2. Old Habits Don’t Die
Ifeel like I’m being forced to walk the plank as I make my way to the main dining room. I could almost throw up. I would rather do that than face this guy. Yet my steps halt when I catch sight of the man standing in front of the cash register. That has to be him. He’s a tall, striking ginger with undeniable appeal. He’s the kind of guy who would drive a shiny red Mercedes Benz, like the one I left my mark on. With a hand on my stomach to steady myself, I send up prayer, hoping he’s nothing like his uptight cousin.
It’s time to put on a show. I summon my brightest smile, re-straighten my posture, and stride confidently toward Mr. Moneybags, arm outstretched. “Hi, I’m Gina.” My aim is to charm him into going easy on me. I’ve tried that tactic with Randy to no avail.
Mr. Moneybags greets me with a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, Gina. You did some serious damage to my door.” His direct approach reminds me so much of Randy—straight to the point with no finesse. They’re definitely cousins.
“She doesn’t have all day to chitchat, Jer,” Randy interjects, coming up behind the counter with his usual briskness.
I sigh, increasingly frustrated by the entire ordeal. I wish Randy had stayed in the back. His presence only complicates things further.
“We can exchange insurance information,” I suggest, trying to steer the conversation toward the quickest resolution possible.
Jeremy, or “Jer” as Randy refers to him, locks his gaze on mine. His face lights up with a megawatt smile. “What do you say about this?”
I tilt my head curiously. “About what?”
He folds his arms across his broad chest and adopts a stance reminiscent of Randy’s. “A proposition,” he states firmly.
I’m cautious but intrigued, especially since his tone suggests this proposition won’t cost me a fortune. “What kind of proposition?” I ask, eager to hear more.
“I’m willing to forgive and forget the damage to my car if you agree to go out with me on…” his eyes narrow as if he’s making an assessment. “…three dates.”
I yank my head back, stunned. Why would he…? Only now do I see the spark of attraction in his eyes. Quickly, I glance at Randy, who is watching us as if he’s curious to know my answer. Three dates are a lot. Then again, Jeremy’s car looks pretty new, and I imagine the damage I did will cost more than a couple of bucks to fix. On top of that, he isn’t bad on the eyes.
But then there’s Randy to consider. I mean, when we’re left alone, we’re still unable to keep our hands and bodies to ourselves.
Now Randy folds his arms in that arrogant way of his. Grinning and amused, he waits to hear my answer.
“Why three dates?” I finally ask Jeremy.
Jeremy flashes another gorgeous lopsided grin. “Because you’ve done three dates’ worth of damage.”
I shake my head, teetering on the brink of refusal. Then I steal a glance at my coworkers, Rita and Sarah, who are nodding, encouraging me to accept Jeremy’s proposal. But something about it feels odd. It’s as if he’s attempting to purchase my company, and that doesn’t sit well with me. I could simply borrow the money from my parents.
Before I can make a decision, Randy interjects in his usual grumbling voice. “Jeremy, that’s enough. Back off my employee! We’re not paying her to socialize.”
I grunt, rolling my eyes. Could he stop being a jerk for five minutes?
“Hey, we’re striking a deal here,” Jeremy counters, maintaining his charismatic smile.
“No deal,” Randy says. “I’ll pay for the damage.”
My insides erupt with indignation. “No way!” I exclaim, shaking my head adamantly. “I’ll take the dates. There’s no way I’m owing you a dime.”
Randy’s jaw drops open.
I don’t care that he’s speechless. The last thing I want is to give him more leverage over me. Owing him money would give him too much power, and that’s exactly why I decide to accept Jeremy’s deal.
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