“Wait, Laney!” the man called out, jogging up to me. “I wanted to ask you something.”
Slowly, I turned.
“I don’t really have much time for chit-chat, Mark. It’s five p.m. I have to catch the 5:05 because the next one doesn’t come for half an hour.”
“No worries, I can give you a ride home if you’d like.”
He should have offered before we arrived back at the office.
“No, it’s okay. I already paid for my bus ticket.”
But Mark was going to say what he wanted to say. The man took a deep breath, supporting himself with one hand on the nearby wall.
“I was wondering if you wanted to… you know… go out with me…?” the man mumbled, a hopeful expression on his face. He looked like a five-year-old asking his mother for an ice cream cone.
This guy was really impossible. It’s hard to describe. On the one hand, he was a nervy, cocky asshole, putting prisoners down without an ounce of compassion. Someone who you’d hate, flat out. But sometimes, Mark was also someone else. Right now, reminded me of a teen boy standing on your doorstep, insecure with a big zit on his chin. I didn’t know what to do.
So I tried to be nice.
“I’m sorry, you know I can’t,” I said as gently as possible.
“Why not?” he pleaded, about to take my hand in his, but then quickly reconsidered.
Oh god, what should I say?
“I’m already dating someone, you know that,” were my gentle words. And it was true. I was dating someone, sort of. He was nothing compared to Mason, but then again, Mr. Evercore only came into my life today.
Mark’s shoulders sagged in defeat. Because of course, I’d told him this before.
“Right, sorry. Can’t blame a man for trying, right?”
“You’ll find someone,” I said a bit lamely. I mean, what else was I supposed to say at a moment like this?
He nodded.
“Yeah.”
And without another word, the man shuffled back to his car, dragging his feet on the pavement.
For a split second, I thought about calling him back – to try and make amends – but there really was nothing I could do.
I sighed and began walking to the bus stop, thoughts whirling. Because I hadn’t lied about the whole dating thing. I’d been on a couple of dates with Jim. I mean, we weren’t exactly boyfriend girlfriend, but we weren’t friends either.
Hopefully, tonight’s date wouldn’t be so bad.
Uck.
After meeting Mason, I didn’t want to go anymore.
But that wasn’t an option. It was too late to cancel without being rude.
Besides, what was I thinking? I had a twenty-minute conversation with a gorgeous prisoner today, and I want him instead?
That made no sense whatsoever.
So shaking my head, I waited at the bus stop. Of course, it was late, giving me ample time to simmer in my indecision. I really didn’t know where I stood with Jim. Any other girl would have been excited, but I just wasn’t. Going out with him was turning into a hassle, something I put myself through because I thought I was supposed to.
After all, Jim was a nice guy. Sandy blonde hair. Watery blue eyes. His white, soft hands were gentle and slim. All in all, any other woman would probably consider him a catch. Oh, and he’s a vet technician for the animal hospital in town. It was a good job. Noble. He worked with helpless animals, so that had to count for something. Right?
So why did I want Mason instead?
It was wrong.
Get with it girl, the voice in my head scolded. That guy’s in jail. Are you crazy?
But all the same, my thoughts filled with Mr. Evercore. Tall. Dark. Dominating. Those blue eyes blazing as they trailed over my body. And oh god, but I wanted him so much.
***
I’d just finished putting on my makeup when there was a knock on the door.
Jim.
I hesitated to answer. A part of me just wanted to stay home and think about Mason all night long. Because it would be wrong of me to go on a date with Jim while fantasizing about another man. I bit my lip, trying to come up with some excuse that would get him to leave. Maybe if I didn’t answer, he would just give up and go home.
But in the end, my conscience forced me to answer the door and smile with a welcome.
“Hey there,” I managed casually. “Just let me grab my purse.”
Jim smiled back, a happy-go-lucky look on his face. His pale blue eyes sparkled.
“Sure, take your time. You look fantastic!” he exclaimed, voice eager. I could almost see that puppy dog tail waving.
I tried to muster some enthusiasm, but inside, there was nothingness. Not have. Not love. Not excitement. Just blah.
At the prison, I’d spent twenty minutes with a real man, coming alive in a way I thought impossible. Now, there was just buzzkill.