Blind Date(7)

"Hi there, neighbor."

Oh. My. God.

Did I just say that?

I just said that.

I might as well slap a sign on my head. A big LOSER sign.

Ace's eyes swing to me. Oh those eyes. So incredibly gorgeous. The kind of eyes that turn your legs to jelly, and your panties into a puddle on the floor. They're intense, and they speak more words than he ever will. Ace stares at me for a long few seconds, then his eyes move back to the door, without even a hello.

Now that's rude.

"I said hello," I mumble. "You could at least say hello back."

Those eyes move to me again. He's massive up close. I swear standing next to his six-foot frame makes me feel two feet tall. Granted, I'm not tall and tend to be on the petite side, but this man makes me feel even smaller than I actually am. He's intimidating, a little scary even. Those bulging muscles, obvious even under the gray suit that fits him so well, don't help. His dark hair is the usual mess, all over the place, like he woke up this morning, got dressed, and walked out of the house without even running a hand through it.

Why am I noticing him so much right now? I mean sure, I've always glanced at him and noticed his looks, but I'm really noticing them now. That makes me a little uneasy, and that familiar tinge of guilt squeezes my chest, even though rationally I know there is absolutely no reason for it. There is nothing wrong with noticing other men, or even dating them. I know this.

I do.

"Do I know you?"

His voice is every woman's wet dream: husky, masculine, and deep. I focus on it for only a second, and then his words penetrate. Do I know you? Is he serious right now? There is only one other apartment on our floor, which belongs to a little old lady, Lena. How in the hell can he not know who I am? I see him just about every day. I've said hello to him before. He cannot be serious.

"I live right next door to you."

He studies me. "I never noticed you."

He doesn't say that in the kind, oh-I'm-sorry-I-didn't-realize way. No. He says it in the oh-you're-not-noticeable, sorry way. I've said hello so many times, and waved right in his pretty, jerky face. He knows it, too. I'm sure of it. Nobody is that stupid. So he's chosen to be a pig about it, for no good reason. My spine straightens and anger bubbles in my chest. I've had just about enough of the male population tonight. First Greg and his shallow personality, and now Ace.

No.

Just no.

"I don't know what cereal box you got your manners manual out of, buddy," I snap. "But you're incredibly rude."

One dark brow shoots up, just as the elevator dings and the door opens. I storm out first, horrified at the audacity of the man. I take the four steps to the left from the elevator to my door, and pull out my keys. Glancing over at Ace as he stands by his door a few feet down, watching me.


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"That's right, I live right here. I'm the woman who says hello to you, who you so rudely ignore-and then insult. And no," I mutter, shoving my key in the lock, "I will never be lending you milk."

I kick the door open, and then pop my head back out. "Or sugar!"

I slam the door. The first thing I do is call Taylor. I'm furious and she needs to know exactly what I think.

"Still upset?" she answers, her tone light.

"I'm not going on another date, Taylor. Absolutely not. I thought you should know that."

"Aw, come on, I'm sorry. I didn't know he was a liar. It's a blink date website, I can only filter it down to basics: age, height, hair color, things like that. It's meant to be a surprise, so I don't get to see photos. That's what makes it a mystery  …  and fun. Some people are liars, I guess, and categorize themselves wrong. But-"

"Exactly. There are probably a thousand other liars out there. No. No more."

"You promised me three, please, Hart."

I huff, close my eyes for calm. Men. Maybe I'm better off without them.

"I don't think I can handle another one like that," I mutter, rubbing my temple with my pointer finger.

"Well, let's hope the next ones aren't liars. I'm sure it'll be fine. Worst case, they're not and you have to cope with a few lousy dates. At least you're getting out there."

I exhale. I promised three. I'll give her three.

"Fine, but honestly, I don't have a good deal of patience left."

She giggles lightly. "Take a deep breath. It isn't so bad. Besides aren't these great stories to have?"

I growl.

She laughs.

"Good night, Taylor. I love you even though I hate you right now."