Page 5 of Protector Book Boyfriend

We hang back for another hour, chatting before we pack up our leftovers and decide to leave. Zahara’s eyes light up. “Porsha,” she says, her gaze pinning on someone over my shoulder. “There’s a guy watching you, and baby is fine as fuck,” she whispers, her voice teasing. I move slightly in my chair. “Don’t look,” she says. I roll my eyes and glance at my Nia, who’s now getting sleepy and restless.

“I’m not interested, Za. Plus, I need to get my baby home.”

Zahara shrugs, but there’s a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Suit yourself, but he’s gorgeous. Hazel eyes, dark blonde hair. You sure you wouldn’t entertain it? A new younger man in your life?”

Younger? I frown.

“Yes, girl, he looks young, but not jailbait young. Twenty something young,” she says matter-of-factly.

What? Is this chick serious right now?

“You want me to date a twenty-year-old? I already have a kid. I don’t have time to play with someone else’s.”

“I never said date.” She wiggles her brows.

I ignore her and stand up, gathering my daughter in my arms. She instantly falls asleep on my shoulder, her little body warm against mine. My primary concern now is getting her home, especially since she feels warm to the touch. “Let’s go,” I say, heading towards the exit while simultaneously sneaking a peak. He’s attractive, and he’s definitely looking at me. My heart skips a beat, but I turn my attention back to Zahara and Nia, who adjusts herself on my shoulder. I keep this part to myself, but this guy looks familiar. Disturbingly so. I rack my brain as I head toward the exit, trying to recall where I would know a twenty- something year old hot guy from. I exhaust my efforts and give up trying to remember him. It doesn’t matter, anyway.

“We should get going,” I say, trying to sound casual. “She’s getting tired.”

Zahara raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press the issue. Nia snuggles against my shoulder, her little body warm and comforting against me.

As we amble toward the exit, Zahara mentions the dating app she’s been pressing me to join. “So, did you sign up for the Book Boyfriend Dating app like I suggested?” she asks. I roll my eyes again, more playfully this time. The Book Boyfriend Dating Agency is an appealing concept to me, especially since I’ve been an avid reader my entire life. I used to escape fights with my ex-husband by burying my nose in the thickest paranormal or contemporary romance I could find. I’ve always loved reading about those obsessive, overprotective men who’d do anything to please their soulmates and a dating site based on finding your fantasy was beyond compelling.

“Yes, I set up a profile,” I admit, my voice low. Zahara grins.

“Good for you, Porsha. I hope you find someone amazing.”

Just then, as we reach the exit, the hot stranger who’d been staring at me approaches. Damn.

He’s even more stunning up close, with those striking hazel eyes and a confident, easygoing smile. He bumps into me while I’m holding my daughter. His stare lingers on my face, before a woman holding his arm pulls him away.

“Excuse me,” he says, his voice smooth and warm. “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. Porsha?”

I’m stunned that he knows my name. In fact, it’s driving me crazy that I can’t place him at all. “I just wanted to say hi,” he says. “My mom said you were coming back to Trinity—I never expected to see you out here in Dallas.”

“Your mom,” I say apprehensively. I blink, taken aback by his directness. “Hi,” I say cautiously. Zahara and I exchange glances. “You look really familiar. Do we know each other?”

He grins confidently. “Asa,” he says, a warm smile spreading across his face. He places a palm over his chest when I don’t respond, wounded by my indifference. “Oh, wow...You don’t remember?”

Something about his eyes triggers a memory, but I still can’t place him. “I don’t think so,” I reply, shifting my daughter slightly to get a better grip. Then, “Wait Asa—Baxter? Little Asa Baxter.”

“Not little. At all, but yeah. How are you?” his smile fades into a look of concern and I wonder how much he has heard about my return to our small town.

“I’m fine. You?”

“I’m great.” He stares at me poignantly. “And who’s this?”

“My daughter, Nia,” I say, not offering more information. He nods. “Well, I appreciate you coming over, but I really need to get her home.”

“Of course,” Asa says quickly, stepping back. “I didn’t mean to hold you up.” He moves to the sides, letting me and Zahara pass. “Do you need help?”

“Yes,” Zahara chimes in.

“No,” I correct. “Well, we’ll get going,” I say, giving Zahara my evil eye. I offer a polite smile before once again heading toward the door with Nia, but Asa steps in. He pauses for a split second.

“Would you like to garb a coffee with me... sometime, maybe?” he blurts out. Stunned, I turn to look at him.

“Um. Maybe?” I say a bewildered, “I guess.” Asa nods.

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