Not the Stand In: A BBW New Adult Serial Romance (Not the Hot Chick series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

she walked out the door, but she didn't look back. It was only when she was halfway down the block and he called her name that she turned around. "What's up?" She kept her tone light and breezy.
    He sputtered. "What's up?" Confusion crinkled his brow. "You tell me. Why'd you just take off like that?"
    Okay, he wasn't just confused. He was pissed. Well, tough. "What should I have done? Sat down and waited for you to introduce me to your friend?"
    "She's not a friend. Just a girl who started talking to me. What, are you mad?"
    Yes, she was, but she had no right to be. She took a deep breath. "No. Look, why don't you go on back? She's still there. Maybe you can get lucky tonight."
    His expression was tight. "I already got lucky."
    Layla spun away, but Cam caught her arm. "I didn't mean it like that. Shit, Layla. You were just going to walk off without a word? That's not how friends act."
    She blinked. They were friends? She gazed at him, taking in his demeanor, his stance, the look in his eyes. If she hadn't been so self-involved, she'd have noticed it sooner. She'd hurt his feelings.
    "Yeah." She'd acted exactly like some misogynistic douche who slept with a woman, then pretended not to know her the next day. "You're right. I'm sorry."
    He dipped his head, acknowledging the apology, and shifted his feet. "So…"
    "So…"
    They gazed at each other silently. Now what? Layla made a snap decision and held out her hand. "Let me have your phone."
    With a look of puzzlement, he handed it over.
    She spoke while she tapped the screen. "Friends call each other, right? They text. So here's my number. If you want to hang out sometime—as friends—let me know."
    He wore a hopeful little grin when she gave the phone back. "Friends with benefits?"
    She sent him a quelling look. "You wish. No. Just friends."
    He poked out his lower lip and slumped his shoulders, mugging disappointment.
    Oh, well. There had to be boundaries. She liked Cam. He was a great guy—kind, smart, fun to be with. But he was, without a doubt, a chick magnet. She couldn't sleep with him—no matter how crazy good the sex—knowing there would be plenty of others as well. That was not how she was made.
    Truth to tell, she was a bit disappointed, too. Sex with Cam was truly awesome.
    Don't go there , she told herself.
    He extended his hand. "Let me put my number in your phone now."
    She shook her head. "No."
    His arm fell to his side. "Why not?"
    "Because. If you want to be friends, you can call me." She wasn't going to make the first move. She'd already done that today. Now the ball was in his court. She'd find out soon enough if he was sincere or just blowing smoke. If she never heard from him again, she'd know he had no interest in continuing a friendship. She'd know he was only in it for the sex. And she'd deal.
    But if she had his number, she'd reminisce about their hookup and want to hear his voice. Layla wasn't sure she'd be able to resist the temptation to call him. She'd come off as needy and pathetic, then want to kill herself if he seemed disinterested or annoyed. So, no. She wouldn't take his number.
    She wished she could ease his look of puzzlement, but she couldn't say more without betraying herself. She smiled and stepped back. "Take it easy, Cam. Maybe I'll…" hear from you. See you again. Your decision.
    Since she couldn't finish the sentence, she shrugged, turned, and walked away. She kept her back ramrod straight, her shoulders squared, her steps swift and confident. It took everything she had not to stop and look back at him.
    Keep walking. Just keep walking.
    ****
    Cam gazed at Layla as she walked away. Whoa. What just happened?
    She'd torn through his day like a whirlwind, sweeping him off his feet, spinning him round and round, tossing him head over heels. Now she was gone, with him flat on his back, his clothing tattered and his brain buffeted.
    What happened to the shy, blushing Layla he'd hooked up with months ago?
    Cam grinned. She's learned a