Matching Mr. Right(37)
He laughed. “A few tried, but I outran them.” He paused and took a pull from his beer bottle. “I thought you might’ve had something going on with that Nick guy, but Jo tells me you’re between men at the moment?”
“Nick? No we’re just . . . friends.” Although a friend had never kissed her like Nick had in his Porsche.
“Good. He reminded me of your last boyfriend, what was his name?”
“Ryan?”
“Yeah. I never liked that guy. You’re special Shelby, and you should hold out for just the right man.”
She always had, and she was looking right at him. “That’s my intention.” She smiled and stared deeply into his eyes hoping he’d take the hint. But he seemed oblivious to her charms, as usual.
So, on to plan B. “Hey, I was wondering if you’d like to watch the game on Sunday in my uncle’s box? We have plenty of room.”
His face lit up. “That’d be great. What time should I meet you there?”
She needed her bat so she could knock some sense into him. How dense could Greg be? “We could ride together if you want. Save on parking?”
“Great idea. But I don’t have a car yet, I’ll have to borrow one. I can’t make up my mind between a hybrid, or to go all electric. It’s all about the environment, right?”
Shelby smiled, thinking of how Nick would claim it’s all about speed. “Yeah. So why don’t I pick you up? Then you can drive my new Prius to the game and see what you think of it. Twelve thirty work?”
Someone called out Greg’s name so he lifted a finger to signal he’d be right there. “That’d be great. I’m sorry to cut this short. We’ll catch up at the game. Just like old times, right?” He kissed her cheek again. “Bye.”
“Bye. See you, Sunday.” Shelby’s heart sank. Their old times were “just friends” times. Was she going to have to strip naked and do a pole dance for him to notice her?
No, that’d be dumb. He might go screaming in the opposite direction at the sight of her legs.
It was early yet, but maybe she should just call it a night. Everyone wanted Greg’s attention and her ten minutes were up.
Shelby found Jo, who wasn’t ready to leave and said she’d find a ride, so Shelby started for home.
Maybe her outfit wasn’t as killer as she thought? Or maybe Greg went for a more conservative look? She needed advice. From a guy. She knew just who to call.
That’s what Nick got for being her “friend.”
***
Nick rubbed his forehead as he crunched the blurry numbers on his laptop. His neck and back ached and his throat had been sore all day. And he was freezing even though he wore thick socks and sweats. Maybe he’d go upstairs and find a blanket so he could stay warm while he finished his report. He’d compiled all the things he’d learned from Shelby’s business model but hadn’t given it to his sister yet, telling himself he might learn more on his next date. But the truth was, he’d been putting it off because he felt like such a shit for spying on Shelby. It was killing him worse every day. Maybe he could find a way to get Shelby and Lori to combine their client lists without revealing his spying. The data clearly showed they’d both benefit from that. But how?
When the phone rang, he grimaced. The shrill tone triggered an even more intense pounding in his head as he glanced at the screen. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, honey. What’s wrong?”
How the hell could his mother tell he felt like garbage from two words? “Bad headache. What’s up?”
“Your voice sounds scratchy. I hope you’re not getting the flu. I hear it’s a rough one with a really high fever.”
Nick laid the back of his hand on his forehead. How could it feel so hot when he was freezing? But he never got the flu. “I’ll be fine in the morning. What’s going on?”
“I wanted to ask a favor. But if you’re not feeling well . . .”
“Mom. Stop! What is it?”
She sighed. “You always snap like that when you’re sick. We’ll talk about it later. I’m going to be near your house tomorrow morning for my yoga class, so I’ll stop by and check on you. If you’re not there, then I’ll assume you’re better, and then I’ll take measurements for the new curtains I’m making for you.”
“I don’t need new curtains.” Those damned designer curtains currently hanging in his living room had cost him a fortune. “Tell me what the favor is.”
“Those curtains are hideous, Nick. I’ve been telling you that since you built that monstrosity. Why you went and had it decorated professionally when I could have helped you for free is beyond me. So, I’ll use my key and either see you in the morning or I won’t. Feel better. Love you, goodbye.”