Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“I need a new book rec,” the next customer says, and when my eyes spring up, I see it’s Everly, a guy I introduced to the romance genre one afternoon when he caught me absorbed in a book.
“Yeah?” I ask, and he nods vigorously. “Similar to the last one?”
He smiles. “That would be great.”
“Let me think on it while I make your order.” I rack my brain before a suggestion finally dawns on me. After he pays, I take his receipt and write the name of the book on it. “Can’t lend you this one because I don’t own it. But I heard good things.”
“Perfect.”
There’s a lull in customers once he walks away, and I marvel at the fact that I can go from stumbling over my words with Brandon to easily giving Everly book recs without a stutter. It obviously comes down to attraction and feeling intimidated. I clench my jaw, tired of how my body responds so ridiculously to men I find hot.
I lift my cell and scroll to Dex’s number.
I’ve decided I’m done with this shit.
When the three dots appear, I’m surprised because I know he’s still in class. What shit are we talking about?
Being passive and awkward. You need to teach me your ways.
This exchange must be giving Dex whiplash.
Oh, hell no! Not getting in hot water with you again. I hate when you’re mad at me. I’ve learned my lesson and maybe even got a new perspective in the process.
I frown. What do you mean?
While it’s true that you’re a shy introvert who’d rather stay in and read, eventually, someone will appreciate you for you.
I growl under my breath as my fingers fly over the keys. I don’t want to wait around for that, or I’ll be a virgin forever.
You’re not exactly a virgin. You’ve given handies.
I can imagine Dex’s smirk, and I scoff at my phone. An ass virgin. My dildo won’t do it forever.
Holy shit, did I really type that? But I’m fed up enough to let it all hang out.
You have a dildo? I thought I knew everything about you. This has got to be a new development since I moved out.
My stomach flip-flops. Maybe.
Whoa, you are definitely upping your game.
I groan inwardly. My mistake. I should’ve never told you.
No, this is good. Really good. Does this dildo have a name?
I blink at the screen. Who the fuck names their dildo?
Plenty of people. How about Dildo Baggins?
I look over my shoulder as if someone is going to read our conversation. Or really think I’m into Tolkien and hobbits. What the hell?
Come on, you’ve gotta admit, it’s pretty catchy.
I briefly shut my eyes. Okay, done with this conversation.
Not if you’re serious about me teaching you my ways.
Alright, fine. Meet me at the dining hall later. Maybe eating will give me a clearer head and I’ll come to my senses.
Though I’ll admit, the excitement from Kael’s idea is building inside me.
That’s why I’m taking this conversation with a grain of salt.
Good idea. I blow out a relieved breath.
Talk to you and DB later.
You’re an ass.
That’s what Dildo Baggins said.
I smile to myself as I remove my Bean Necessities apron and wait for Evie to take my place.
Is there anyone else who’s ever made me blush and laugh as much as Dex?
This might be a cringy mistake, but I’m desperate.
At the dining hall, Kael and I claim seats with Angelica and her friends. I forgot to get a drink, so I stand in line near the soda dispenser to wait my turn.
“Hey, you.”
I turn to find Darren and Trent heading toward the pizza station. He hasn’t sat beside me in class since that one day because the chair’s been occupied by a girl who moved up front to see the whiteboard better. It’s a blessing, really, since I still get a bit flushed and shy around him, even knowing he’s taken. Just how it is.
I smile and wave, grateful that I don’t have to speak. Pathetic.
After I sit back down, I listen in on Kael’s conversation with the others, wondering how people do it so effortlessly. It’s overwhelming to even think of something interesting to say in a group setting with strangers. I do way better one on one, and obviously, with people I’m not attracted to. Not that I’m into anyone at this table, but it’s not that simple when it comes to me and my hang-ups. I might be awkward around cute guys, but I’m also painfully shy and introverted. So yeah, a double whammy. Go me.
I pull up a Kindle book on my phone and flip to the page where I left off last night. I’ve already finished the friends-to-lovers book with the speed of light and have moved on to the second in the series involving coworkers who hate each other. Or so they think.