Page 127 of Mr. B

“Not dated per se. One date. One really bad date.”

“When?”

“About four years ago.”

Wes smiled. “So, not last week?”

“No.” She moved closer and hugged him. “He might say something because that’s the kind of guy he is.”

“I’m a little surprised. But I don’t have a problem with it.”

“I guess I temporarily lost my mind.”

“Honey, you don’t need to explain it to me. I’ve been on a few bad dates myself.”

“No, I need to explain so you don’t think I’m crazy or desperate.”

“I don’t think either of those things, but go ahead.”

“It had been a while since I’d done anything with anyone other than Bailey. I needed some adult time. After he asked me multiple times, I finally said yes. Thirty minutes into the date, I was sorry I went.”

“As Stu said, he’s kind of an asshole.”

“Yes, he is.”

“You didn’t sleep with him?”

She took a step back. “Of course not. It was a first date.”

Wes grinned. “You slept with me on our first date.”

“That was different. We were young and impulsive, and you were incredibly cute. I couldn’t help myself.”

“Okay. Any more confessions?”

“I think that’s it.”

“Then let’s go kick the asshole out of my office.”

Wes insisted on taking the Wagoneer, so everyone would see it in his space once Ryan vacated it.

When they drove into the lot and passed Ryan’s BMW, Wes scowled. “I know he doesn’t earn enough money to make the payments on that thing.”

“Maybe he has a rich daddy.” Cassandra parked a few spaces down, and they left the car. When they went into the office, Polly came around the counter and hugged Wes.

She stepped back. “Sorry. I’m just really glad you’re back. You are back, right?”

“I’m back.” He looked at his office door for a moment. “Excuse me.” He walked to the door with Cassandra right behind him, then opened it without knocking.

Ryan was on the phone and stopped talking mid-sentence when he saw Wes. “Um…I’ll call you back.” He hung up the phone, then smiled. “What can I do for you, Wes?”

“For starters, you can get out of my chair.”

“I wasn’t aware it was your chair again.”

“It is. You’ll be hearing from Stu soon.”

Ryan remained seated. “Well, until I do…”