Hook Up (Taking Chances Book 2)

by TC Matson

  “I know just the guy for you!” Brooklyn shouts, bouncing in her seat.

  “Me too,” Shyla deadpans.

  “His name is Luke. He’s a sweetheart and super cute. He comes to the pharmacy once a week.”

  Shyla’s gaze is still boring into me and I can hear her chanting Cody’s name in her head.

  “I’ll see him this week and see if he’s looking for anything.”

  “Great,” I chirp.

  “You said you knew someone?” B asks Shyla. “Who?”

  Shyla scrunches up her nose, something she does when she’s annoyed or unsure, and I know exactly which one it is this time. “There’s this guy, successful and handsome. Funny as hell. I think he’d make a perfect match for her.”

  “Find out if he’s interested in dating,” Brooklyn instructs. “Clear your social calendar, Ams. It’s about to get full of potential future boyfriends.”

  Maybe I should’ve kept my mouth shut?

  * * *

  Tuesdays are always busy at the shop. My day starts at eight and ends at seven with a full schedule of appointments. I couldn’t squeeze in a single walk-in today if I tried. I’m unlocking my front door when my phone rings, displaying an unknown caller.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey. Is this Aimee? It’s Luke. Brooklyn gave me your number.”

  I get that Brooklyn is excited to get me back in the dating force, but when I said I was ready to start dating, I didn’t necessarily mean within seventy-two hours of stating it. I should’ve stressed that I needed to convince myself and warm up to the idea, not just jump in with both feet first.

  “Hey…Luke.”

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No. I actually just got home from work, so perfect timing, I guess.”

  “Brooklyn said you’re a hairstylist?”

  “I am. For about five years now.” I sit on the couch, tucking my legs underneath me. “What about you? Brooklyn didn’t tell me anything other than you were perfect to go on a date with.”

  When he chuckles, there’s no fuzzy feeling fliting around my chest. It’s not deep and sexy like Cody’s. It’s just…blah.

  “Perfect to go on a date with? Yeah. I’ll take that. I’ve worked for CSWM going on five years this September.”

  “As in City Scope Waste Management?”

  “The guy who hangs off the back of the truck belting out lyrics to anything new on the radio. I’m that guy.”

  A trash man…

  Brooklyn is married to Dallas’ richest, not-so-eligible or a bachelor anymore, and she’s setting me up with the city’s singing trashman? She better hope he’s gorgeous and hung.

  My phone vibrates against my ear and I pull it away to see a text from Brooklyn.

  Brooklyn: I gave your number to Luke.

  Me: Your notifying skills are lacking. I’m on the phone with him right now.

  Brooklyn: Awesome!

  “How do you feel about maybe grabbing a drink this weekend?” Luke asks. “If you’re unsure about meeting a total stranger, we could double date with Brooklyn and her husband if you’d like. I’m not opposed to that.”

  Normally I’d meet a guy, have too many drinks, and follow his ass straight to the bed for a forgettable night with my whorey legs to the ceiling. Having drinks with Brooklyn around will certainly prevent that, and if I’m going to give this dating thing a go, I need to try not to slip into defensive mode.

  “I really like that idea, Luke. Let me call Brooklyn and see what day they’re available.”

  “Just so you know, I don’t get off work until seven on Fridays, but I’m off on Saturday.”

  “Okay. Great. I’ll let you know.”

  The second I end the call with Luke, I swipe my thumb to Brooklyn’s name and jam the call button.

  “Can I ask you something?” I give her no hello, no hi. Nothing.

  “Of course.”

  “Why do you get the hot rich dude and me the trash man?”

  She cackles. “Are you judging the book by the cover?”

  “I haven’t seen the cover,” I remind her. “Only a quick excerpt about a singing trash man. Tell me, have we ever heard of the garbage man being sexy?”

  “Wait until you see him. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.” She’s so proud of herself right now. “He’s really cute and polite.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re team Luke because this Saturday, we’re having a double date with my wonderful best friend and her insanely handsome husband.”

  She laughs. “I’m glad Shyla and Brady will be joining you,” she quips.

  “I’ll meet you at Old Hops at six. Wear something pretty to match your eyes,” I banter back teasingly.

  “I’m excited. Count us in!”

  I’m laughing when we hang up. Ready or not, let the dating commence…

  FIFTEEN

  Nathan’s sitting in his leather throne when I enter his office to finish out the day and week by shooting the shit. It’s been our norm for years.

  He glances up from whatever he’s working on. “You must be lost?” he quips.

  I take the seat across from his desk, leaning back and crossing my ankle over my knee. “I tried. Closed my eyes and walked around but somehow still ended up in here.”

  Resting back, he laughs.

  “Fairmont?” I ask, tipping my chin to the folder in front of him.

  He shakes his head. “Lindsay sent over interior mockups for Laguna Beach. There’s a shit ton of competition in the neighborhood.” His lips curve up, confidence edging them. “Then again, Bennett Towers excels in competition.”

  “I looked over the budget and even I was surprised to see the amount you allocated for this project. Triple compared to any other property. That’s one hell of a steep figure.”

  His smile changes into a smug smirk. “Your dubiety fuels me.”

  I bark a laugh. “I’ve never doubted your mastermind. If anyone can make a paradise, it’s you.”

  The sound of heels clicking comes closer and pauses at his door. The pride in his eyes he gets from talking about work shifts to loving, and I know who it is without having to turn.

  “Is that the new hottie you hired after spending an hour alone in your office with her?” I rattle off teasingly.

  “Hope she knows the wife will claw her eyes out,” Brooklyn jokes back.

  Running with it, I feign a startle, jerking toward her. “Oh! Spitfire. Didn’t know it was you.”

  Her eyes narrow and she playfully purses her lips. “Mmmhmm. Right.”

  I laugh as she steps around the desk to give Nathan a kiss. “I’m early, but I was already close by,” she tells him. “Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you in your castle.”

  I almost choke on my laughter. “Castle? Like you’re a fucking king?”

  “Jealous?” Nathan jests.

  “Not one bit. If you’re the king, I’m the prince and the next in line. I’ll poison your food and rule the kingdom.”

  We share a laugh.

  “I meant to tell you the other day, we have a double date tomorrow at six at Old Hops,” Brooklyn informs. “I set Aimee up with Luke.”

  Something in my chest tightens at her statement.

  Nathan exhales. “A double date?”

  She bounces her head from shoulder to shoulder. “Yeah. She’s a bit edgy about it.”

  “Aimee edgy?” I deadpan, keeping up my normal facade. “She’s the queen at never meeting strangers.”

  She bites a smile, scrunching her face up. “It’s a blind date.”

  “No, you didn’t?”

  “I did. She said she wanted to dip her toes back into the dating scene and was ready for a different chapter.”

  That chapter has my name written all over it. I’ll make damn sure I pen those pages. When I see her tomorrow before my jog in the park, I’ll tell her just that.

  I catch the disquieted gaze from Nathan and see clearly what he’s thinking. He’s sorry. Brooklyn d
oesn’t know I’m interested in Aimee, let alone crazy over her.

  “So, since Aimee’s super nervous, we’ll be going shopping tomorrow instead of brunch.”

  Well, there goes my idea.

  I decide I need to deflect before my green eyes shoot flares. “So you’ll technically be the third wheel?” I ask Nathan.

  “I’m undoubtedly the third wheel.”

  “Hey,” Brooklyn exclaims. “I’ll be there with you.”

  Nathan chuckles. “You’ll be busy meddling and playing match maker.”

  “Bet you never thought married life was going to be so adrenaline filled, huh?” I try to sound like I’m joking, but even I hear the edge. I slap the top of my thighs and stand. “I’m heading out for the day. See you tomorrow.”

  I don’t get jealous, but here I am with it hemorrhaging from my veins.

  * * *

  Stepping through the tinted glass doors of Old Hops like I own the place, I scan the room, looking for the blonde I’m infatuated with. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I told myself I wouldn’t interfere, yet here I am when I know I shouldn’t be.

  During our run in the park this morning, I battled my thoughts, trying like hell to kick Aimee out of them, but nothing seemed to work. And like he sensed it, Nathan never brought it up and tried to keep the conversation about work—something we rarely ever do.

  After ordering a beer from the bar and inspecting the rest of the place, I head outside where the music isn’t as loud and the crowd is scarce. That’s when I spot them sitting around a fire pit—Brooklyn between Nathan and Aimee and the douche beside her.

  I take a swallow of my beer to soothe the pang in my chest before making my way toward them.

  “The life of the party has arrived,” I announce, pulling a chair from the table beside them and dropping next to Nathan—directly across the flames from Aimee. “Figured I’d save your ass,” I tell Nathan. It’s a weak line of defense as to why I’m here, but I’m sticking with it.

  Eager beaver with the buzzed brown hair quickly stands up and reaches to shake my hand. “I’m Luke. And I’m assuming you’re Cody?”

  “That’s me. I see she still loves my name on her lips.” I slide my eyes to Aimee and smirk.

  Luke—douche—clears his throat as he glances to Aimee. My inner caveman just beat his chest at how uncomfortable I made him. Aimee scowls at me, the light of the flames glowing in her icy eyes as the shadows dance across her face. I smirk and wink.

  Nathan leans over, placing his mouth close to my ear. “You realize this is a bad idea?”

  Turning to face him, I look him dead in the eyes. “Completely.”

  The worry is in his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything as he rests back into his chair. I’m tenacious, especially when I want something. Even more so when I know what I want wants me just as badly but is scared to death. I know my reputation is causing her fears. I can’t erase my past, but I can prove myself in the present and promise a future.

  It doesn’t take long to see who exactly the third wheel is—Mr. Douche himself. Aimee and Brooklyn are talking amongst themselves, leaving Luke to converse with Nathan and me. I about choked on my beer when he proudly told us that he worked for our city’s trash company as the guy who rides on the back of the truck. And get this—he sings while he rides. But don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with being blue collar. They’re the backbone of our country, strong and manual workers doing the nitty gritty, keeping us safe, healthy, protected, and the earth beautiful.

  My confusion stems from the ambitious dream of moving up the corporate ladder. I’m not a genius, but surely there isn’t that much money to be made at the top of a garbage company. Right?

  “I just don’t know how to get noticed,” Luke adds, querying about the best way to get to the top faster.

  Luke doesn’t realize he’s boring as fuck and shop talk is annoying.

  “Persistence and proving your worth by handling the responsibilities handed to you,” Nathan rattles off a textbook standard answer, dryly.

  He’s just as bored as I am.

  Time to spice it up.

  “Or suck a dick. Normally, it’s the quickest way.” If there was a record player, here would be where the needle scratches off. My words catch everyone’s attention, their wide eyes darting to my straight face. “What?” I lift a shoulder. “If it’s a woman, lick a clit.”

  Nathan knew the stale conversation was going to put me to sleep. Being in business together for as many years as we have, he knew this shit was coming. He conceals his laugh with his fist to his mouth.

  Luke, on the other hand, poor schmuck, looks horrified at my answer.

  “Is that how you got your job?” Aimee bites with disdain.

  “Sure is.” I smirk smugly. “But I’m horrible at sucking dick. Weak gag reflexes. I can’t brush my tongue without trouble.”

  Luke’s expression as he looks between Nathan and me is priceless. Idiot can’t see I’m joking and it makes me smile because I know without a doubt since he lacks humor, Aimee won’t give him the time of day after this.

  I decide to ease his mind. I crack up. “I got my job because I’m a pro with my skills and it’s not sucking dick. I took the right classes in school, put my knowledge to work, and there you have it. The secret to a good job—find something you’re good at, something your passionate about, study it, sharpen your skills and use them.”

  Slowly, Luke nods with a nervous chuckle. “Right. I didn’t think…I mean, if that’s how you got your—”

  Aimee jerks to her feet. “I’m going to the restroom,” she announces, interrupting her fine date and then rushes off.

  “It’s not how he got his job,” Nathan assuages douche’s ramble. “I’ve known Cody since we were kids. I know how he operates and how he lives for numbers. I knew he was the right man for the job.”

  I polish off my beer. “With that, I’m heading to the bar for another drink. Anyone else need anything?”

  Thankfully, everyone says no. I ignore Nathan’s glare telling me not to do anything stupid and head inside…toward the bathrooms. The hallway leading to the bathrooms is dimly lit, adding to the privacy. I stand at the men’s door across from the women’s until the door swings open and Aimee steps out. Snatching her by the elbow, I tug her into the men’s bathroom, put her back against the door, and lock it.

  “He’s a loser,” I say, placing my palms above her and lowering my face to hers. “You can do better. Say with someone six-four, green eyes, and fucks like a god, or so I’ve been told.”

  Her chest rises and falls. “He’s nice,” she grits.

  “He’s not your type and you know it.” I look her in the eyes as I graze my lips across hers, hoping like hell I’m not about to get kneed in the nuts. Her tongue darts out, licking across my top lip, surprising us both, but not for long. I crash into her mouth, devouring her soft lips. She drags her hands over my chest and laces her fingers around my neck, pulling me closer.

  I shove my thigh between her legs and she grinds against it. Sliding my hand up her ribs, I cup her right breast, kneading and tweaking her nipple. I’m blessed with the sound of her whimper against my mouth. As she hooks a leg around my waist, her skirt is hiked to her hips, granting me easy access. I skim my hand over her smooth skin, up to her center, and slide her panties to the side, dragging my fingers through her wet folds. My dick screams against my jeans, begging to feel her. But tonight isn’t about me.

  Her head falls back, ripping her mouth from mine as I shove two fingers into her. I flex my hips, rocking in rhythm as I pump into her and circle her clit with my thumb.

  “I want you as mine…” I rasp, dragging my teeth along the tendon of her neck.

  “We…Cody…Oh my god.” Her body begins to tremble.

  I squeeze her ass while I lick the sweet-tasting skin of her neck to her ear and suck her earlobe hard. Suddenly, she digs her nails into the tops of my shoulder, her body goes ramrod straight, and
her mouth falls open. I slam a kiss to her to swallow her moans as she shatters on my hand. I rock into her, adding more friction. If I keep this shit up, I’ll be blowing my load in my pants like a teenager.

  I don’t remove my hand until she slows. And when I straighten her skirt, she keeps her eyes closed. Our breaths are ragged as we stand in the small bathroom in silence.

  When she finally snaps open her eyes, they’re furious, fire blazing in such an inferno it makes me take a half step back. She slaps me across the face, jerking my head to the side.

  I figured it was coming…and not just her.

  “I’m on a date,” she seethes.

  “With someone who doesn’t deserve you.”

  “And you do?”

  “No, but more so than him.”

  “What the fuck has gotten into you?” she grounds out caustically.

  I hang my head, dropping my view to my feet, unable to admit this to her face. “I got jealous.”

  I hear the little intake of breath. “That is not an excuse for what you just did.”

  Swallowing, I look back to her. “It keeps me fresh on your mind while you’re on your date.” I bite the word. “All I want is to fucking worship you, but you won’t give me the time of day. You know what the hell that does to me?” I’m short of pounding my chest. “You know there’s something between us, but you’re too damn busy fighting it to see it. To see me.”

  “Maybe you frighten me.”

  My laugh is humorless. “I’ve thrown out all my cards. Laid them right out in front of you. I’m not out to fucking hurt you.”

  Unshed tears swim in her eyes and I hate knowing I’m the cause of them. She fumbles to unlock the door before ripping it open and storming across the hall back into the women’s bathroom. I’m left standing there with my teeth grinding.

  After I wash my hands, I head back to Nathan. The moment he spots me, I’m positive he sees my defeat, my raise of the white flag written across my expression. He knows something happened.

  “I’m heading out.” I kiss Brooklyn on the side of the head and tip my chin to Nathan.

  Luke scrambles to get to his feet and stretches his hand out. “It was great meeting you.” I’m a shitty human. With the same hand I just got his date off with, I clasp his hand and give it a shake, smirking.