Page 304 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

He waved a hand. “I’ll be fine. A little rest will do my heart good. We did a lot of walking yesterday. I’ll find a game to keep me glued to the television. Don’t worry about me. There are plenty of leftovers in the fridge, and I have your phone number. I’ll call if I need you.”

Satisfied that Grandpa was all set for the evening, I met Kain downstairs so he didn’t need to find parking in this residential area that required a permit to park. A white Range Rover pulled up, and he exited his car and open the door for me.

When was the last time that happened to me? He really didn’t have to. I didn’t care about that kind of etiquette. Still, it was a nice and respectful gesture. I glanced up at the window of my apartment. Sure enough, Grandpa was peeking through the curtains, trying to hide from view. But I could tell from the slight angle of the curtains.

Time to Chill in Coolidge Corner was crowded with young professionals, college students, and families from around the area. It was only a block away from Etched Street. I’d been to it once before with friends after my breakup. We celebrated my freedom from Dennis’s deception. But this time was different. This time I was returning with a man who saw something in me. A man who didn’t give up because he wanted me. Tonight I celebrated hope and new beginnings.

Chatter and noise filled the restaurant as we sat by the large window panels that opened, allowing us to people watch on the sidewalk. The spring blew in, bringing with it a sense of hope.

Our waitress arrived, took our orders, and left.

“So you want firm abs?” he asked.

“Don’t we all?”

“Stop by my gym next Monday around six. The flooring guys should be done with the renovations by then. I got in a couple of new core machines you can try.”

“Thanks. That sounds great. Grandpa will be heading back to Vermont on Sunday.”

“Is he driving?”

“No. He wanted to drive from Vermont to here, but I refused, so I paid for a livery service.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you.”

The waitress brought out my Long Island Iced Tea, Kain’s Dark and Stormy, a plate of grilled shrimp, and glazed chicken wings. “Your entrees will be right out.”

“Thank you.” After the waitress left, I met Kain’s eyes. “I don’t know why, but Grandpa seems to like you.”

“What’s not to like?” He pursed his lips and expanded his arms.

“That’s not what I meant, but he noticed your muscular body.”

Laugh lines bracketed his lips, deepening the adorable dimple. “I guess he was checking out what’s good for his granddaughter. He has a good eye.”

“How are you still single with your charm?”

“I wondered that when you said ‘no’ to me. But your rejection gave me time to reevaluate how I see myself and how others see me. I guess I’m really not that amazing. You didn’t think so.”

“I was being careful. Men like you could hurt women like me easily.”

Curiosity sparked in his eyes. “Elaborate.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to know everything about you. Who hurt you?” He looked at me even more intently.

Was I ready to share my past with him?

A strange feeling nudged at me, and I glanced toward the window. My heart dropped at the sight of Dennis standing with two of his friends. He’d grown his brown hair pat his chin. He stood staring at me, and the creepy smirk told me he had too much to drink. Nausea crawled up my throat.

“Is everything okay?” Kain searched my face.

I twisted my lips. This wasn’t how I wanted to share my past with him. Dennis crept closer, but then one of his friends hollered something and he joined them and took off.

Kain placed a hand over mine. “Who was that?”

“My ex-boyfriend, Dennis, the guy who lied to me.” Shame pricked my skin. “I dated him while he was still married. I felt like such a fool.”

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