Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67801 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
He frowned. “That’s rather pessimistic. I think the odds of most people finding happiness are better than twenty percent. Quite a few of my friends are involved in healthy, solid relationships with genuinely good men. Chet and Sam are the only ones who’re married so far, but I think there will be quite a few weddings over the next year or two. And I’m confident they’ll all last.”
“You’re a romantic,” I declared after a moment.
“For others. Not for myself.”
I raised my latte in a toast. “Then we have that in common. Cheers.”
Thomas felt around for his to-go cup. I steadied it when he almost knocked it over. He gave a sheepish half laugh and went to adjust his glasses instead, forgetting they were on the table. He poked himself in the eye and made an awkward noise that was…kind of adorable.
He was adorable. Pink cheeks, bright eyes, and a shy smile. For a guy who said he only occasionally worked out, his broad shoulders hinted at a delicious bod under his ill-fitted button-down. Not gonna lie, I was smitten.
Nothing serious. More in an “I’d be down to clown” way that usually appealed to the guys who turned my head. Without knowing much about Thomas, I could tell casual hookups weren’t his thing. And that was okay because professional me didn’t make moves on a new client who’d been referred by my boss anyway. That was a big no-no.
And it was just the wake-up call I needed. Time to pop the newly repaired lens into Thomas’s busted frames, walk him to his car, and call it a night.
He was one step ahead of me again.
“I think the glass is sufficiently dry now.” Thomas reached for his glasses and began painstakingly setting the lens into place.
“Can I help?” I offered.
“No, I’m good at this part.”
“You’ll need to clean the smudges, or you won’t be able to see anyway.” I dug into the side pocket of my bag and pulled out a microfiber cloth from my sunglasses case. “Here you go.”
He thanked me and returned to his task, biting his tongue in concentration until he was satisfied with the results. Then he gingerly pushed his glasses onto his nose and flashed a sexy grin complete with heart-stopping dimples my way. Oh, Lordy! Someone save me.
“Good as new.”
“You look fabulous.” I wrinkled my nose. “But you really should get those fixed.”
“I will,” he assured me. “The tape is beginning to be an issue.”
“Just the tape, eh?” I rolled my eyes as I gathered our trash and uneaten chocolate. I tossed my cup into the bin and a Twix bar into my bag, handing Thomas’s to him. “I could help you…if you want.”
“How?”
“I could be your fashion consultant.”
Whoa! Did I say that?
I wasn’t sure where that came from. It was as if my brain and my mouth were operating independently. Thomas looked equally perplexed.
“Did my sister call you?”
I chuckled. “No. I don’t know your sister or your mother. I know just enough about you to know you’re a busy man who doesn’t have time to shop. I love to shop. I can help you.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t ask, I offered.” I linked my arm through his and tugged him along the sidewalk. “I have a good eye, and I think you’d look absolutely dashing in large square-ish frames with a bit of an edge to them.”
“Edge?”
“Yeah, something classic that flirts with trendy but doesn’t quite get there.” I pulled my keys from my pocket and unlocked my SUV as it came into view. “Same goes for wardrobe choices. I know a ton of fabulous boutiques on Melrose that fit any aesthetic and budget. I can get you sorted out in a couple of hours, tops.”
“That’s a nice offer, but if you’re worried I’m going to complain to Jase…I assure you, I’m not.”
“That’s not it. I think it could be fun. Give me a second. I’ll give you my cell number…as soon as I find a pen. Or you can jot my digits on the back of one of the cards you pulled earlier from the shop.” I rummaged through my bag, pushing aside old receipts, a packet of gum, and some hair product samples. “Of course, I won’t be offended if I don’t hear from you, but I’m an option and it’s always good to have options and—”
“Here.” Thomas handed his phone over. “I’m less likely to lose your number if it’s in my phone.”
I typed in my contact info and returned his cell, smiling as I stepped toward the driver’s side door.
“I hope to hear from you, Professor.”
“Thank you. This has been…”
“Not so terrible?” I suggested.
“The opposite of terrible.” He smiled and pointed at my shirt. “Good luck with your mermen.”
“Thanks. When you’re in the market for cool aquatic apparel, you know where to find me.”