Chapter 10
TEN
Ileft my bear in the car, though I’ll admit I kind of miss having the fuzzy animal in my arms, but the restaurant Conan brought me to isn’t really the place to be holding a stuffed toy.
We sit at a small table with windows to our left, showing the Pine Valley skyline. It’s not my usual type of place, but the food looks amazing as I scan the menu.
“Get whatever you want. I did some research, and they have some of the best meat options,” he says casually, and my heart beats stupidly. Despite the fact that he doesn’t eat meat, he made every effort to bring me someplace that specializes in it.
“Hi, I’m Callie. I’ll be your waitress. Can I start you with some drinks?” a bubbly voice asks, and I glance up to see a pretty, young brown-haired girl.
“Hi.” I smile politely. “May I please have water?”
“Absolutely,” she murmurs, wide-eyed as she stares at me before she blinks. “Um, still or sparkling?”
“Still please, thank you.” I look at the menu, but she’s quiet, so I look up and find her watching me.
“Would your older brother like anything?” the waitress asks, glancing at Conan when I arch a brow at her.
He coughs, and I hide my smile. “The same please,” he grumbles, and she nods then hurries away.
“Older brother, eh?” He winces, rubbing his hair. “At least she didn’t call me your father.” He drops his hand as he eyes me. “I guess I am a little old for you.”
Biting back my smirk, I prop my chin on my hand. “I like older men,” I tell him. “That’s always been my type. She didn’t call you my dad, but I can call you Daddy if you like.”
His laughter bursts out of him, and I see tables around us looking our way, but neither of us care.
“If I’m the daddy, then wouldn’t that make you the baby?” he flirts, and he seems to shock himself, but he doesn’t take it back. I like him flirting with me. It makes me feel wanted and happy.
“I guess it does,” I tease, and his small smile makes it all worthwhile.
“Well then, what does my baby want to eat?” he asks brightly.
I’m stuffed as Conan fastens my seat belt for me. Between work, shopping, and that meal, I’m done. I tried to argue when he paid, but he was having none of it.
“Why don’t you close your eyes?” Conan suggests as he cranks up the heat. “I can wake you when I get to your place.”
“Ah, thanks, but you can take me back to my car so I can get to work tomorrow—”
“It’s okay. I can pick you up in the morning and take you to work.” Conan smiles. “I have your address. Close your eyes, okay? You look tired.”
I debate it, but my eyelids are heavy, so I nod and snuggle deeper into the seat with a yawn. “Okay, thank you.”
I swear I hear him say, “Adorable,” but I’m asleep before it can pierce my brain.
“Wake up, baby.” The soft whisper makes my eyes blink open, and I find Conan leaning above me. “You’re home.”
I rub at my eyes as I glance around, realizing we are outside my apartment building. Glancing at the clock, I see an hour has passed.
“You were sleeping pretty heavily, so I did a few laps. You looked like you needed it,” he admits.
“Oh, thanks,” I murmur, feeling a little embarrassed. I hesitate for a moment, playing with my seat belt as I look from him to the building, unsure what to say.
“I had an amazing night. Thank you for letting me keep you company,” he says, “and thank you for being my first date in a long, long time.”
“I had an amazing night too.” I really enjoyed our date. I wasn’t sure how I would feel because my feelings for Noah are still there, and maybe it isn’t fair to Conan. He’s such a nice guy, but if this is how I can get over Noah, then so be it.
“I’ll pick you up in the morning. What time?” he whispers softly.
“Uh, is seven okay?” I ask awkwardly.
“Sure, I have a shoot anyway, so I need to be at work early. See you then.” He smiles and undoes my belt for me. Clutching my teddy and bag, I climb out.
“See you in the morning,” I tell him.
“Text me when you get inside,” he orders, and I nod. At the door to the building, I glance back to see he’s still watching, so I wave.
Once I’m inside the elevator, I slump into the wall, placing my hand over my racing heart as I wonder what the hell it means.
Can you like more than one person?
Am I getting over Noah, or is Conan replacing him?
I have no idea, and it makes me more confused than ever, but when I think of tonight, I feel warm all over.
Conan is a bright, sunny day, while Noah is a cool winter night. Both are equally beautiful, and I’m drawn to both.
Groaning, I lift the teddy and pout. “We are in trouble,” I tell it.