Page 25 of My Salvation
“Seriously, I would have come to Montana sooner if I had known there was such excellent food here.” I describe all the delicious food I’d had at Lev’s restaurant and bar, as well as the Thai place down the road from my apartment.
Lowell watches me intently as I describe each dish. “You seem to have a lot in common with Lev,” he says as I pause. “He loves food, too. I believe you two have been dating?”
Well, that explains tonight. Lowell knows I have been dating Lev, so this makes tonight a “thank you” for helping today, not a date. I’m glad he knows, as I don’t want to hide anything from either of them, but I’m disappointed this isn’t a date. But he also hasn’t asked me either.
Reaching out to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, he murmurs, “This can be both a thank you and a date, can’t it? Lev knows we are out tonight. As brothers, we don’t really have secrets from each other.”
Stunned, I stare at him for a second. I’m not sure if I should agree it’s a date, but I definitely don’t agree with them sharing personal details about me.
“It’s fine that you two are transparent with each other, but I am not sure I want you both sharing personal details about me. What exactly is he sharing?” I’m now a little pissed at them both. “And no, I don’t believe this is a date. I like to be asked out for a date, not have it assumed that I would be fine in going along with a half-hearted attempt where I have to clarify whether it is a date or not.”
Lowell reads the irritation and confusion in my face. He takes a second to digest my words. His eyes are bright and direct behind his black-framed glasses. “I apologize. You’re right. We’ll keep this as a ‘thank you’ dinner, but to be clear, I intend on asking you out for a date when I take you home tonight. I know you are dating Lev, and he is aware of my interest in you, too. While he has told me you have gone on a couple of dates, he has not shared intimate details with me. We both have too much integrity and respect for you to share those types of details,” he says, sounding both apologetic and offended at the same time.
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, I believe him when he says they are not sharing personal things with each other. “Thank you for the explanation. I like you, Lowell. You intrigue me with your incredible intelligence and absolute confidence. Although, sometimes you can be abrupt to the point where I question whether we will get along.” I take a deep breath. “But I am not sure I’m really the type to date several men at once. I am not even sure how that would work, especially as you two are so close.”
“Well, I won’t speak for Lev, but for myself, I want both you and Lev to be happy. I know being with each other makes you both happy. I also know Lev would want the same for me, because we are brothers. And I want to be completely honest with you. Lev and I usually have completely distinct taste in women, so you might go out on a date with me and decide we are better off as friends. Think about it, and also take some time to talk to Lev. I’m not going anywhere.”
Thoughts buzzing, I give him my agreement. I’m still not sure how this would work, but I need some time to think, and I hadn’t heard Lev’s opinion yet either. With that cue, we change the conversation to lighter topics and finish our dinner.
Driving home, I watch as Lowell taps his fingers on the steering wheel as he gets lost in his thoughts. As we pull into the driveway, Lowell comes around and helps me out of the vehicle. Walking me inside and up to the apartment, he stares down at me for a few seconds.
“Well, thank you for dinner. And for sharing your world with me. You are an intriguing man, Mr. Monroe,” I tease him.
Smiling slightly, he acknowledges the compliment. “Thank you for helping me out of a jam today. Your assistance was invaluable and helped me concentrate on the event. I appreciate it greatly. I also thank you for your company at dinner, and for our frank conversation. Most people are not as direct with me as you are, which makes me stop and examine myself and my actions more than I want. To be clear...I would love to take you on a date, a romantic date, where we can explore this interest between us. Please discuss it with Lev, and let me know if you would like to go on a date with me.” Taking my chin, he nudges my face to the side so he can kiss my cheek. Pulling back, his eyes are unreadable as he stares down at me before abruptly turning and walking out the door.
Shutting the door, I lean on it as I think about the day. That man is so confusing. Intriguing, but confusing as hell. I am not even sure if he’s sexually attracted to me, or if I’m just another puzzle he wants to solve.
Rubbing my temples to ease the strain, I know I need to talk to Lev, but I need time to think about whether I want to date them both. It could be a mess and really screw up their friendship. I don’t know what to do.
CHAPTER 11
LOWELL
As I drive home, I break the day down into microscopic pieces and pull out each one to examine them. In some ways, we seem to flow together nicely. The event went off smoothly, with Kate jumping in to help with whatever tasks needed doing. She didn’t mind hauling books or searching out mundane items like paper or markers. Plus, she didn’t complain, and she didn’t even come near me when I was signing or talking to fans. In the past, the other women I brought to the events typically ended up bored and whiny or territorial, staking their claim in front of others.
Dinner was fascinating. She pulled more information out of me in one dinner than Vanessa had known the whole time we were together. Not only was she an excellent listener, she was engaging and insightful. I don’t think I’ve mentioned my foster father in years, and yet I wanted to share my past with her.
