My Rejected Hero

Chapter 3

Upon my arrival at my apartment, I looked for the only thing that can ease my mood- ice cream. Ice cream was basically my weakness and my solution for almost everything. If I'm sad, I eat ice cream. If I'm mad I eat ice cream. If I'm in a celebratory mood or just simply feeling for it, I gotta have my ice cream.

As I savoured the rich dark chocolate ice cream mixed with almonds from Haagen Daaz, I heard a *ping ping* from my phone. It was from the Tinder App. I hope it was not that jerk again. It wasn't. It was from one of my other matches that I did not bother starting a conversation with- Lucas. He was quite a head turner. He had broad shoulder, a sharp jawline and a sexy shaved beard. It was not long or scruffy but it was low and well maintained. He just looked hot. He was well fit and muscular but he was not as bulky as Jake.

Jake. I instantly felt guilty looking at this other guy's profile. I mean why should I? Jake means nothing to me. Jake is an idiot. But, now that I think about it, maybe he was right. I shouldn't have behaved that way. I was wrong on so many levels today. But he still was a bit rude to me and I do not want to meet him again, so yeah, we are back to saying that Jake means nothing to me.

That reminds me, why didn't I reach out to Lucas when I found out that he was a match for me? But then why didn't he? I can't be the one making all of the moves here. As I scanned through his profile, I remembered why. He had a short description of himself, which makes him too mysterious and although he looked hot, he had on a sunglasses. Now don't get me wrong, the shades made him look great but it also hide some of his features. With a short description and hidden features, he did kind of make me avoid contact.

*Ping ping*

Another message from Lucas. Should I block him? Hmmm, maybe not. Maybe since I do not know much about him I could just find out more about him and not meet up so quickly like my first mistake. Yea, that sounds like a plan.

Lucas and I texted a lot that day. I spent my day telling him about some of my likes, dislikes, achievements and a little bit of my personal life. I did not say where I lived or that I lived alone. I definitely did not say where I worked, I still wanted to remain untraceable during our contact.

I learnt that he had a lot of similar tastes like me. The thrill of an outdoor adventure, hiking, swimming, horror films, action films, and running track excites us both. I didn't even know that I would meet another person who would like Caribbean music, much less knew about it, just like me!

He was not much of a talker like me but I guess that is how some guys are. He seems pretty cool and easy to talk to when we do. I broke the news to Becky and Adam about this new guy the following week. He had asked me out for dinner and I agreed to meet him.

After a few rounds with Adam and Becky at our usual Friday night hangout, Rocky's Sports Bar, I stepped outside to call an Uber. I leaned onto someone's car to hold myself up.

"You know, driving while intoxicated is a serious crime little lady."

I turned around to search for the man behind the voice. Well, well, it was the cop, and in his full uniform this time.

"Do you see me driving under the influence Jake? I don't think so. So leave me alone already."

He smiled. "I won't be leaving anytime soon, Eva. until I charge you again. Go ahead, the minute you get in the car behind that wheel I am writing you another ticket."

"What? I am not driving. I was about to call an Uber. Why are you here anyways? Are you stalking me?" I questioned him.

He frowned. It was a pleasure peeling that damn grin off of his face. "I am on duty. It is Friday night and Rocky's Bar always have quite a crowd at this time. These drunkards make my job easier every Friday night."

"Do you do anything other than work? Your life sounds pretty boring."

"Well yes, I have friends too and I keep up with some of the trends these days. Some good some bad. Like Tinder, thought it would be great but my date was a total fail." He teased.

"Why you little-" I was grabbed by Adam and my mouth was covered by Becky.

"Now now, you don't want to say or do anything that would get yourself into trouble. Go call the Uber, please." Becky pleaded. I left them alone to call a nearby cab driver.

"Sorry for her behaviour. She is not usually like this" Becky apologized. "But you do seem to enjoy teasing our friend, do you like her or something?"

"Thanks for the apology. She is fun to toy with but no, I cannot handle her craziness. You guys reach home safe and keep her under control." He laughed.

Adam whispered into her ears whilst they walked off, "I think he likes her."