Chapter 15 Surprise
SURPRISE
Poppy
I’m feeling all sorts of stupid as I walk into the restaurant. It’s weird going out alone. The only thing I can come up with is that we’ll FaceTime each other during dinner, which is equally strange, especially in a place like Plonk that has no privacy.
I guess it’s one way to have a long-distance date, but then, is that what this is… a date? I have no idea, but I’m about to find out since I just texted Braden to let him know I’m here.
After giving my name to the hostess, I’m led to a low oblong table with a couch on one side and two plush chairs on the other. Strange to take up such a large space for one person, but at least I won’t be right next to someone while I’m on the phone.
Moments after being seated, the waiter arrives, saying a bottle of champagne has been pre-ordered and asks if I’d like it now or to start with something else. Hm, the night might not be so bad after all. Though I’m still unsure what to make of it.
It’s been a week since I’ve been talking with Braden, and it’s strange how different we started out.
Rather than date before doing the deed, we did the deed, and now we’re dating.
Although I’m not sure if reading together or phone sex is considered dating.
We might need to backtrack a bit. But why bother when we live so far away?
And what about Owen? He’s everything I would want, except I have no idea what he looks like. It’s one thing to get to know somebody that you’ve seen pictures of and be nervous they may not live up to them, but another thing altogether not to have a clue what to expect.
I’m still feeling guilty for talking to two people at once, but Matt and Cici are right, this is just part of the process. It’s not like we’re serious. I haven’t even gone on a date with either of them, so both situations have issues.
The waiter interrupts my thoughts, arriving with the champagne, a bucket, and two glasses.
“Oh, I’m here alone,” I say, embarrassed as he sets it down.
He looks at me quizzically. “Hm. Somehow, I had this down as a table for two.”
“Nope, just me,” I restate, becoming more uncomfortable by the minute.
“I’m sorry, Miss. I apologize for the misunderstanding,” he says as he pops the bottle and proceeds to fill one glass. “Enjoy that for now, and I’ll be back with a cheese tray that’s finishing up.”
“Thank you,” I say, instantly impressed that Braden had all this set up. He doesn’t exactly strike me as the thoughtful type, which makes me wonder what he’s up to.
I’m thankful for the champagne, but I'm beginning to feel even more awkward being alone. It shouldn’t bother me so much since the restaurant side is nearly empty.
But I’ve been here for ten minutes already with no response from Braden, and it’s making me antsy.
I’ve never been the one to reach out first to either him or Owen.
Maybe that’s one of my problems. Should I be more forward? Not that I would ever need to be with Braden—he’s forward enough for both of us. Plus, that’s not what this is between us, so I shouldn’t even be stressing about it.
I’m preoccupied as I stare at my phone, impatiently waiting, when someone approaches from the side.
Turning my head, expecting the waiter, my jaw drops to see Braden in the flesh.
The first thing to hit me is how unbelievably hot he is in a suit with his signature sexy smirk, and immediately following that thought is utter confusion.
“What are you doing here?” I stammer.
“I had a meeting in Bozeman and wanted to surprise you,” he says with a devastating smile.
If the smirk was sexy, the smile is downright sinful.
“Wow. This is… crazy.”
Some sense of manners returns, and I stand to hug him in greeting. This is so weird. The last time we were together was in bed, and we weren’t alone for part of it. Just thinking about it makes me flush.
He whispers in my ear. “Hopefully, it’s a good crazy.”
I’m still too shocked to respond with anything clever so I stay silent. As soon as we pull apart, he sits on the couch next to me, and the waiter appears with the glass he removed moments ago.
“Ah, so there are two of you this evening,” he says while filling it with champagne. “I’ll check on that cheese tray and have it out shortly.”
Braden thanks him before returning his attention to me and raising his flute in a toast. “To new beginnings.”
I repeat his words, meeting him in the middle. Once we each take a sip, he simply says, “Hi,” with that damn panty-melting smirk again.
“Hi,” I respond shyly.
This is a different version of Braden, and I’m not sure what to make of it. He’s not being… Braden-like. He’s more subdued, prompting me to ask if something is wrong.
“No. I’m just out of practice. Sorry.” He grins adorably, almost appearing shy.
“With what?”
“Dating?” He smiles nervously, and it’s impossibly endearing.
That, in addition to his answer, causes me to laugh.
“What?” he asks.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. I still can’t believe he’s here. “So is that what this is? A date?” I can’t help but ask.
“I’d like it to be. If that’s okay with you?” He quirks an eyebrow.
“Um, I guess.” I shrug, not having a reason otherwise and wondering if that small spark of hope is dangerous. I’m choosing to ignore it for now. “You said you had a meeting?”
“Yeah. The same client I came to interview when we first met. We did his deposition today.”
“How did it go?” Not that I know what that is or anything, but I figure it’s polite to ask.
“It went well, and then we came here for a drink afterwards. I like the guy.”
“That probably makes it easier to work his case.” Then what he says registers. “Wait. Have you been here watching me the entire time?” This is so strange, I’m not sure what to think.
“Yes. It was harder than hell to stay in my seat and not come over, but I wanted to give you a minute to get comfortable.”
“How long are you in town for?”
“Until Sunday, if all goes as planned.” He winks at me, and I can’t help the butterflies that come to life.
“Did you decide all this yesterday?”
“I scheduled the deposition on Monday. These arrangements came next.”
“What if I was already busy tonight?”
“That would have been a problem.” He smirks. “Lucky for me, it worked out.”
“But what if it hadn’t? Would it have stopped you from coming?” I ask, realizing my mistake in verbiage the second his expression changes, and roll my eyes.
“Oh, Mouse, you make it so difficult to behave. It’s hard to resist goading you when you give me such perfect opportunities.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t expect anything less from you.”
“Yeah, but my goal is to have you expecting more.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I’d like you not to think of me as only a player.”
“Why?”
Before he has a chance to answer, the waiter arrives. “Here you are. Would you like me to go over the selections for you?”
“Yes, please, that would be great,” Braden answers.
While the waiter talks about the various cheeses and meats, my mind spins.
With him showing up like this, I wonder more than ever what’s happening.
Is this a booty call or an actual date? I can’t figure him out.
He’s always been easy to read, so to speak—out for one thing and one thing only.
But we already did that. And he certainly doesn’t need to travel a thousand miles for sex. Braden could have any woman he wanted.
Unless he’s hoping to share me again, since I bet most women are averse to that.
That’s probably it. I’m so stupid for thinking anything else.
I wonder if he brought Warren along and is buttering me up for later when we go to his room where Warren is waiting.
Not that I’m even considering going to his room.
This is so fucked up. Why am I letting myself be played like this? I’m spiraling, so I reach for my glass, needing some liquid courage to give him a piece of my mind—or to stop from continuing down this rabbit hole.
When the waiter leaves, Braden immediately realizes my shift in attitude and calls me out.
“Hey, what happened? Are you upset I’m here?”
“No. I just can’t figure out why you asked me to dinner. Is Warren with you? Were you hoping for round two?”
“Shit, that’s what you think? God.” He sits up straight and runs his hand through his hair with a loud sigh. “Fuck, no. That won’t happen again. I mean, yeah, it was hot, but no—you’re…” He shakes his head. “I won’t be sharing you. I came to spend time together… get to know one another.”
“But why?”
He looks straight at me in complete seriousness. “Because I like you.”
My head jerks back in shock. “Seriously? But you’re constantly telling me what a mouse I am. Obviously, you’re way out of my league. Plus, we don’t even live near each other. What’s the point?” He’s got to be playing me. He can’t be interested in anything more than sex.
“Dammit, I have a lot to remedy.” He drops his head before looking up with remorse.
“You may have been mousy when we first met, but in all fairness, I came on pretty strong. The nickname stuck, but only as an endearment because you’re cute.
It’s not meant to be derogatory. I’m sorry you’ve been taking it like that. I won’t use it anymore if you want.”
“No, it’s fine now that you explained it.” I don’t have a chance to say anything else as he continues.
“And as for being out of your league—you’re crazy.
I’d say you’re out of mine. And yeah, we don’t live in the same city, but…
I don’t know… I can’t stop thinking about you.
” He grabs the back of his neck and pulls.
“I’m not sure what this is, but I’d like to explore what it could be if you’re willing to give me a shot. ”
I don’t know what to say. This is the most nonsexual conversation we’ve had, and it’s taking me off guard. I’ve sort of grown fond of flirty Braden, and I certainly can’t complain about the orgasms he delivers. But maybe he could be more. Do I want that?
I’m silent for too long.
“I’ve completely freaked you out, haven’t I?” he asks.