Page 24 of Big Girl Panties

"You're a genius," I told her.

"I know." Kali flipped her red hair over her shoulder. "But listen." Her expression turned serious. "Brooke's had a rough year. So if you're just looking for a good time…"

"I'm not." I met her gaze directly, my voice steady. "I mean, I can't promise we'll ride off into the sunset together yet, but I'm not playing games. I really like her."

Kali studied my face for a long moment, then nodded. "Good. Because if you hurt her, I know where you work, and I'm not afraid to sell embarrassing stories to TMZ."

"Fair enough." I couldn't help but smile at her fierce protectiveness.

"Also," she added, glancing around the destroyed café, "did her psycho ex do this?"

My jaw tightened. "We don't know for sure."

"But you think he did." Kali's voice dropped to a whisper, her playful demeanor vanishing.

"Let's just say it's on my list of things to handle."

Kali's eyes lit up again. "Ooh, mysterious and protective. Brooke's going to melt."

"Sorry about that!" Brooke called, emerging from the office looking frazzled. "Insurance companies apparently think that act of caffeinated violence isn't a real category."

"Don't worry," Kali chirped. "Matt and I were just bonding over your terrible taste in men."

"Kali!" Brooke turned bright red.

"Present company excluded!" Kali added quickly. "Obviously."

I stepped closer to Brooke, trying not to smile too hard at her embarrassment. "I have to run and take care of a few things, but I'll pick you up at six tonight?"

"Where are we going?" she asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"It's a surprise." I reached out and gently moved the hair she'd missed, my fingers lingering against her cheek. "Trust me?"

"She looked up at me with those eyes that had been haunting my thoughts since we met. "Okay."

I leaned down and kissed her softly, aware that Kali was probably taking mental notes. "See you tonight."

I turned to Kali. "It was great meeting you. I'll get you ringside seats for the next show."

She clutched her chest dramatically. "I may actually faint. This is the best day of my entire life."

"Better than when you met that guy from that boy band?" Brooke asked.

"He was a backup dancer, and yes, this is better!" Kali called as I headed for the door. "Don't mess this up!" she shouted after me.

I grinned and waved. I had no intention of messing this up.

Now I just had to plan the perfect date and figure out what to do about Chris.

But first things first: Operation Sunset Surprise was a go.

Chapter 10

Operation Sunset Surprise

The salty breeze had it out for me, whipping my dress around like it was auditioning for a shampoo commercial. I clutched the fabric down, trying to look graceful beside Matt, who somehow managed to make walking down a concrete dock look like a goddamn runway show.

"Okay, seriously," I said, fighting another gust that threatened to give the entire marina a show, "what are we doing here? Because if you're planning to push me off this dock…"