Page 297 of The First Time
Chapter Sixteen
Fiona excuses herself the second she's finished eating. She sulks on the balcony, speaking into her cell phone with hushed tones.
It's almost romantic, finishing dinner with Blake. He refills my drink as soon as I'm done. He offers me seconds of everything. He anticipates my needs before I even feel them.
When we're finished, he clears the table and returns with fresh drinks.
He really is a perfect gentleman.
A loving son.
Everything else might be bullshit. But I'm positive Blake adores his mother.
He slides his arm around my waist and pulls me into a tight hug.
His lips hover over my ear. "You're tense."
"I'm fine."
"Are you ever going to admit when you aren't okay?"
"Are you ever going to ask how I feel instead of telling me?"
His voice softens. "Are you alright, Kat?"
"No. I'm kind of tense. You might have noticed."
He lets out a tiny laugh. "You think I'm an asshole."
"If the asinine statements fit…"
"I'll work on asking."
"I'll believe it when it happens."
"Fair." He presses his lips to my neck. "I can get your mind off everything."
"I'm not sure what you're referring to, Mr. Sterling."
His voice drops to that demanding tone. "You are."
"Not at your mom's house."
He pulls back. Takes a long sip of his whiskey.
His eyes pass over me, slowly picking me apart, finding any hint of weakness.
Or maybe he's trying to figure out what I need.
Maybe that look is one of support rather than attack.
Maybe I'm reading him all wrong.
Blake offers his hand. "Come here."
I squeeze his fingers. They're warm. Comforting. I tell myself it's okay I find his touch this calming, but I'm not sure I believe it.
He leads me to the den. It's a cozy room with a TV, a couch, and a small table.
