Making the Book Boyfriend (Book Boyfriend Builders)

Chapter 15

Fifteen

AVA

“I have big news today!” I waited until I saw the three guys enter the conference room and then I came in holding a champagne bottle and four flute glasses. “Dick has a second date!”

The men cheer and rough him up a little, and his blush and shy stature make my heart sing. He did this all on his own, and I couldn't be happier. I got the report card from the girl, Cara, who was his date last week. And she genuinely enjoyed his company and is looking for a second date. I called him up and gave him the news first and he was ecstatic. So coming into class today, I knew I had to make sure the guys made a big deal over him.

“Cara has an office holiday party and called me to say she wanted Dick to come along with her. This is exactly what we’re aiming for, gentlemen!” I pop the champagne, scaring myself as always when the cork explodes, and pour us each a glass. Maverick comes up and quickly grabs the glasses, handing them out, and we toast to a wonderful second date.

“So what's today's lesson?” Maverick asks.

“Well, today’s class is all about surprises. ”

“Like my date?” Dick says, and the guys crack up. I even laugh with him.

“Dick! I’m loving the little ad lib and that you’re feeling comfortable! But don’t ever put yourself down! You’re doing amazing! You don’t see Maverick getting second dates, do you?”

“Whoa! Low blow! Leave me out of this!”

I roll my eyes and continue. “Surprises are huge in any relationship. They show you’re thinking of your partner even when you’re not with them. Dick, I have a goal for you during the holiday party that we’ll talk about during our next one-on-one class. Alistair and Maverick? You guys are going to come up with a surprise date and ask one of the girls out. If you’ve been listening to everything she's been telling you, you should have a good idea of where to take her.”

I watch a slow smile come over Maverick’s face, and I get a little nervous.

“Fellas, I hate to break it to you, but I’m going to win this date,” Maverick states.

“Really? So sure of yourself even though you haven’t gotten a second date yet?” I counter him.

“This idea is going to guarantee it.”

I turn my back on him and walk to the board, taking a marker and writing Sealing the Deal across the top. “Now, when you take her on a second da?—”

“Actually, Miss Costa, I’d like to share about my date with the guys. Can I do that?”

My body freezes, but I take a breath and turn to face them all with a smile. “Of course, Mr. McKinney. It's always great to share what works and what doesn't.”

He rubs his hands together and stands at his seat. “So I went on a date last week. I have been paying attention and found out some of her likes. So I thought I'd play into that.”

“Who is she?” Dick asks.

“She’s a close friend of Maria’s. Almost like they’re family.” I cough after hearing his words, my throat suddenly becoming really dry.

“Is she one of the girls we’ve been meeting?”

“You’ve met her.” He plays it off dismissively.

“So how did it go?”

“Well, it’s funny. She seems to like to play hard to get. Which is my jam, by the way. Usually I just move on if I realize someone doesn’t like me, but this chick is starting to check my boxes, know what I mean?”

The guys fist bump and lean in to hear more.

“Maverick, chasing a woman is not always fun for both sides. In fact, some would consider it stalking. I know I’d feel a little weirded out if someone showed up in my town that he doesn’t live in.” I pop my hip, placing my hand there while raising a brow.

He waves his hand. “There’s no chase. I’ve already got her.”

I let out a blustery laugh. “How do you figure?”

“I see the way she looks at me.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Oh? How does she look at you?”

“Like I make her feel things she doesn’t want to.” I roll my lips inward and swallow hard when he sobers and says, “Because I look at her the same way.”