Page 28 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

Sophie

My breath catches. Does he have to be even more alluring than his photo? The tattoos peeking out from his shirt are already something I’m dying to trail with my fingers. I can tell he works out too. I’m a sucker for muscles, always have been. His hair falls loosely to one side, just brushing over one eyebrow. His brilliant green eyes could easily become addicting and if I stand here long enough, I just might drown in those emerald pools.

I’m cooked.

I smile and wave with only the slightest hesitation as I make my way to the table. You’d think a porn star could act a little more calm and collected around a stupidly attractive man, but nope.

Stay frosty.

“Sophie?” He asks hoarsely.

“That’s me, which makes you Brody.”

He doesn’t seem sure of what to do, so I make a move to hug him. Oh god, why did I do that? He’s chiseled. I can feel it through the flowy shirt and I’m almost tempted to lower my hands a little and see if his ass feels as good as I think it will. I resist and pull back quickly with a smile.

I’m no better than a man.

“It’s lovely to meet you.” Brody’s voice is a little stronger than it was a moment ago. “Have a seat.” He steps forward and pulls out my chair for me.

I do my best to get my dress firmly between my thighs and the wooden chair, but there are a couple of inches of skin that will stick to the polished wood when I stand up. I seriously regret wearing a short dress. That’s what I get for being a slut, Natalie would say. She’d mean it with utmost respect for my slut status, of course, considering she’s in the same boat.

“I hope this is ok,” says Brody, returning to his seat. “I’ve been here a lot with my roommate for birthdays and things, but I wasn’t sure if it was nice enough for a first-”

“It’s great,” I cut in.Damn it.I have to stop doing that to people. “I mean I’m still new and still figuring out where to eat and what places areactuallygood versus what’s more of a tourist attraction. My roommate has lived here for a couple years, so she helps, but we both work a lot.”Stop rambling. “It’s nice to find new places though, you know? And I commend you on making a plan. Not everyone would be so quick. It’s an admirable trait.”

Admirable trait?First, a British socialite and now I sound like a professor.

I can’t think straight. His forearms are resting on the table and I don’t know how I’ll be able to keep my eyes off of them—one covered in ink, the other tan and veiny. I take a deep breath and hold it for a few moments like I do when trying to get rid of the hiccups.

“I’ve learned that over the years.” Brody doesn’t seem to notice my miniature stroke.

“Your many years in the dating pool?”

“Oh, no, this is my first date ever.” The serious expression doesn’t fool me and I giggle. “I’ve barely even spoken to a woman before,” he continues and a smile tugs at one corner of his–Jesus Christ–perfect mouth.

“Even your mother?” I play along.

“Why do you think I haven’t been on a date before?”

“Fair point.”

“To be clear, I love my mother.”

“Good to know,” I respond with a solemn nod, barely containing my smile.

“It’s been a while, though,” Brody mumbles softly and I see the cheery expression falter. “You know how it is, bad experiences make you want to quit dating.” He’s trying to brush it off. I have a feeling there’s something deeper, but I don’t press the issue.

“We’ve all been there,” I agree. “I haven’t been out with anyone since I moved here in February.”

“Is there a reason? Don’t answer if you don’t want to. I don’t want to pry.”

“Honestly,” I maintain my smile, “bad relationship. It was hard to trust anyone. Still is. I’ve been on dating apps for about two months now, but nothing. I want to find someone who adds value to my life.”

“And you haven’t found anyone who does that?”

“Not enough value to offset some of the shit I’ve uncovered before we even met.” The venom in my voice is hard to miss and I hate myself for the words the moment they fall from my lips. If he doesn’t stand up and run now, that’s a major green flag. Or maybe it’s a red flag because he’d be delusional to think he could be the one to change things.

“I don’t blame you.”

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