Page 21 of Hard To Leave

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that kiss last night. Thanks for giving me a second chance. I promise you won’t regret it. See you soon.

I closed my eyes. God, he was so good for my ego at times. Especially at a time like this, where I really needed the boost.

An hour later, I stood in front of the mirror, lost in my reflection. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I don’t know how she pulled it off, but I couldn’t find a single blemish or freckle on my face.

Thank God she brought shoes,too, because there was nothing in my closet that would have gotten the job done. We chose a pair with three-inch heels that were cute and flirty with little diamond straps around the ankles. I was surely confident I would be able to walk in them without falling flat on my face.

“You like?” she asked, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

“Yes. Thank you.” I smiled, spinning around while glancing in the mirror to make sure my dress wasn’t too revealing. I just wanted to show enough skin to pique his interest, not be mistaken for a hooker.

There was no denying that I looked good. I just wished it were enough to calm the butterflies…OK. More like bees stinging the inside of my stomach.

“You’re going to have an amazing time tonight.” She eyed me warily through her dark lashes. “Whatever doubts you’re having, you need to put them to rest. It’s time to show that insecurity of yours who’s boss. Kick its ass and go have fun.”

There was a soft knock at the door, and I felt my heart rate pick up.

Kristen looked over to me, and a slow smile spread over her face as she packed her stuff up to leave. “Well, it looks like my work here is done.”

This was completelyunchartered territory for me, but it was the first time—in a long time—that I felt like a single woman instead of a single mom.

I walked into the other room, feeling my pulse hammering in my ears as I grabbed the doorknob.

His blue eyes were wide with surprise as soon as he caught sight of me. I stood there trying to keep my face neutral while studying his profile. His thick, blond hair was perfectly gelled and combed to the side, making me wish I could slide my fingers through it. The muscle in his jaw pulsed while his broad shoulders filled my doorframe.

He probably got propositioned a couple times a day, and yet here he was standing at my door waiting to take me out.

“You look stunning.”

Feeling a blush creep across my face, I tried to act confident. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said, motioning for him to come in. He paused briefly to plant his lips gently on mine. They were soft, yet firm. My heart skipped a few beats when he pulled me in by my waist. I placed my hands on his shoulders for support as he deepened the kiss. I wanted to melt right into him. I sighed heavily into his mouth, sinking myself deeper into the warmth of everything that was him.

He broke away and brought his palm up to my cheek. “I’ve been waiting to do that all day. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

A throat clearing in the background caused his body to jerk away from me. His hand dropped from my face, and I wanted to cry.

“Don’t mind me.” Kristen smirked, completely ruining our moment.

“Hello…” He stumbled, looking for my help with her name.

“Jack, you remember Kristen from the diner the other night, right?”

“Yes, of course. Kristen, good to see you again,” he said, extending his hand.

Kristen didn’t even bat an eye with how obvious she was being. “It’s good to see you too.” Her eyes cut to mine and gave me a wink. “Reeeal good!” She looked at her watch and said, “Oh, look at the time. I’ve got to get going.” She smirked and retreated to the bedroom to gather her things.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered as Kristen came walking out a few seconds later carrying her bags.

“I need to head out and meet someone. You two kids have fun. Just make sure you have her home by midnight. And Jack, I snuck a Trojan Magnum XL in her purse just in case you plan on going past third base tonight. You can never be too careful these days.”

Jack’s eyebrows shot up to the top of his hairline, but he didn’t say a word.

“Whatever happens tonight, make it memorable.” She winked at me and gave Jack a little wave as she walked out the door.

The second the door latched shut, Jack threw his head back and laughed. I gave Kristen a mental kick in the ass and frowned at the door, hoping my friend could feel the daggers aimed at her back.

“She’s interesting,” Jack sputtered through his laugh.

I straightened my shoulders.“I think she was dropped on the head as a baby. Either that or she isn’t playing with a full deck of cards upstairs,” I said, tapping my temple.

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