Page 167 of Finding Hope

Once you’re together again and having a nice time, she might forget she’s lost interest.

Yeah. I’ll just keep telling myself that.

Knock on the door. Knock on the fucking door!

I’m standing in front of her house, I’m wearing my best suit, I made reservations at the nicest restaurant in town, and I brought florist flowers. Not from the gas station. Not from my sister’s garden.

I’m doing everything I can think that’ll help.

I just want her to look at me again. I just want to see her smile.

The door swings open before I chalk up the nerves to knock, and Alex steps out in full uniform. Even his gun.

He closes the door behind him and folds his arms. “Reilly.”

“Alex.” I clear my throat awkwardly. “I’m here to take Bambie to dinner.”

“Who was the bimbo on your arm on the TV?”

“She was no one. Does Bambie think she’s someone? Is that why she hung up on me?”

“Her name’s Brittany, and I dunno. I don’t know what’s in my sister’s head, I just know she’s sad, and it’s because of you.”

“Alex, I don’t wanna make her sad. I want to make her happy.”

“Well, looks to me like you’re doing a shit job.”

“Alex–”

The door swings open at his back, and ducking around his broad chest, Britt’s beautiful blue eyes meet mine. She’s elegant, she’s the schoolmarm… she’scold. Red A-line dress that goes to her knees, and heels that, while sexy, are entirely too proper for the skater chick I know.

Why are we going to a restaurant? Why aren’t we going to the lookout?

I want her in jeans and a million bracelets. I want her to wear her nose ring and smudged makeup. I’ll take any Bambie she gives, but Iwantclub Bambie.

It’s the real her.

The version of her she chooses to be.

Moving around Alex, I stop in front of her and cup her chin. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, Bambie.” Leaning forward –fuck Alex!– I press a gentle kiss to her lips.

Sighing, smiling, she bites her bottom lip when I pull back. “Hey, Jack.”

“Here.” I pass the bouquet. “I got you these.”

“Roses.” When she sees the blood red bouquet – which match her dress – her soft smile turns to cold disinterest. “Thank you, they’re beautiful.”

“You look beautiful.”

Alex clears his throat. “Britt, you wanna come inside for a sec to put those in water?”

I don’t miss the extra meaning in his words, but Britt simply shrugs. “Nah. Can you do it?” She shoves the bouquet into his arms, then loops her arm through mine. “We can go.”

We step off the porch together without looking back. I actually feel bad for Alex, I know he’s only looking out for her, but at this moment, with her on my arm, smelling so good and looking so pretty, I dismiss Alex as fast as Britt dismissed my flowers.

“You really should get my name buffed out of your car.” Grinning as we approach the Mustang, she looks up at me. “I’ll pay for it or whatever.”

“Nah.” Stopping at the passenger side, I press a kiss to the corner of her red lips, then help lower her into the seat. “I like it there. Keeps me humble.”

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