Page 35 of The Neighbor's Son

I pull it to my lips, inhale her sweet scent, and then kiss the top of it. “Staring at you all night, unable to touch you like I want, while being surrounded by other people will be torture.”

“Who says you can’t touch.” She smirks at me. “I give you permission. Touch as much as you’d like.”

I don’t hesitate and kiss the hell out of her.

Casey

Brayden cleans up really well. I only thought he was cute wearing his plain T-shirts and jeans, but tonight, in a dress shirt and nice pair of jeans, he’s hot.

He smirks at me as he drives, one hand resting on top of the steering wheel and the other clasped with my hand. There’s a confident sexiness about him as he maneuvers the vehicle along Main Street downtown. I’m glad he’s just as infatuated with me as I am him.

When he pulls up to Smoke & Sugar, I tense up. Not because the last date I had here sucked. This place isn’t exactly cheap, and I know he only works part time with his dad. Maybe I’ll pick up the tab today.

And insult him?

He’s proud to take me on a date and I don’t want to hurt his feelings by implying he isn’t prepared to pay for a nice dinner. Honestly, I should know better. So far, in our wild, freefall of a relationship, he’s done incredible gestures for me, not all of them cheap.

Breathe.

Don’t be nervous.

It’s true, though. I am nervous. The home cooked meals, treats brought to work, sexy makeout sessions, and late-night picnic all felt surreal since I never left the comforts of my world.

We’re going to be on display for others to judge our unconventional relationship. It’s obvious he has youthful features whereas I’m older. Will they think I’m a cougar?

My gut twists as insecurities rear their ugly head. I hate that I can let myself get all twisted up over these things. Brayden has been good for me. To hell with what everyone else thinks.

Once we park, Brayden runs over to my side of the vehicle just as I’m opening the door. He offers his hand for me to take. Butterflies take flight in my stomach when he pulls me to him, stealing a quick, hot kiss.

“God, you’re beautiful.”

He says these things so easily and truly believes them. I’m starting to believe them too.

Hand in hand, we walk inside of Smoke & Sugar. Savvy, the adorable thing she is, squeals when she sees us, abandoning the hostess stand to hug us both.

“You two are the cutest ever,” she gushes, beaming. “I saved a table on the rooftop for you. Technically it’s reservation only, but it pays when your bestie is the hostess, right?”

Brayden grins at her. “Hell yeah. Thanks, Sav.”

She takes us through the restaurant to the rooftop area. A few couples enjoy a candlelit dinner while they overlook the quaint, lit up downtown area below. Once we’re seated, Brayden’s intense stare bores into me, making me feel slightly self-conscious.

“What?”

“Just like looking at you.”

Heart is melting.

“Back at you,” I say, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

A server appears to tell us about the specials. Brayden orders the smoked maple bacon bites. The caption says, “Thick-cut bacon glazed with maple, black pepper, and a hint of smoke.”Yum.

He orders a soft drink, and I try my hand at the Midnight Manhattan cocktail, a rye whiskey, vermouth, black cherry, &smoked oak essence concoction that sounds pretty good. Once she’s gone, Brayden’s attention is back on me.

“What do you want out of life?” I ask him, unable to hold back. “Like really, really want. I know you’ve mentioned buying another property to fix up and rent out with your dad. But what do you want for you?”

His gaze softens, as though the thought is there, and it touches his heart. Now, more than ever, I want to know.

“I see myself as a good husband and father. With my flexible schedule, I’m able to spend quality time with my kids like my dad did with me. That’s very important to me.”

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