Page 28 of The Casanova Complex

I’d planned on going straight to the library from the arena after a quick skate in between my classes, but if her brother was sick, then I don’t expect her to come all the way back to campus just for our study session.

And plus, I don’t want to reschedule.

Maybe… I’ve been looking forward to seeing her again.

Because unfortunately for Merritt and me both, she’s captured my attention.

You know what, actually? Let’s just be real: she’s got me in a fucking chokehold with those dainty little fingers wrapped tightly around my throat and a wicked smile on her face.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, maybe even ever, I’ve met a girl who’s completely immune to my charm.

No matter how many smirks I throw her way, how much flirting and teasing… she couldn’t give a single fuck less. Unmoved by that charm.

And that makes me want to try harder to win her over, knowing that she’s not falling for any of it.

I know, I know, I’m supposed to be in recovery. Fuck, I know.

Trust me, I know.

But… it’s not only that she’s insanely beautiful or that her body makes my mouth water. It’s not only that I’m physically attracted to her because obviously I am. It’s… I don’t know how to explain it.

I want to know her. I’m dying to know everything I can about her.

What’s her favorite movie? Does she hate pickles on cheeseburgers like me?

Is she a sweet or savory kind of girl? What does she think of cats? Or is she more of a dog person?

I want to know it all, even if I never get the chance to touch her.

I don’t know what that means, but maybe it means something. Or nothing.

The location she sent takes me to a small bakery that’s about twenty minutes south of campus called Ever After. It’s in a part of New Orleans that I rarely go to, so it’s the first time I’ve been here.

I park my truck in the lot beside the building and walk inside. The scent of warm bread and sweetness hits me as I step through the front door, and it makes my mouth fucking water.

The bell above the door jingles loudly as it closes, and an older man walks out from the back wearing a wide smile, stopping in front of a large glass case full of various pastries.

Holy shit, is that a… strawberry beignet?

My eyes widen. Yeah, I’mma need a couple of those.

“Welcome to Ever After. What can I get for you?” He grabs a pair of plastic gloves and slides them on. He’s got an assortment of colorful bracelets around his wrists and a blue apron that says Ever After on the front in a bright white flourish of letters.

“He’s with me, Amos.”

I look to my right and find Merritt at a table along the back wall with her laptop already open. Aside from her, there’s only one other person occupying the tables. A man in the opposite corner booth, reading a book.

Ah, so that’s why she chose this place. It’s quiet, not bustling with tourists the way places in the Quarter are.

Easier for her to focus.

“Woman, you are not standing between me and these baked goods. Sorry,” I scoff, tossing her a playful grin that she immediately rolls her eyes at.

Did I just catch… Was there a hint of a grin on her lips?

Nah, obviously, I’m just seeing shit.

Impossible.