Page 26 of Mr. Delicious
“Yeah, it is.”
A still silence filled the space between us, and my breath stilled too as he watched me, looking at me as if he wanted to see inside my soul. It was the most unusual feeling, and it made me nervous, almost like I wanted to hide myself, to hide that I was going through so much. To hide that I desperately needed a break, and sadly, that I was lonely.
Having the kind of relationship I had with Billy was completely unhealthy, and could have driven anyone mad. It was the kind I could see a couple having and staying together for the sake of their kids, or because it was financially viable. It meant as soon as there was an end date, the relationship would expire.
I never wanted that for myself.
“How would you feel about going out with me tomorrow?” he asked.
I blinked several times wondering if I’d heard him right.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” I couldn’t have heard him right at all.
“Will you go out with me tomorrow?”
Now all I could do was stare. “You want to go out with me?” I pointed to myself and felt stupid after. It was because I felt a hot mess and therefore assumed everyone thought I looked it.
“Yes.” He laughed a deep, masculine laugh that filled me and pulled at my insides. “Why’s that so hard to believe?”
“Because…” I couldn’t avoid those eyes now. “Until last week, we’d never spoken, and you’ve been coming here for as long as the place has been open.”
Two and a half years.
It was a valid point.
He straightened, his eyes never leaving me. That confident manner he exuded rippled off him in waves.
“Well, until last week, you weren’t available. I don’t tend to interact with women I can’t have.” His sensual lips slid into a slow, easy smile that did sinful things to my body.
Had I ever met anyone quite like him, so blunt and straight to the point? No.
The fact I had to think about it was answer enough.
He ran his gaze over me. From my face to the edge of my waist that was visible above the table. Then, his gaze settled on my breasts and slowly made its way back up to meet my eyes. By now, my whole body was blushing with heat.
“So, Wren, will you go out with me?”
There was no question as to what my answer would be.
“Yes,” I replied, much to his satisfaction. I couldn’t wait to tell Stella.
“Great. How does twelve sound?”
I smiled. “A lunch date?”
Maybe he was one of those men who liked to try something shorter first before they took the plunge to go to dinner. Or, maybe that was all the time he had.
“Not exactly, just because we’re meeting at lunch doesn’t mean we’ll be having lunch.” His smile widened.
“Okay.” That did sound a little weird, and I would have to get some kind of cover. Maybe I could ask Denise to chip in and help Selene. If it was just going to be lunch, then I’d most likely be gone for an hour or two. I could then rush back to help Selene cover the afternoon shift.
“So, twelve?” He looked at me expectantly.
“Yes, twelve is good.” Honestly, it would have been good whatever time he said. I would have found a way.
“Cool. I’ll pick you up from here.” He rose in one fluid motion to leave.
“Wait.” I stopped him as he was about to move away. He shifted around and now I could see how amazing his long, athletic legs looked in those jeans and the way his t-shirt hugged the rigid muscles on his abs. Wow. I couldn’t believe I just agreed to go out with him. “I don’t know your name.”
