Page 39 of Inked Obsession

Why then did it feel like I was telling myself those things for no reason? As if I were trying to make myself believe it.

I looked down at the soft wrap dress I wore, the silky black fabric clinging to my skin in some areas but flowing in others. I’d stuffed it into my bag at the last minute before I came here. It was just in case I needed something comfortable and pretty for an evening out. One where I had been planning on eating alone. Maybe drinking a bottle of wine by myself and going to sleep early, cuddling a pillow. Only in my wildest dreams would I have ended up wearing it for dinner with a man. Let alonehim.

I hadn’t planned on going to dinner with anyone for the evening. And yet, here I was, going to dinner with Beckett Montgomery.

It wasn’t a date. I swallowed hard. Or was it? No, it couldn’t be.

My phone buzzed, pulling me out of my war with my thoughts. I looked over at the screen.

Annabelle:Did you have the grouper yet? What time is it there? How do I not know time zones?

Brenna:I think her reservation was later, right? So, she hasn’t eaten. Let us know how it is. I’m kind of jealous of all the photos you’ve been sending.

I had sent them all photos of the beach and the resort. None of Beckett. Of course, they would figure out that Beckett was at the same resort. They would ask him, and they would find out that Brenna’s best friend and Annabelle’s brother was here. It was weird not to mention it, but I hadn’t yet. It felt as if it’d be even weirder out of the blue. And, obviously, he hadn’t said anything yet or even talked to his family because they hadn’t asked either. Why did it feel like I was holding everything in? Like I was keeping secrets?

I needed to talk to them about it, and I would. Just not right now. Right now, I wanted to go eat some fish, after I texted my friends.

Paige:I showed Colton some of the resort and now we think we need to make friends with Eli’s friend so we can go. Of course, Colton finding time off these days will be a little difficult.

That made me smile.

Me:It’s beautiful here. I’m off to eat some fish in a moment. Just finishing getting ready. And, Paige? Find a way to come with Colton. It’s gorgeous. Even if everybody has to go and bunk in one room. I still can’t believe I’m staying here. This room is amazing.

Annabelle:I’m glad. Your brother sure has strings.

Me:I’m glad he has friends, at least ones that aren’t just my other brothers.

I could practically hear their laughs as they all sent little emojis at me.

Me:I should go, but thanks for checking in. I love you girls.

Annabelle:We love you, too. Now, be safe, eat some amazing fish, and take pictures.

Paige:Is it trendy to take pictures of your food anymore?

Brenna:It’s not trendy. But we want to know. And be a little jealous. It’s grouper. What is grouper? Aren’t they like big, ugly fish that are scarier than sharks?

I laughed as they continued talking, and I broke in.

Me:I think they are ugly fish. And when you go swimming with them, you have to have a weapon so you can beat them off if they get too aggressive stalking you. I remember that from when I was at the Atlanta Aquarium and there were scuba divers in the big tank. Anyway, I love you all. Enjoy yourselves. I can’t wait to see you guys again. I miss you.

And I did. I ignored the tears prickling the backs of my eyes. I hadn’t cried once for Marshall this whole trip. Not seeing my friends for a couple of days had me homesick.

Homesick. For Colorado. That was something, wasn’t it? I didn’t think I would be moving to Texas with my brothers. They may want me to, but I couldn’t. Not when I was sure that starting over someplace new wasn’t for me. I had a job I loved, and I was saving for a home eventually, but I enjoyed the place I was renting now. I loved my place. And I loved my people.

And though it was awkward, and it would be even more awkward once reality set in, I liked it there. I didn’t want to go to Texas with my brothers.

The girls said goodbye, the pings of their texts bringing me out of my thoughts. I quickly said goodbye, too then silenced my phone, stuck it in my small bag, and rechecked my lipstick.

I didn’t know why I was getting so dressed up for Beckett. Maybe I was just getting dressed up for me. For a date. That had to be good enough. Right?

Someone softly rapped their knuckles on the door, and I swallowed hard.

He was here. For our not-date.

Why was I so nervous?

Oh, yes, because I hadn’t really gone out to dinner at a nice place with a man besides Marshall since I was what, twenty? A teen? I didn’t even remember anymore. All the years just blurred together.

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