Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119093 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 595(@200wpm)___ 476(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“Sorry about that,” I tell him. “Just had to go over a few things with Lacey.”
“No worries,” he says with a sexy, easygoing smile. “This muffin is delicious.” He tears off a small piece and pops it into his mouth, then washes it down with a sip of his coffee. My gaze goes straight to his Adam’s apple, watching as it bobs when he swallows. For a moment, I wonder what it would be like to place my lips there and feel it move.
Holy shit! What is wrong with me?
As if he can hear my crazy thoughts, his emerald eyes meet mine, now filled with enough heat to catch this place on fire.
He leans forward, his eyes not leaving my own. “Go out with me,” he says. “I know you said no before, but all I’m asking for is one date. One chance to show you a good time.” His attention moves to my lips briefly, then back up to my eyes. “And I think we could have a good time.”
The area between my legs tightens, and it takes everything in me not to squirm in my spot. “Okay,” I say before I can second-guess myself. “One date.”
A slow, seductive smile curls at the corners of his lips. “Tonight.”
“Tonight?” I squeak out.
“Yeah, tonight. Before you have time to change your mind.”
I snort out a laugh and shake my head. “Okay, tonight.”
He pulls a pen out of his briefcase and hands it to me, along with his napkin. “Write your number down, and I’ll text you later with the details.”
I do as he asks, then slide it back to him. “I better get back to work,” I say, noticing the late morning rush is beginning.
“That muffin was delicious,” he says, gathering his food and drink as we both stand. “Sweet with the perfect mix of tart.” He steps toward me, and I catch a whiff of his scent—warm with a hint of spiciness, like being wrapped up in a blanket in the middle of winter while sitting in front of the fireplace. “I’ll see you tonight,” he murmurs, leaning in and kissing my cheek. Only instead of it being a quick peck, his lips linger, warming my skin, and those damn traitorous butterflies make an appearance.
Jesus! This can’t be happening again.
“Have a good day,” he says once he pulls back and his eyes meet mine. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Holy shit,” Lacey says once he’s gone. “I couldn’t hear anything that was said, but the look in his eyes… and the way he kissed your cheek before leaving.” She fans herself dramatically.
“Tell me about it. I’m going to need to find time with B.O.B. before our date tonight, so I don’t risk jumping his bones,” I mutter, referring to my battery-operated boyfriend.
Lacey barks out a laugh. “Forget B.O.B. You need to get laid, and if it’s with that sexy man, that’s even better.”
“I am not sleeping with anyone on the first date. I let Brody kiss me and look where that went… nowhere. This time, I’m making the guy earn the kiss. And if he wants to sleep with me, he’ll have to prove he wants more.”
“More… like marriage?”
“No,” I quip. “More like… I don’t know! Just more.”
I stare out the window, thinking about how my body reacted to Brody and then Hayden. “I think there’s something wrong with me.”
“Why?” Lacey asks, concerned.
“Pete was the only guy to ever give me butterflies. Didn’t matter who it was, how charming or good looking they were, nobody could cause butterflies to attack my belly but him.” I shake my head in frustration. “It doesn’t make any sense. I thought they were a sign, like it meant Pete was the one.”
“And you’re concerned because talking with Brody and Hayden didn’t give you butterflies?”
“No, I’m concerned because they appeared several times with Brody and then again with Hayden.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
AUBREE
Buzzzzz
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me, Hayden.”
“Hey! I’ll be right down.”
Since I let Brody up, I’m meeting Hayden downstairs this time. It’s clear that whatever happened on my date with Brody didn’t go as well as I thought, so I’m doing the opposite. Instead of venting and talking about my kids and coffee, I’m going to keep it light and fun. And instead of googling him, I’m going to get to know him the old-fashioned way. I’ll let him tell me about himself instead of snooping and finding shit about him that will cause me to feel insecure. Not exactly the safest route to take, but I’m going with the whole ignorance is bliss and all that jazz.
Tonight, since Hayden called and said he’s taking me out for dinner, I’m wearing a storm-gray maxi dress. It’s short-sleeved and flows almost to my knees, paired with faux alligator print heels. My hair is down again but braided on one side around my face. I went bold with a smoky look around my eyes to match my dress and bloodred matte lipstick on my lips. It’s been a long time since I’ve dressed up and put makeup on like this, and I must admit, I feel pretty—and like a real adult.