Chapter 2
Chapter Two
CARLOS
Iwhistle as I get ready for my date with Viking guy—or Ned, as he’s actually called. I wonder when the right time will be to tell him I’ve been going to the convenience store at the same time every night for three weeks to see him. Probably not on the first date.
It’s not as creepy as it sounds, I swear.
I’m not an organized grocery shopper, so I usually have to run to the store to grab something most days anyway.
It’s just that since that first time I saw him, I’ve been timing my visit in the hopes of seeing him again.
I would have asked him out sooner, but I wasn’t entirely sure if he’d be open to it or punch me in the face, and since he’s a big guy, I wanted to avoid the whole face-punching thing.
The other night, though, I finally spoke to him, and even though he was all vague and grumpy, it was obvious he liked what he saw.
Not to be immodest, but I can’t really blame him—I inherited great genes from both my Mexican mother and my Scottish father.
Plus, I’m a people person and usually get along with everyone.
It gives me a real leg up. I was sure I could convince Viking guy—Ned—to give me a chance if he swung my way.
I call him that because he’s totally got the look—tall, solid, with shoulder-length golden blond hair he ties back in a ponytail most days.
His skin is pale, though a lot of his face is hidden behind his neat blond beard.
I’ve never thought beards were hot before, but Viking guy changed my mind.
I want to feel that beard alllllll over me.
He’s got a perpetual gloomy frown and is a bit soft in the middle—probably because he eats a pint of ice cream every night—but those things only make me want him more. Especially now that I’ve seen him smile. It lights up his face, and I want to see it more often.
Checking my watch, I finish shaving and slap on some aftershave. I’ve got ten minutes before I have to leave, and all that’s left is to put on my shirt and shoes. Plenty of time.
As though I’ve jinxed myself, the phone rings.
“Damn it,” I mutter. There’s a chance it might be Ned, so I hurry out of the bathroom and follow the ringing sound in search of the cordless handset.
My sister rolled her eyes when I bought it and seizes every opportunity to tell me what a waste of money it is, especially when it goes flat because I forget to put it on the charger and then nobody can reach me.
But I like gadgets, and there’s definitely a benefit to lying on the couch or in bed with a sexy man talking in my ear.
I find the handset on the couch and snatch it up. “Hello?”
“It’s me,” my older brother says. “Wanna get a pizza?”
I exhale in relief that it’s not Ned calling to cancel. “Can’t,” I say cheerfully. “I’ve got a date.” Bringing the phone with me, I head back to the bedroom to grab my shirt.
“You do? Who with?” Rico perks up. He’s so straight, he could be a ruler, but he’s also completely supportive of me and a hardcore gossip. The second I hang up the phone, he’ll be calling everyone he knows to tell them about my date.
“Viking guy.” Yep, I do sound smug.
“No fucking way! You finally asked him out?”
“Yeah, and sorry, but I don’t have time to tell you the whole story.”
“Call me when you get home, then. I want all the details.”
I pull the handset away from my ear and stare at it, waiting for him to realize what he’s just said. Sure enough, his shout of dismay comes through a second later.
“Shit, no! That’s not what I mean. Do not tell me any of those details. It’s bad enough that we shared a room growing up. I meant I want to hear what finally made you grow a pair and ask him out.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” I promise through my laughter. “I don’t know how late I’ll be tonight.”
“Sure, yeah. Have fun, and I’ll talk to you then. No, wait! What’s his name?”
“Ned,” I tell him, and just saying it out loud makes me smile.