Page 40 of Too Sweet
“Like like like him?” Colt repeats, hopping in beside me. “You should go back to high school, bro. And you onlynowrealized she likes him?”
“I don’tlikelike him,” I blurt out, a whole level too defensive. “I mean, he’s nice and caring and hot—” I slap a hand over my mouth, then hide behind a veil of hair, my skin warming under the blush spreading like a flame over my cheeks. I’m sure the triplets need no more. “Ugh, okay, fine. I do like him. I’m sorry...”
Cody forces a short, pained chuckle, readjusting the rearview mirror. “Hot, huh? I’ll give you that, butnice? Come on! That’s overkill. We’re nice, Mia. Don’t let his looks fool you. Nico’s not an easy guy to deal with. He’s a short-tempered, arrogant, foul-mouthed control freak, and you can’t stand up for yourself. He’d swallow you whole.”
“He’s not that bad,” I mutter, glancing between Conor and Colt only to find the former digging through my bag for snacks and the latter glaring at Cody. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Colt says, marshaling his expression into what I think he believes is relaxed but looks more like he’s trying to smile while chewing a lemon. “All good. How about we take you out for coffee and ice cream?”
I lean to the side, nuzzling my cheek against him. “Sounds nice.”
???
“Ah, just who I wanted to see.” Finn Ash, the football team’s cornerback, steps in my way.
Whatever he wants, I don’t have time or energy to deal with another football player who’s undoubtedly here todo me a favor.Considering the plan Justin mentioned without divulging information, it’s safe to assume Finn’s in on it, too.
I’m almost jogging down the corridor toward the recording studio where Six is waiting, overly excited about a track he’s working on. He called while I was having lunch with the triplets and asked if I could write the lyrics.
Reluctantly, I stop, adjusting the strap of my bag to grip it so I can use it as a weapon if need be. It’s not every day I’m approached by someone from the football team, if not counting the quarterback himself.
I glance around, checking if there’s anyone else nearby, but no. We’re alone. The thought makes my heart beat a little faster.
“Why did you want to see me?” I ask, inconspicuously unzipping my bag to easily access the pepper spray.
“What are you doing tonight? Wanna grab dinner?”
My eyes widen, and my mind reels. I check the corridor again before a light bulb lights up over my head. “Those pictures weren’t real, Finn. It wasn’t me. My face was photoshopped in.”
“I know. I’m doing graphic design, and that was a lousy job. I’m not asking you out because of the pictures.”
“Then why are you asking?”
He shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You’re cute. I like that you don’t let Brandon get his way. You’re intriguing, and I want to get to know you.”
“Oh, um... thank you,” I mutter, believing none of it.
“So? Can I pick you up tonight?”
“No, sorry.”
“Come on, one date. I’m not trying to put a ring on you. What’s the harm in grabbing dinner? You’ll leave if it’s not fun and no harm done. We’re not all idiots, you know?”
“I’m sure you’re not, but—”
“Mia, you alright here?” Six rounds the corner, emerging from a side corridor. “Come on, we’re on a tight schedule.”
I send Finn an apologetic smile. “I have to go.”
“Yeah, okay, but think about it. I’ll find you later.” He winks before strutting away.
“What did he want?” Six asks as we fall into step toward the recording studio.
“He asked me out.”
“Shut up!” he yells, pushing me away playfully. “No way, you little liar. You’re not his type.”
I’m a bit taken aback by his disbelief. He knows I’ve been out on a few dates, but he’s acting like I just grew a second head. “How would you know what his type is?”
