Page 26 of Beauty Of Her

The color in Natalie’s face drained as her eyes darted from me to her prized son. “The organic section is back there.” Natalie pointed in a direction that faced the opposite of where I stood. “I’ll be with Brett if you have any questions,” she said softly.

“Hey, Mom?” Brett’s voice echoed. “Brand new catering order just came in, and we need pricing. Says it’s urgent.” He waved the cordless phone above his head.

Natalie pursed her lips before throwing me a final warning, looking to not overstep any boundaries. If only she knew. “Tell them to hold, Brett.” She smoothed the front of her green apron and marched into the back. I barely breathed and did not move a muscle until Natalie disappeared. The counter was empty when I peered back in Brett’s direction, and here was my opportunity to fix my mistake.

I took a deep breath and went over, trying to hide my nerves behind a confident facade. Brett was already waiting for me, arms crossed over his chest and a burning scowl.

“Hey,” I said softly. “I know I messed up, and I’m sorry.”

Brett’s expression softened slightly. “You disappeared for three days without a word. What was I supposed to think?”

“I was scared,” I admitted, looking down at my feet. “But that’s not an excuse. I shouldn’t have ignored you.”

“You’re damn right,” Brett said, his voice low and serious. “I don’t do games, Julia.”

“I know.” I met his gaze. “And I don’t either. That’s why I came here to apologize in person.”

Brett studied me for a moment. “Okay, so now what?” His eyes dropped to the assortment of meats under the glass display, refusing to meet my pleading gaze. “Do you need help or something with what to buy for the kids tonight?”

“Brett, I’m here to talk to you.” My heart pounded against its cage with the thought of losing him.

Brett sighed, eyes glued to the floor. “Okay, what do you want to talk about?”

“About us,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Brett finally looked up, his piercing hazel eyes locking onto mine. “Oh, there’s an us now?”

“There could be. I don’t want this to end,” I admitted, stepping closer to the counter. “I keep coming back to our age difference and how we may be at different points in our lives, but…” I trailed off, searching for the words.

“But what?” Brett prompted, his eyes narrowing.

“But I’ll work through it.” I met his gaze head-on, my pulse thudding in my ears. “I’m willing to take the chance if you are.”

“I don’t know. That was pretty harsh how you just ghosted me.” Brett tousled his perfectly messed hair, squinting.

“I said I was sorry.” And I was, but I didn’t need him to act all pissy with me, either. “If you’re going to hold this over my head, just forget it.”

“I’m just insulted, that’s all.” He rubbed his tanned arms, hoisting up one of the sleeves to reveal delicious muscle.

“Come on. Like you haven’t ghosted a girl or two in your past.” There, I said it, and it felt…good. I sucked my bottom lip through my teeth, clasping my hands behind my back, feigning innocence.

He cracked first with a grin that showcased a set of subtle dimples I only first noticed now.

Brett planted his hands on the counter, bracing himself against the cool glass. “Fine. Point taken. So, what do you propose? You know I don’t just want to sleep with you. I meant it when I said I wanted to get to know you. And still do.” His eyes cascaded down my body, undressing me on the spot, and I fought a chill racing down my spine.

“Come with me to Miami this weekend.” My insides screamed as the words poured from my mouth. I was really doing this. I was finding my inner Amelia.

“So, is this a vacation or just a work event?” Brett motioned to my body as I fought a hard blush.

“It’s not a vacation. It’s a work event.” I swallowed. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t have fun.” My eyes dropped briefly, only to lift up and see Brett fighting a grin, his bottom lip trapped between his teeth. “Happens every year, but I always declined the invite. But this year, I realized I want to go, and I think it would be great if we went together.”

“How come you never went in the past? Why now?” Brett cradled his chin on his crossed forearms over the counter.

“My ex-husband never wanted to go. And maybe I never wanted to go with him.” I rolled my eyes. “Look, it’s not the type of event to go to alone. Anyone who attends is either with a spouse or partner.” I couldn’t keep up with the words falling from my mouth, but a glint of amusement flashed across Brett’s face.

“Ah, I see. So, what would I be? A boyfriend? Fake boyfriend? Potential suitor?” Brett took a step back, widening his stance.

I sucked in a heavy breath. “How about we just call it what it is? You’re my date for now.”

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