Page 100 of Fear of Falling

“As long as she makes you happy, I’ll be supportive.”

“Thank you.” Having Landon’s support meant a lot to me.

“You should bring her to Mateo’s birthday party next weekend. He’d love that.”

“I bet he would,” I shook my head while Landon smirked.

“You know Mateo. He loves to push your buttons.”

“He’s going to get his ass beat,” I grumbled. I knew Mateo thought flirting with Josie was funny, but the thought of anyone flirting with her didn’t sit well with me. Even if it was my brother doing it jokingly.

Hearing the chatter of kids grow in volume, I stood up and followed Landon out of his office to the ice, all of the kids staring at us.

“Have anything going on for the next hour?” he asked, looking from the kids to me.

I smiled at the kids, knowing I had a few hours free before I saw Josie. “I’m free.”

Holding a small bouquet of lilies,I knocked on Josie’s door. I was a tad early, but I wanted to see her. Two days without her was too long, but between her job and my hockey, we’d both been too busy. I was eager to see her, despite the butterflies in my stomach knowing what I planned to ask her.

When she opened the door, my breath caught in my throat.

She looks absolutely stunning.

Josie wore a deep green dress with a single strap over her shoulder, a ruched waist and a long slit showing a hint of her long legs. Her brown hair was pulled into a ponytail, the ends curled with a few tendrils framing her face.

“Wow.”

“Hey.” Her cheeks were slightly pink which just made her even cuter.

“You look amazing,” I breathed, my eyes following the line of the dress from her shoulders down to her feet.

“It’s not too much?” she asked, her hands fiddling with her dress.

“Not at all.” I shook my head and extended the flowers towards her. “These are for you.”

“They’re beautiful.” She brought them up to her nose and smiled, her brown eyes sparkling. I never knew brown eyes could be so beautiful until I saw Josie’s.

“Thank you.”

“Ready to go?” I smiled in return.

“Let me put these in some water and grab my purse.”

I slipped through the door behind her, shutting it as I watched her walk away. I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that hopefully I could soon call her mine. I’m beyond whipped but I don’t even care.

After a few minutes, Josie returned with her purse. “Ready.”

With a soft smile, I extended my hand. As her fingers slipped through mine, it felt like they were meant to be there. Unable to help myself, I bent down and kissed her, not caring if her lipstick transferred to me.

When she looked up at me with a wide smile, I knew I was done for when it came to Josie.

“Reservation under Boone,”I said to the hostess as she greeted us. For a night like tonight, I wanted to take Josie somewhere special. This was one of the best Italian places in Toronto. A little higher class than what either of us were used to. Sure, I could afford to eat out at all the fanciest restaurants in the city, but thatjust wasn’t me. I’d rather eat at Rick’s, but tonight I wanted to treat Josie to the best.

I felt uncomfortable as the hostess stared at me, though I tried my best to ignore it. I’d seen that look on many women when they talk to me, like they were trying to mentally undress me. Maybe a few years ago I would have liked the attention, but not anymore. Especially not when I had Josie by my side.

I tugged her closer to my side as the hostess grabbed two menus. I could feel dozens of eyes on us as we walked through the restaurant to a table in the corner.

So much for a romantic, private dinner.

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