14. Sophie
I’m flipping through paperwork in my office when I hear a knock.
I look up and see a delivery guy at my open door holding a glass vase of pink roses.
“Delivery for Dr. Sophie Porter?” he asks.
“That’s me.”
He walks over and sets the vase on my desk, right next to the vase of pink roses that Xander sent me yesterday.
I bite back a wide grin and thank the delivery guy before he leaves. I gaze at the two dozen pale pink roses sitting on my desk, in awe.
It’s probably ridiculous that I feel so giddy right now, but I do. No guy other than my dad has ever gotten me flowers before. And two days in a row? That’s ridiculously sweet.
I pluck the card from the newer bouquet and read it.
Can’t wait for our date tonight, gorgeous 3
-Xander
My face aches with how hard I’m smiling.
I had no idea Xander could be so thoughtful and romantic.
I think about last night when we were hanging out with his teammates at Spanky’s playing that drinking game. They were all so nice and welcoming, but I still felt like a loser because I couldn’t relate to a single thing they were talking about.
Everyone there had a normal upbringing. While they were partying, dating, and having wild and fun times with their friends, I was the weirdo kid who was studying and taking college classes—who’s only ever had one relationship ever, but I guess I can’t even really count it because my ex didn’t even consider us together…
But then I think about how Xander went out of his way to make me feel better with those shot glasses of water.
I think about how when I admitted that I’d never been on a real date before, the look in Xander’s eyes changed. There was a flicker of intensity in his hazel stare. Like he was pissed that Ethan never took me out.
I pick up the bouquet of roses, bring them to my nose, and inhale. I close my eyes, savoring the musky floral scent.
I think about Xander, in awe of just how much he’s surprised me. Beneath his joking and suave exterior, he’s a total sweetheart.
I set the flowers back on my desk and swipe my phone to text him.
Hey! Thank you for the roses, they’re beautiful ?
I set my phone aside and go back to my paperwork for a few minutes before my phone buzzes with a text.
Xander: Glad you like them, gorgeous ?
My stomach does a backflip. He’s taking this proper date thing so seriously and it’s so sweet. Maybe this is part of his competitive professional athlete persona and he’s just trying to prove that he can be better than Ethan. But honestly, no matter the reason, I love it. No guy has ever doted on me like this, so I’m going to enjoy this with Xander.
Me: So where are you taking me tonight?
Xander: It’s a surprise ;)
Me: You need to give me a hint at least! I need to know how nice the place is. You don’t want me showing up in sweats and embarrassing you, right? Lol
Xander: You could show up wearing a garbage bag and I’d still be pumped to go out on a date with you, gorgeous
My heart actually flutters. God, he’s sweet
Xander: You’d look good in anything BTW. And nothing ;)
I let out a giddy laugh.
Me: Nice try. I’ll be wearing clothes tonight.
Xander: *sad face*
Me: At least tell me if it’s a nice restaurant or casual
Xander: It’s definitely on the nicer side.
Xander: But seriously, don’t stress, okay? There’s a reason I call you gorgeous, Sophie. You’re beautiful. You’ll look amazing no matter what you wear.
Butterflies swarm through my stomach. I can hardly take how cute Xander is being right now.
There’s a faint pulse between my legs that catches me off guard. I’m turned on by how often he compliments me…and how he always seems to mean it.
Yeah, this is a fake relationship, but it’s already better than the real one I had. And because of that, I’m pumped for tonight. This is my first proper date, and I want to look hot for it.
And for Xander.
I immediately text Dakota.
Help! I have a date with Xander tonight at a nice restaurant and I have no idea what to wear!
My phone buzzes and I look at it, thinking it’s Dakota. But it’s an alert on Instagram. I open the app and see a notification from Ethan.
I frown when I see he’s liked a bunch of my photos recently. Why is he all of a sudden interested in my Instagram photos?
But then I think back to what Xander said to me the night I ran into Ethan.
He still has a thing for you.
I notice that the only photos that Ethan has liked are the ones that are of me. He didn’t like any of the food pics I posted or the hiking photos I took.
Does his girlfriend know he’s liking photos of his ex on Instagram? That comes off kind of weird and creepy.
I exit out of Instagram and put my phone away. Whatever. I don’t want to spend another second thinking about him.
A few minutes later, Dakota texts me back.
Dakota: Yay! You deserve a hot date ?
Dakota: And don’t worry! Come over to my place after work and I’ll help you get ready!
I let out the breath I’ve been holding, relieved.
Me: You’re the best! Thank you!
Dakota: Always ? Xander’s eyes are going to pop out of his head when I get done with you
Me: That’s exactly what I want ?