trunk?”

“Oh. Why didn’t you say so?”

“I did,” he said dryly. “It’s the boot to me.”

“You’re weird.” I glanced down at his feet. “And you have huge feet compared to me. I’ll just trip over them or you’ll have to carry me.”

“You can jump on my back?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” I opened my purse and pulled out a pair of rolled-up flats. “I’m no amateur. Here, help me balance.”

Ollie took my purse with one hand and offered me his other arm. I unrolled the shoes and kicked off my heels one by one, replacing them with the much more comfortable ballet flats.

“Wow,” Ollie said when I put the heels in the backseat of his car. “You seem shorter than I remember.”

“Excuse you, Mr. Six-Foot-Thousand,” I muttered.

With a laugh, he rested his arm over my shoulders, and we turned in the direction of the park. It was still relatively light out, and there was a gentle glow of orange as the sun lowered beyond the horizon.

“Do you ever hike?” Ollie asked, looking at the trails that disappeared into the mountainous terrain behind the park.

“I haven’t in a while, and I’m not doing it in this dress before you ask.”

He chuckled. “It was a general question. Does Leo like it?”

“I think he went with Seb and Kai a few weeks ago. Either that or they pretended to hike and just ate ice-cream.”

“Bit of both, I think. Do you want to go? Either tomorrow morning or when Chris has gone home and Leo can come?”