Page 37 of Close to Heaven

“Good news?” Avery asked.

“It’s Marcus, the guy from the bar.”

“You gave him your number?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think anything would come of it.”

“What did he say?”

“He asked if I wanted to meet for dinner tonight,” Dakota said, sliding the phone back into her purse.

Avery gaped at her. “Aren’t you going to answer?”

“I’m hanging out with you.”

Avery glanced at the car clock and saw it was only four in the afternoon. “You still have time to meet him for dinner.”

Dakota scowled at her. “I’m not going to blow off my best friend for some guy I just met.”

“You must have liked him enough to give him your number.”

“Yes, but I didn’t really expect him to use it!”

Avery laughed. “You don’t have to babysit me, Dakota. Besides, I’ll still see you after your date.”

Dakota shook her head. “I’d feel bad leaving you alone.”

“I’ve been alone since I came here. I’ll be fine.” Oddly enough, Avery hadn’t felt lonely. Between working and visiting her dad, she’d had plenty to keep herself occupied. Plus, there was Jax…

“I don’t want to be like Trevor—blowing you off to be with someone else.”

“You are nothing like Trevor. Plus, I’m asking you to go.”

Dakota gave Avery a funny look. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to get rid of me.”

Avery’s heart skipped a beat. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know, but you seem awfully anxious to be alone.”

Avery sighed. “Fine. If you don’t want to go out with a good-looking guy who is obviously into you, that’s your choice. We can stay home, make popcorn, and watch movies instead.”

Dakota’s phone beeped again, and she took it out of her purse.

Her smile told Avery that it was Marcus again. “What did he say this time?”

“Just that he hopes I’ll say yes.”

“Well?”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Positive.”

“Only if you’re sure.”

“Dakota!”

“Fine. I’ll tell him yes, but I’m still going with you to visit your dad.”