Free Dating Delaney by K Larsen, Wep Romance, Wep Fiction Page B

obvious about it. What did he expect me to say to him? “Thanks for
the insight, but we’ve been on one date, I think you’re jumping the gun a
little,” is what ends up coming out of my mouth.
    He shrugs. “Maybe. Maybe not.” Is he trying to piss me off?
I wonder if he even really knows her. Loves her.
     
    “Have you read any of her books?” I question.
    “That fluff? No,” he chides.
    “That fluff is her career, and I have. She’s smart to
hold out for the right guy. When she meets the right one I’m sure she’ll be
able to give it all up.”
    “Wow. She already has you drowning, doesn't she? My Laney
never has had any trouble hooking them…it’s just the staying part you all seem
to mess up.”
     
    I’m not taking any more of this guy’s bullshit. He is a
grade “A” jerk and I’m stunned that Laney sees anything redeeming in him. I
take my coffee and head upstairs without another word.

 
    Delaney
    I shudder. John. God why did Gavin bring him up? He knew
better. It had taken thirteen years of no contact to finally rid him of my
daily thoughts. It had been a fairytale whirlwind romance. I fell so fast and
hard for him and I thought he had too, but out of nowhere he called to
break up with me. On the phone. I’m not sure I’ll ever really lay it to
rest. There was no reason that he gave. No closure at all. He was the one who
got away. At nineteen I met the man I was supposed to spend my life with and at
twenty he obliterated my heart when he left me. Fuck you, John! I pull the key
from the ignition and shake the thought of John from my brain as I head inside
to make sure the boys are still playing nice.
     
    “Did you behave?” I ask Gavin, whose made himself right at
home watching TV on the couch. Jake’s nowhere to be found.
    “Of course.” He smiles up at me. I don't believe him,
though.
    “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?” He laughs at me and
tries to pull me onto his lap. I stay upright and shake my head at him while I
narrow my eyes at him. “How much damage control is in order?” I clip.
    “None. Everything’s fine, Laney, stop worrying,” he coos. I
turn on my heel and head upstairs just to make sure.
     
    “Hey,” Jake greets me.
    “Well hello handsome,” I call to him. He’s up on some scaffolding
shirtless and it’s a sight to see. I bring my hand to my mouth to check for
drool. I think I have a problem. The man has the most gorgeous torso in
history. Perfectly defined biceps, serious pecs, eight glorious ridges that
span the length of his torso, and the lady killer V-cut leading straight to
his...
    “Like what you see?” he winks, interrupting my thoughts.
    “You could be an underwear model,” I blurt. Wait? What? I
totally just word-vomited at the hottest man I’d ever seen. His perfect
eight-pack contracts seductively as he laughs at me.
    “See? Adorable,” he chuckles.
    “Yeah, totally adorable,” I repeat, hating myself for being
such a dork. He jumps down from his perch and comes to me.
    “We still on for Thursday?” His voice is low and gravelly. I
lick my lips unconsciously and I swear I hear him growl.
    “Yeah.” Why do I sound so breathy? Get a grip, Laney, he’s
just a guy!
    “Good,” he says and flashes his killer dimples. We linger
too close together without touching for a moment before I manage to take a step
backward.
    “If you need anything call, okay?” I say.
    “Where are you off to?” he inquires.
    “Gavin and I are going out for the day.”
    “Oh joy,” he says flatly.
    “Not you too!” I throw my hands up in frustration. “Everyone
I’ve ever dated has hated Gavin. He’s been one of my best friends forever and
we’ve never ever dated or been together! What is the issue?”
    “Maybe it’s the way he looks at you, Laney? Like he owns
you,” he spits.
    “Oh please, he does not.” But suddenly I’m not so sure. I
always thought my boyfriends hated him because we were close and flirted and
he’s always been