The Back-Up Plan by Mari Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

trying to figure it out. That was quite a mustache. Bet it tickles when he kisses.”
    The idea of Matthew’s mustache getting anywhere near Kristen sent him into orbit again. “Fuck,” he muttered.
    Monica put her hand over his. “I think Matthew is a decent guy. And you’re not giving Kristen enough credit. She’s smart and strong and not easily led by anyone. Maybe your vision is just a little bit cloudy when it comes to her.”
    Jason wondered if Monica was right. His friendship with Kristen had taken a turn lately, grown a bit stronger. Maybe that was bringing out some kind of brotherly feelings in him. Weird. He’d never worried about her being able to take care of herself before.
    “Yeah. I guess so.”
    Monica stood, so he rose as well. “I had a good time tonight, Jason.”
    He’d really shortchanged Monica, getting so wrapped up in finding Kristen a nice guy he’d failed to appreciate how cool his date was. “You’re sweet to lie about it and I know I haven’t given you much incentive to say yes to this, but maybe we could go out again? Just you and me?”
    Monica didn’t respond immediately, and then she nodded. “Sure. That would be great.” She gave him her phone number and they chatted as he walked her to her car.
    Jason waved as she drove away, then headed to his Audi. He sat in the parking lot for five full minutes, torn between going home or driving by Kristen’s house to check on her.
    The intelligent part of his brain knew Kristen would eviscerate him if he showed up at her townhouse and interrupted whatever was happening— God, please don’t let anything be happening —between her and Matthew.
    However, an idiot lived inside him too and that guy was telling him to storm over to Kristen’s place and kick Matthew’s ass.
    “Get a grip.” He released a long breath, put the car in drive and took a left onto the street that would lead him to his house. Monica was right. Kristen wasn’t some young, innocent virgin. She could take care of herself. Tomorrow, they’d simply regroup, then he’d find her another guy—a nice one who wouldn’t put the moves on her. Surely there had to be some man out there like that. Maybe.
    And failing that, there was always the back-up plan. Suddenly, he didn’t think that scheme was quite so silly. In some ways, it even made sense.
     
     
    Kristen smiled as Matthew’s soft kiss ended. They said good night once more, and then she shut the door. Turning, she leaned against the wood and sighed. The night had been a success. Matthew was a great guy—easy to talk to and passionate about his work. She’d invited him in for coffee and they’d continued to discuss their jobs, their families, and all those usual get-to-know-you first-date kind of things. It had been wonderful.
    Then he’d stood to leave and offered the kiss on her doorstep. The mustache tickled, but she didn’t mind. He was a very attractive man. He reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t figure out who. Even so, he was charming and intelligent and kind.
    Everything Jason had not been at dinner. She wasn’t sure what the hell had gotten in to him tonight, but she fully intended to give him a piece of her mind. Monica was a very sweet woman and Jason had ignored her all night. She’d never seen him treat someone so rudely and if this was as seriously as he intended to take her set-ups, then he’d just gotten his last bit of help from her.
    Her cell rang and she glanced at her watch. It was nearly midnight. Who would call so late?
    She walked to the coffee table and picked her phone up.
    Speak of the devil.
    She clicked to answer. “Jason. What the hell was your problem tonight?”
    Her greeting seemed to catch him off-guard as he paused, not responding immediately.
    “Is Matthew gone?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Of course he is. Unlike you, I don’t fuck on first dates.”
    It almost sounded like he released a sigh of relief.
    “What is wrong with you?” she asked again.
    “I