Page 6 of Tempting the Tender Guy: Imperfect Heroes

I feel hopelessly awkward when she’s around, unable to come up with anything to say. Her presence fills a room and just being around her, I’m in awe. She’s beautiful, fun and upbeat, and her smile makes me happy. I could listen to her talk forever and never be bored, just content to be near her. It’s like a crush combined with obsession and when she’s gone, I swear everything gets grayer.

It’s probably unhealthy to feel this way. I’ve beaten myself up for it, especially when I gave her my number and she ignored the meaning behind it.

“Yes,” I croak out. “I’m interested.”

“Great! Are you available on Thursday?”

Even if I’m not, I’ll clear my schedule for her. “I am.”

“Any place in particular you want to meet?”

My mind goes blank. “Uhh... why doesn’t she pick? I’m fine taking her wherever she wants.”

“Hey, I always wanted to know. Is Mack your real name?”

The abrupt switch in subjects throws me but reactivates my brain. “Nickname. My first name is Malcolm.”

Yvonne laughs. “I knew your parents couldn’t have named you after a truck. Okay, Mack, five on Thursday at the Briar Park Animal Sanctuary.”

Swallowing hard, I nod, realizing belatedly that I’m on the phone when Yvonne asks, “You still there?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m still here. Thanks Yvonne. Can I ask why you’re calling me and not Sadie?”

“It’s a favor. Don’t worry, she’s really looking forward to this.”

A surge of warmth fills my chest. “Me too. Thanks again, Yvonne.”

“Absolutely. Bye Mack.”

Crazy how you can go into something thinking one thing and be completely wrong. In the very best of ways. A date withSadie. I don’t know why it’s happening now, but I’m not about to question my good fortune. I’m just thrilled I’m finally going to get a chance to spend time with her away from the shop and hopefully be able to connect with her on a deeper level.

I’m getting way ahead of myself here. Haven’t even gotten past the first date yet. Still, even getting to this point is something that felt like some far-off improbability only a few minutes ago.

And I’m not a man that lets golden opportunities go to waste.

CHAPTER THREE

SADIE

With the weather turning cooler, I really don’t have much choice with my clothes. Outfitted in snug jeans, a cranberry red turtleneck with a brown vest tossed over it, I take particular care with my makeup and hair. My blue eyes are my best feature, so I play those up as much as I can.

I have a problem with being late. Time has a habit of getting away from me despite my best intentions. And so it’s no surprise to me that it’s ten after five when I pull into the sanctuary’s parking lot. In my defense, I’ve never been here before and needed to rely solely on my GPS. The fact that I left my apartment later than I should have also didn’t help.

But I’m here now and rush out of my car toward the front entrance, almost flying right past a familiar figure dressed similarly to me in jeans, long sleeves, and a black vest.

Coming to a stumbling halt, I give Mack a wide smile. “Hey!”

Despite being here to meet up with my potential soul mate, Mack’s smile makes my temperature shoot up a few degrees. The breeze has ruffled his dark hair the way a lover’s amorous fingers would, and it strikes me that I’ve never seen him outside of the tattoo shop before. He seems broader and, if possible, even more handsome away from the artificial lights.

“Sadie.” His smile grows as he walks toward me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as my gaze flickers around searching for my date. Mack and I are the only people around. Before he can answer, I rush on. “I’m here to meet someone, but I don’t see my date.”

Full, brown brows lower over puzzled dark hazel eyes as he regards me. “Your date?”

“Yes. I’m meeting my date, Malcolm, here.”

“That’s me, Sadie.”

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