Bad Boys Do (Donovan Brothers Brewery 2)
“Good morning.”
“Just one second,” he said, holding up a finger as she drew in a few deep breaths. “Haven’t had my coffee yet.”
“No stamina?”
He frowned at that, and Olivia wished she could pull the words back. Probably not what a man liked to hear.
“So, I wondered if it was another time yet.”
“Another time?” she asked.
“You said I should ask you another time, and I do need coffee.”
She grinned at him, still thrilled with this new attention. And he was cute. He seemed to have spent the weekend outside as his skin had lost a little of its academic pallor. His pale gray eyes were now a striking contrast to his skin.
He raised a hopeful eyebrow at her study.
“I’m actually seeing someone right now,” Olivia said. His face fell. “But would you consider another blind date?”
“Oh.” A look of mild terror flashed in his eyes.
“I promise I’ve got good taste. She not only has a great personality, but she’s got a smokin’ bod.”
“A smokin’ bod?” he laughed.
“Yep.”
“Okay,” he admitted. “I’m intrigued.”
“Her name is Gwen. She works here at the university. But before this goes any further, let me be clear. Gwen’s in administration. She doesn’t have a degree, but she’s smart and determined. If you have a problem with that, tell me now.”
He looked genuinely confused. “What do you mean?”
“Tenured professor? Rising star? I need you to ask yourself whether you’re an arrogant ass.”
“An arrogant…” Paul burst into deep, rich laughter, and she had her answer. An arrogant ass would never laugh like that at himself. “I don’t think I am,” he said. “Do you want me to ask around?”
She grinned and shook her head. “No, you seem all right. So, what do you think? Are you interested?” Olivia leaned a little closer. “She already looked up your picture. She thinks you’re cute.”
His cheeks went slightly pink. “Oh, yeah? Well, I can hardly walk away from that, can I?”
Olivia suppressed the urge to clap her hands and bounce. “Okay. I’ll talk to Gwen.” She drew a business card from her purse and wrote Gwen’s phone number on the back. “Will you call her?”
He handed over one of his cards. “I’m putting my life in your hands. Can you live with that responsibility?”
“I’ll try.”
“Okay. I’ll trust you then. If you’re sure you’re already taken.”
“Not taken,” she corrected. “But definitely occupied.”
Olivia waved goodbye and continued on her path, but she detoured toward the hallway that led to Gwen’s office. Gwen was on the phone, so Olivia tossed the card on her desk and smiled.
“Absolutely,” Gwen said, picking up the card with a frown. “Monday at the latest. Yes. Uh-huh. Listen, a student just walked in, so I’ll have to talk to you next week. Thanks, again.” She set the phone in the cradle and pointed the card at Olivia. “What’s this about?”
“Paul is interested in a date. With you. He’s going to call.”
“What?”