Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

FINN

If my eyes constantly darted to my phone, once every few minutes, since the second I’d woken up, in the blind hope that Monster had somehow magically checked his schedule already and sent me a day for our second date… I flatly refuse to admit it. Denial is not just a river in Egypt!

I've never been one to get hung up on a guy, so why are things different with Monster? Why does he give me butterflies and make me feel like a stupidly giddy teenager? He’s the exact opposite of what I should want in a man, but he makes my heart race like no one ever has before.

I might not be a pro at dating, but I’ve had feelings for others in the past, just not like this. None of them ever made me feel the way that Monster does. Which is insane. I’ve only known the guy for like all of two seconds. How is it possible that he already has me twisted up like a pretzel inside? Although I’ll admit to not minding the idea of being twisted up like a pretzel for him in other ways.

A shiver zings up my spine at the mere idea of it, but I quickly squash that thought down in a big fat hurry. Not… going… there.

I go back to analyzing my own internal reactions to the hulking mass of man meat. Maybe it’s just been a while, or it’s the thrill of something new. I don’t know, that must be it, at least it makes a bit of sense I guess. Because any other answer would be completely outlandish. It’s not like I’m falling for him…yet.

My mouth is foaming from the toothpaste as I brush my teeth when my phone vibrates on the counter and my heart races when I see that it’s Monster who is texting me. I bite on the side of my toothbrush and pick up my phone to see what he has to say.

Monster: Are you free Thursday at like 7:30?

A smile spreads across my face—as best as it can with my toothbrush clenched between my teeth—causing toothpaste to dribble down my chin, but I don’t care. I’m just fucking excited that he didn’t change his mind overnight about wanting to go on a second date.

If I had a life outside of my study group, I’d check my schedule to see if I’m free, but I already know that I am, so I quickly type out my response while trying to suck back in some of the toothpaste. Glamorous, I know.

Me: I’m free… What are we doing?

While I wait for his response, I set my phone down and quickly finish brushing my teeth, giving my face a quick wipe when I’m done. I still have to wash my face and do my makeup but that can wait until after I’m done talking with Monster.

His response doesn’t take long to come in which makes me even more giddy than I already am. Oh my gosh, I seriously need to get a hold of myself because a silly little text message should not make me this happy. I should still have my guard up around this man, but that appears to be rapidly falling to the wayside, and I don’t know if I can keep it up if I try.

Fuck! I really hope Monster is the sweetheart he seems to be because there’s a huge chance I’m going to fall fast and hard for him, and the last thing I want is a broken heart.

I blow out a slow centering breath before opening the text. I don’t need to be spiraling into anxiety right now.

Monster: How do you feel about surprises?

Ugh. Of course, Monster has to go and be so fucking cute making sure I don’t hate surprises. This man knows exactly what to do to bring my guard down, doesn’t he?

Me: I enjoy a good surprise from time to time. But I do need to know what to wear.

Monster: Wear something comfortable. Something you can move in.

My thoughts begin to spiral, trying to figure out what Monster has up his sleeves.

Me: Noted. And should I eat before you pick me up… Or will a meal be included on this date?

I lean against the counter with a giant grin on my face as I wait for Monster’s response which doesn’t take long at all.

Monster: Eat dinner, but there will be snacks.

Me: Perfect. I can’t wait to find out what you have planned.

Monster: I hope you like it… But I have to get going… I hope you have a great day… Text me if you’re bored.

This man is too much, but I don’t hate it. None of my exes were as sweet as Monster is, so I’m not used to it, but I do enjoy it.

Everyone looks extra coupley this morning as I make my way to class, which is a little weird, but what do I know? Maybe they’re always like this and I’m just noticing it today because I’m now dating someone too.

Chantell is already sitting when I arrive and I make a beeline to her, claiming the chair beside her. She’s scrolling through her phone with a frown on her face and I swear she doesn’t even realize I’m there.

“Hey, gorgeous, what’s got you frowning like that?” I question, trying to pull her attention away from her phone.

She sighs and shakes her head before turning toward me. “Nothing,” she grumbles, but clearly she’s not telling the truth.

“And the sky is pink,” I reply dryly. “Now, tell me the truth.”

“I just wish it was tomorrow already, or any day but today,” she mumbles, her frown still firmly in place.

“Why? What’s wrong with today?” I ask, tilting my head to the side slightly.

“I’ve just never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day,” she tells me, which explains why people seemed extra in love this morning.

I completely forgot about the holiday since I’ve been perpetually single. Although, I guess I’m not so single anymore. Am I supposed to get something for Monster? Should I just send him a text wishing him a Happy Valentine’s Day? Do people who have only gone on one date do that?

I internally give my head a shake since my friend needs my attention right now.

“To make things even gloomier, I found out that the girl I’ve been crushing on has a girlfriend.” Chantell turns her phone toward me so I can see the screen and I wince a little at the picture of Chantell’s crush kissing another girl. That explains the giant frown. “I guess they just made things official,” she murmurs.

I wrap my arms around my friend and pull her in for a hug. “I’m sorry, sweetie,” I whisper into her ear.

“It’s okay. I was the idiot for not approaching her sooner.”

I pull back a little so I can stare into her eyes before scolding her for talking down about herself. “You are not an idiot. You are just shy. I’m sure you’ll find someone better than this chick anyway,” I tell her, resulting in an eye roll but the corners of her lips turn the slightest bit upward, so I take it as a win.

“I hope your day is going better than mine,” she says after giving me a tight squeeze then releasing me.

I nibble on my lip trying to think of what I should tell her since I don’t want to boast about Monster now that her heart is sad.

“Wait! Didn’t you have a date last night?” she shrieks, and I nod slowly, a dopey smile creeping up. “Fuck. Here I am being a Debby Downer and a shit friend. I can’t believe I completely forgot about that. How did it go?”

“You’re not a shit friend. It’s completely okay to be sad about your crush dating someone else,” I correct her. “As for the date.” I pause for dramatic effect. “It was amazing.”

Chantell squeals just as our professor walks into the room and gives her a quizzical look making her turn the color of a tomato.

“I’ll tell you all about it after class,” I whisper to her, and she nods with a giant smile.

“I can’t wait to hear all about it,” she replies quietly. “It will hopefully get my mind off Courtney.”

I feel really bad for my friend because I know what it’s like when your crush ends up dating someone else. But at the same time, I can’t stop thinking about Monster. I’m wondering if I should pick him up something for Valentine’s Day. If I do, what should I get him? Maybe Chantell will have some ideas.