“Oh, don’t be like that. There’s got to be something better waiting. Besides, Jake had a few before Lauren that didn’t go well either.”
“I don’t think he had two that were this bad.”
“Maybe talk to him and ask?”
“I’ve talked to him, a lot, about this.” He had, as Jake was the only one with experience. “Maybe dating just isn’t in the cards for me right now.” Or ever.
Kayla bit her lip as she studied him. It was like she was making a decision before she finally spoke. “I doubt that your next one will be that bad. I think you should give it at least one more shot.”
That got his interest. “What do you know?”
“That’s not how this works, I keep telling you that.” She scolded him complete with an arched brow to prove her point.
“I should get some perks. This was my idea, and I’m a partner after all.” He knew she wouldn’t give on this, but he wanted any kind of reassurance he could get.
Kayla picked up her pen and started clicking it as he knew she did when she was nervous, but she didn’t say anything.
“I give up. Also, I’ve yet to have a full salad here because these dates are bad so I don’t even know what a real date is like here.” He was hungry. “Do you want to go get some pizza or something?”
She giggled, and it struck him that she did that now and then and it didn’t bother him at all when she did it.
“I don’t think so, not tonight. I’m also not going on a run in the morning. The weather is supposed to be crappy so I’m staying in and using the treadmill.”
Now he felt like he was being blown off. At some point in their partnership, he’d started viewing Kayla as more than a partner—he saw her as a friend. It had been a while now, but she’d not blown him off so directly before, and now he was confused.
“Okay. I’ll just get out of your hair then.” He stood and turned to leave.
“Evan?” Kayla’s voice was quiet and unsure. “I’m not upset with you. I’m just busy tonight, and I didn’t want you trying to meet me for a run tomorrow.”
“Okay.” He shrugged. Did it matter? “It’s not a big deal. Today has been so long, and I think I’m just drained.”
“Understandably. Don’t think I don’t want to hang out with you though. I don’t want to fight with you over something so trivial.” Kayla explained herself, and stood, coming towards him. “Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not mad. I think I’m just exhausted.” His brain had been too busy stressing over this date, and then there was the date itself that wasn’t helping things.
“It’ll work out, Ev.” She brought her hand up to his chest, stopping just short of touching him before hesitating.
He couldn’t resist himself and took half a step forward, making her touch him. Why couldn’t he find this kind of ease of talking to anyone else? With someone who wanted him?
“Be careful, Ev. I’ll see you soon, I’m sure,” Kayla said before dropping her hand and going back to her desk, putting distance between them.
It wasn’t until he was halfway down the stairs that it even occurred to him that she had called him Ev twice. She had never done that before. Now his already tired brain had even more to figure out.
He made his way home and ordered dinner before changing and relaxing on his sofa. What did Kayla’s nickname mean for him? Did it mean anything? He had no sure way of knowing without asking her, and he didn’t want to do that.
His phone suddenly went off from a text from the lady herself.
Kayla:Your next date is in the system.
Evan:I really hope this one goes better.
Kayla:Me too.
It would also be good for business if he was able to manage a successful relationship from this. Showing that as a partner, he was also willing to use the service and it worked would be a great story they could use.
ChapterSix
Kayla