Chapter 9
NINE
Ireread Conan’s text a few times, biting my lip as I stare at my screen.
“Whatchya watching? Porn?” I jump at Sky’s voice as he drops into the seat opposite me. “It better be porn with how hard you’re staring at that screen, or even those organization videos online, because they are addictive.”
I sigh and put my phone down screen first on the table, debating if I should ask him or not.
“Spit it out, brother. You look like a wound-up Chihuahua.”
“I’m more of a golden retriever,” I joke before I shuffle closer and lower my voice. “If someone were to ask you to go furniture shopping, would you think it’s a date?”
“Is it a guy? Either way, that doesn’t even matter. Yes, it’s a date,” he scoffs, and then his eyes narrow. “Oh my fucking god, who asked you?”
“No one.” I shrug, even more confused, but he snatches my phone. My eyes widen as I try to grab it, but he keeps it out of reach.
“Oh shit, is this Evan’s boss?” Skylar yells as he scrolls through my messages, and my heart slams in my chest. “Holy shit, dude, he is totally flirting with you.”
“He only asked me to go furniture shopping.” I huff as I reach for my phone and tumble into his seat as we wrestle for it.
“Who asked you to go furniture shopping?” Noah’s cold voice makes us stop, and I take the opportunity to grab my phone and slide back into my seat.
“Conan, the photographer. Seems they’ve been texting.” Skylar grins, wiggling his eyebrows. “I guess Mackie does have a type—older and hot.”
“Shut up,” I grumble as I grip my phone, looking at Noah. His eyes are on me despite Skylar’s words, and I feel myself shrink under his glare before I remember everything that happened, and I sit up. “He asked me to go with him. Since he isn’t working with us anymore, it isn’t a problem, is it?”
I swear I see his jaw clench, and I wait with bated breath. If he tells me he doesn’t want me to go, then I won’t. If he just gives me some sign I stand a chance with him, then I’ll never talk to Conan again. I’ll sit here and wait for him.
“Of course it isn’t,” Sky scoffs, totally oblivious, but when I glance at him, his eyes sparkle evilly.
“You think I should go?” I ask him, but I glance at Noah, who is still watching me. I practically beg him to tell me not to. Anything, I’ll take anything.
“Why not? You’re single,” Noah says, and my heart sinks as I stare into his eyes. Does he mean it? He wants me to go out with someone else? Did our kiss mean anything?
For the first time, I start to think I should give up, and then I get annoyed. I didn’t ask him to kiss me. I didn’t ask to fall in love with him. He’s so fucking cruel.
“Fine, I will,” I snap, done with these games. At least Conan is kind. It might not mean anything, but I’m so fucking tired of being treated like shit.
“Fine,” Noah snaps, “but get back to work. This isn’t a social club. You are both always lazing around.”
“Lazing?” I turn to Noah incredulously. “We’ve been practicing since 6 AM and we are taking our first break of the day—”
“Do you want to be a champion or not? There are plenty of others waiting for your car,” Noah argues. “Stop talking back to your boss and do as you’re told.” My mouth gapes open as he turns and stomps away.
“Holy shit,” Skylar whispers, and then he bursts into laughter.
“Why are you laughing? Can you believe him?” I throw my hand at where Noah just stood. “I can’t believe he would speak to us like that. What is his problem?”
Skylar’s laughter tapers off as he watches me with amusement. “You are both morons,” he scoffs as he grabs a bottle from the table and stands before looking back at me. “Go on that date. It will be interesting.” He whistles as he walks away, leaving me confused about what he meant.
One thing’s for certain: I’m done with Noah.
I’m done being in love with someone who only hurts me.
I type out a response and pocket my phone, then I head back to work, determined not to let him get under my skin.
Standing outside, I nervously check my phone again. I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. When I realized I was falling in love with Noah, it didn’t seem fair to waste anyone’s time.
I’m miles away when a horn beeps, and my head jerks up.
The sun is still shining since Noah let us go early.
I think he felt bad about yelling at us on our break, though he never said so.
A perfectly restored Charger idles before me, painted bright orange with a pale roof.
It gleams as I gawk at the beautiful car.
The nerd inside me is geeking out as I wonder whom it belongs to.
The window of the classic car rolls down, and a smiling Conan leans out. Aviators cover his eyes, his wide smile flashing perfect white teeth. His dirty blond hair is mussed in a sexy way, and his shirt sleeves are rolled up to expose thick, veiny forearms.
“Hey, you ready?” he calls as I stare, completely transfixed.
Blinking, I nod, hoist my bag up, and hurry to his window. “Your car is amazing,” I say, my hand hovering over the paint. “I used to have pictures of Chargers all over my room when I was younger. It was my dream car.”
“Really?” He tilts his head as he smiles at me. “Mine too.” Reaching over, he pops the passenger door open. “Come on, furniture shopping waits for no one.”
Smiling, I hurry around and sink into the leather seat, almost groaning at how comfortable it is. I feel like an excited kid as I lean into the dash and eye the interior. “It’s so beautiful.”
Conan’s laugh mixes with the low music. “Glad you like it. As a car guy, I’ll take it as a compliment. Buckle up.”
I’m too busy ogling to follow his instructions.
Chuckling, he leans over, and I slam back into my seat as he reaches across me.
His hand slides over my shoulder as he reaches down and fastens my belt for me, his glasses slipping down far enough for me to see his bright eyes.
“Safety first,” he murmurs as my heart pounds in my chest, shocking the hell out of me.
It only does that for Noah, but when Conan winks, my heart does it again, and then he leans back and I can breathe. Completely oblivious to my panic, he pulls out, singing softly along to the radio as I stare at him. What the hell is going on?
I love Noah, so why did my body react like that to Conan?
Guilt and excitement assault me, leaving me silent as we drive. If he senses it, he doesn’t say anything, so I start to relax. It’s okay. I’m single. I can feel whatever I want for anyone I want.
“Where do you want to go first?” he asks, glancing at me as we pull up at a light.
“Um, anywhere is fine. I need everything,” I reply with a shy smile.
He smiles widely. “I know a place.”
I nod and let him take me wherever. When we pull up at the department store, I climb out and sling my bag on.
He meets me at the front of his car and slides his glasses into his shirt, one hand going into his pocket.
“Come on.” I follow him, and when we get inside, I whistle.
There are five stories, and it’s fancier than any store I’ve been to before.
It also looks like it sells everything I could need.
“Don’t worry about prices, I did a lot of shoots for them here. I get a fifty percent discount on everything. So, Mackie, where shall we start?”
I look around, feeling a little lost and unsure, and he moves closer.
“How about the kitchen?”
“Sounds good,” I agree and let him steer me to the second floor. We stand side by side on the escalators, shooting each other looks. We are so close, I feel his hand brush mine, but neither of us reach for the other. “I don’t cook a lot.”
“No? I used to love cooking. I just don’t have a lot of time anymore,” he replies as he makes sure I get off safely, and then we head into the aisles.
“Hmm, my grandma is an amazing cook, but I never really got that gene. I like baking though,” I admit shyly.
“Really? They have some great baking supplies here. Let’s get you some in case you want to hone your skills,” he suggests, and he hurries down that section.
Conan grabs one basket and hands me another as he eyes one of the shelves.
“What kind of baking, or should we just get everything you might need?”
He keeps talking, but I just stare at him. He is taking this very seriously. We are only shopping for my apartment, but he genuinely wants to help, and something about that makes me smile. “Thank you for helping me,” I blurt, and he blinks at me. “I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. Besides, I wanted to see you.” He seems to realize what he said and he snaps his mouth shut before turning away. “Trays? Let’s get four,” he murmurs, adding stuff to his basket. He’s cute when he’s shy.
We spend hours shopping, filling basket after basket and dropping it with someone he knows on the fourth floor.
I stopped looking at the prices after the tenth time he told me off, promising it will be okay.
He’s kind, and he’s also a lot of fun to hang out with.
There isn’t a lull in our conversation, and I feel comfortable with him.
Conan is warm, like a summer’s day, a breath of fresh air filling my lungs and cleansing everything away until I genuinely enjoy spending time with him.
He doesn’t seem bored. In fact, he seems to be having a good time, but I still worry. “If you have someplace to be, you don’t have to stay,” I tell him.
“What? Why?” he asks. “I’m free all evening. Why would I leave?”
I stumble over my words. “Oh, no reason. I just . . . Nerves, I guess.”
“Nerves? Why?” I feel his eyes on me and I avoid them, a funny feeling clenching my stomach. It’s different than when I’m with Noah but no less intense, and I feel confused and loose tongued.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been on a date,” I admit, and then I spin in the middle of the bedding aisle as I sputter. “Not that this is a date. I’m just—”
His laughter cuts me off, and the smile he aims at me is worth it. “It has been a long time since I’ve been on a date as well. How about we figure it out together?”
I relax and nod as he grabs my basket as we walk by the sale section.
“Oh, that mug is cute.” I stop in front of a shelf, picking one of the matching sets up.
There are a couple of designs, but the orange one makes me smile.
I look at others. “Oh, they are all cute.” He stands at my side, waiting patiently.
He was just as patient when I spent ages choosing bedding.
He never once complained, letting me fuss.
“I probably only need one,” I mutter as I eye the mugs.
“What if I want coffee when I come to see you?” he asks, and I jerk my head up.
“You plan to come over?” I ask, flirting coming naturally.
“Maybe. If there’s a mug for me, then I guess I’ll have to.” He smiles, and I pick up two mugs, adding them to the basket he’s carrying. When he turns away, I hesitate and grab a third, just in case, for Noah.
“Here.” He turns and pushes a plushie at me. I blink down at it. It’s a cute, little bear holding a sun, and I raise my eyebrows. “It reminds me of you. It’s bright, happy, soft, and cute.” His cheeks flush with a blush. “Besides, it can keep you company in your new place.”
I’ve never been one for stuffed toys, but as I listen to his reasoning, I can’t help but clutch it against my chest. “Then we should name it,” I reply as we wander to the fourth floor.
“I’m rubbish at names, you pick it, I’m sure it will be perfect.” He grins. “Anything else?”
“No, I think that’s everything,” I reply as he leads me to the counter.
“Okay, let’s pay.” He puts the basket down, and I smile at the teddy as the cashier rings it up for me.
Conan and the woman chat happily about spring displays, and I tune them out until I hear, “Sir?”
I snap my head up.
“Can I scan that?”
“Oh, sorry,” I say, feeling embarrassed as I offer her the teddy. She smiles and scans it before passing it back.
“Okay, your total is three thousand forty-one dollars after the discount.”
My mouth drops open as I gape at all the bags and wonder what the hell I bought, but before I can tell her to take it all back, Conan offers her his card, and my eyes widen as she takes it.
“No, wait!” I protest, but it’s too late, and he winks at me. “Conan!”
“Consider it a housewarming present.”
“That was a lot of money,” I hiss. I can’t let him pay for this.
“Mackie.” He sighs as he puts his card away. “I have a lot of money, so this is nothing for me. Besides, since I bought the teddy, we have shared custody, which means I’ll have to see him often. I wouldn’t want him to be lonely,” he says, and I swallow as I stare into his eyes.
“We will deliver all this, sir,” the lady interrupts, blushing as she looks at us.
“Thank you,” Conan replies as he places a hand on my shoulder and turns me. “Come on, I’m starving. Shall we get some food?”
I gawk at him silently, but he keeps smiling.
Who the hell is this man?