7. Aubree
SEVEN
“Are you seriously checking your phone again?”
I slip my phone back into my apron pocket and avoid Lacey’s glare. “I was seeing if the kids had texted.” Lie. I was checking to see if Brody texted or called. He hasn’t. It’s been two days since our date, and I haven’t heard from him. I shouldn’t be as hurt about him not calling as I am, but I really thought something was there. Apparently, my lack of experience means I misread the signs, and while I felt something, he obviously didn’t.
The bell chimes, and when I glance up, I find the guy from a few days ago standing in front of me. He’s dressed in another tailored suit and is carrying a briefcase in one hand. His brown hair is messy, and his face looks like it hasn’t been shaved in a few days. He’s as good looking as the last time he was here—when he asked me out, and I turned him down—only right now, instead of his green eyes being filled with warmth, they’re lacking any emotion.
“Welcome back,” I say. “What can I get you? It’s probably too early for a cupcake,” I joke. “But I made some orange cranberry muffins that, if I must say so myself, are to die for.”
He opens his mouth to speak, then closes it. Open. Close. He does this a few times before he shakes his head and chuckles, then mutters something under his breath.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Yeah, sorry,” he says. “I’ll take a coffee and a muffin, please.”
“Sure thing.” I ring him up while Lacey gets his drink and Caroline, the college student working this morning, gets his muffin.
He pays, and I hand him his drink and food. Only, instead of walking away, he says, “Eat with me.”
“What?”
“It doesn’t look like you’re too busy yet. How about you grab a coffee and one of the to-die-for muffins and sit with me?”
Since we’re between the early morning and late morning rush, I say, “Okay, give me a minute.”
“Sure, I’ll save you a seat.” He winks playfully, and the action hits me right between the legs. Jesus, it’s like a levee has been opened, and the water pours through so quickly, I can’t shut it fast enough.
“He’s totally going to ask you out again,” Lacey says once he’s walked away.
“And?”
“And you need to say yes! He’s sexy as hell and clearly likes you.”
“What about Brody?” I hiss. “Isn’t that like cheating?” I glance over at where Hayden sits casually at a table, watching me with interest in his eyes.
“You went on one date with him,” Lacey deadpans, forcing my attention back on her. “And he hasn’t even called.”
“I know.” I sigh. “But he did kiss me.”
“That’s hardly a marriage proposal,” she deadpans.
I can’t help my flinch at the mention of marriage. “I’m never getting married again.”
Lacey’s face softens. “My point was, if he wanted to lock you down, he would’ve called or texted. He didn’t. There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself out there and playing the field. You’re a young, single woman. If that guy asks you out”—she nods toward Hayden—“say yes.”
“I’ll think about it,” I mumble. “But I already turned him down once. I doubt he’ll ask again.”
Lacey shakes her head. “One day, you’ll see how beautiful you are. Peter thought you were a goddess. I don’t get why it’s so hard to believe other men would feel the same way.”
“Pete also fell for me when I was young, skinny, and before I was a mom.”
“And now, you’re a grown woman, have a body filled with the most perfect curves, and have two amazing kids.”
Since I can’t argue with that, I push my insecurities aside and grab my coffee and muffin so I can join Hayden.
“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.”