Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
DATE NIGHT
Milly
I turn the music up on my phone, trying to drown out the oppressive silence in my house.
I put on an upbeat song, but it does nothing to lift my mood.
If I hadn’t spent time with Twitch, I’d probably be excited about this date.
I’ve never experienced a gorgeous older man being interested in me, but here I am, moping around because all I can think about is the hurt in Twitch’s eyes last night.
But I can’t keep being second best to Mercedez every time she threatens him.
He thought I was moving on . . . Am I trying to?
Just seeing Mercedez’s hand on Twitch’s arm made me snap, and I was ready to fight fire with fire.
But now, with only an hour until I have to leave for my date, the damn guilt is weighing me down.
Am I leading Edward on just to get back at Twitch?
The thought makes me feel like a terrible person.
I’ve only been out of control since Twitch and I got closer.
Normally I’m levelheaded, but he messes with my mind.
I walk to my wardrobe and sift through my clothes.
Lack of motivation has me pulling out jeans, but I quickly put them back.
It’s a fancy restaurant, after all. I settle on a more formal top and a three-quarter black skirt, then get changed.
I glance at myself in the mirror. This could be my life.
The life Reaper wants for me. A man who can take care of me, who has a good career.
A man who is respectful and wines and dines me.
It’s such a stark contrast to the other side of my life—a man who wears a leather vest, is part of a motorcycle club, and doesn’t have a “proper” job.
Reaper never wanted me to be part of the club life.
He struggled to even let me be the club doctor.
I look back at my jeans. My life with Twitch would be simple if my brother and Mercedez weren’t in the equation.
I put on some makeup before heading to my car.
I peek in the visor mirror and force a smile.
If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s hiding my feelings and pretending to be happy.
It’s exhausting, but it wouldn’t be fair to Edward if he thought he was the reason I wasn’t enjoying myself.
If the women at the hospital found out about this date, they’d be so jealous.
And even though my feelings for Twitch are all over the place, I should be open to giving Edward a chance.
Someone like him could make me happy. The truth is, I don’t feel the same spark for Edward that I feel for Twitch.
That passion, that electric pull to be near him, to feel his kiss, his touch—it’s not there with Edward.
I drive to the restaurant and park where Edward is standing by his car. Getting out, I feel underdressed. I smile at him. He’s dressed up in a dark navy blue suit that snugly fits him, showing off his broad shoulders.
He steps over to me and shuts my car door. “You’re beautiful.”
My face heats. “You look very handsome.” I kiss his cheek. “I love the suit.”
His lips curve up. “Oh, this old thing.”
I look up at the restaurant. It’s modern, with a wooden deck that wraps around it and big windows. I link my arm in his and we walk up to the restaurant entrance and through the glass door.
He speaks to the waiter, who ushers us outside to our table. The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sound of the ocean waves lapping against the shore is soothing.
“It’s spectacular,” I say, taking in the view.
“It is,” he replies. “The view is outstanding, and this restaurant has excellent reviews for the food.”
“Would you like anything to drink?” the waiter asks.
“A glass of sauvignon blanc, please,” I answer.
“And what brand, ma’am?”
“The cheapest is fine, thank you,” I reply with a smile.
“The best one,” Edward interjects.
“It doesn’t have to be expensive,” I protest. I’m easygoing, and I’ve learned that just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it tastes any better.
“I’m paying,” he offers, then looks back at the waiter. “She’ll have the best that you’ve got.”
O-kay. I let it go, and he orders a whiskey on the rocks.
“How have your two days off been?” he asks.
I cringe inwardly at the memory of yesterday. “I went to the clubhouse and saw my brother and his partner. We had a barbecue. It was good to catch up.” I struggle to keep my voice even because I’ve missed them all.
“I’d love to meet your brother at some stage. It seems like an interesting dynamic.”
Edward is moving a little fast, wanting to meet my family. I scan the floor for the waiter. Where’s my wine? I’m going to need it if this is where the conversation is heading. “How have your last few days been?” I ask, steering the topic away from my brother.
“I’ve been decorating my home because it’s been a little bare. Now, I’m not the best at it.” He chuckles. “Maybe it needs a woman’s touch.” He gives me a long, lingering look.
I gulp. “Sorry, I’m useless at that sort of thing.
I’ve lived in my home for a long time, and it’s still bare.
” Not that there are many photos of family or friends or vacations I can put up anywhere.
My home is clinical, like a show home that no one lives in.
My thoughts turn to the clubhouse. I don’t mind the mess there and the kids’ toys because there’s a lot of love and laughter in that place that overrides anything else.
“Still,” he says, “if we have a weekend off together, it would be nice to have help from a friendly face.”
I smile politely. “Yes, sure.” I don’t mind helping friends.
The waiter arrives with my drink, and as subtly as I can, I take a few large gulps. “And if you don’t mind me asking, why did you ask me out?” I flinch.
He raises an eyebrow and smiles. “I enjoy your company, and I don’t know many people here . . . but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.”
I take another gulp, giving him a tight smile. Unsure how to respond, I look down at the menu.
“You’re quiet,” he observes.
I wince. “I just . . . I don’t know if I’m in the right place to be dating.” If I weren’t interested in Twitch, this wouldn’t even be a conversation. But I am, and it’s not fair to the handsome man sitting across from me.
“I get that . . . but I’m in no rush.”
I divert my attention back to the menu. “The seafood marinara looks nice,” I comment lamely.
He grabs a menu in front of him. “Do you like all types of seafood?”
“Yes, I love all food in general.”
“What about the seafood platter for two?” he asks, pointing to the menu.
I look at the $300 price tag, and my eyes bug out of my head. “That’s a lot of money.”
He chuckles. “I’m sure it will be worth it.”
“It better be for that price,” I mutter under my breath, earning another laugh from him.
“You don’t spoil yourself often, do you?” he asks, his tone softening.
I take a moment to think. “No, I don’t.” I’m on a good salary, but growing up poor taught me to be frugal. Even now, I struggle with spending money on things I don’t absolutely need. My biggest splurge was buying a secondhand convertible, and even that felt like a guilty indulgence.
“You get one life. You can’t take the money with you. Spend your money on what makes you happy.”
I sigh, his words hitting a little too close to home.
“I’ve realized lately that I’ve been cruising through life—working but not actually living.
It’s kind of sad.” I rub the base of my throat, feeling a lump form.
“Outside of the club, I haven’t developed any real close friends.
I don’t go on vacations. I’ve rarely ever gone on dates.
I’ve put my life on hold for my career, and now that I’ve made it .
. .” I trail off, looking at him. “They’ve brought on new staff, so I can take more time off.
I actually bit the bullet and started taking motorcycle lessons. ”
He gives me a round of applause. “Good on you. Do you like it?”
I give him a genuine smile. “I always wanted to learn but never dared to ask my brother. A guy from the club offered me the opportunity to learn and ride on his bike, and I rode it through a parking lot. I got such a high from it that I knew right then and there I was learning no matter what.” It’s one thing I’m proud of myself for—finally getting out there and doing something I’ve always wanted to try.
“You’ll have to pick me up one day when you get your full license.”
I cackle, and it’s loud, drawing looks from other people at the tables nearby. “I can’t imagine you on the back of a motorcycle, but it would be funny to see.”
The waiter returns, and we grab another round of drinks. Edward orders for us, and I try my best not to think about the ridiculous price tag.
“Are they still calling me McDaddy at the hospital?” he asks, sounding amused.
“They certainly are. You can’t blame them. You’re the town’s shiny new single man.”
He hides a smile. “Do you call me that?”
Now, this can go one of two ways. “Yes, but it’s stuck now. It’s your name. I’m sorry. Anything else doesn’t sit right.”
He laughs out loud, his shoulders shaking with amusement.
Before I can join in, I notice someone approaching. My blood runs cold as Twitch grabs a chair from a nearby table and slides it between us.
I cough, trying to mask my shock. “Um . . . is everything alright?” I ask, my voice tight, wondering what the hell he is doing here.
He gives me a sly smirk. “Yes, everything’s all good. How’s your date going?”
The blood rushes back to my face, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Twitch’s devilish grin only makes it worse. He’s here to ruin my date. “Why are you here, Twitch? Can’t we have this chat another time?” My voice grows harsher with each word.
He chuckles, completely unfazed. “All good. Just thought I’d check up on you.”
I glare at him. “Well, everything is great, so you can go now.”
He looks me dead in the eyes, his lit up with amusement. “Nah, I think I’ll stay.”