Page 203 of Devil's Bargain

I look like the same old me but also different. Experience does that to you. It alters something in your eyes.

I need a shower before I go on this so-called date. I can’t show up smelling of coffee and today’s special.

After showering and shaving, I moisturize and apply a thin layer of makeup, unlike back in high school when I used lots of eyeliner. I blow-dry my hair and get dressed. The dress still fits. It’s more revealing than what I’m used to these days, but I feel pretty.

At seven, the doorbell rings.

It’s hard to explain how I feel as I make my way to the door. My hands are clammy with nerves, and there’s a jittery feeling inside me as if I’ve had five coffees.

I take a steadying breath and open the door.

There he is, too handsome to be real in jeans and a button-down shirt, sleeves folded up to his elbows.

“Hi,” he says, swallowing thickly. In his hands is a bouquet of flowers.

“Hi.” I blush.

He holds the flowers out. “I brought you these.”

I take them off him. “Thank you.”

He follows me inside as I go to put the flowers in water. I can’t reach up into the top cupboards, so I point to the one in front of me. “Can you bring down the vase for me, please?”

He gets it down and hands it to me, watching me fill it up from the tap. I put the flowers in the vase and place them on the kitchen table. I can’t stop myself from rearranging the bouquet some more. I’ve never been given flowers. It makes my insides warm.

He clears his throat. “You look beautiful!”

I wheel my chair around. “Thank you.”

“I’ve booked a table at one of the restaurants in town.”

I chew on my lip before remembering the red lipstick I have on. “Can we order takeaway?”

He’s an NFL player. I don’t want the attention. Besides, I like having him to myself here in my space.

“Oh? Yeah, of course.”

As he phones to cancel the reservation, I feel awkward. “I’m sorry. I do go out. I just thought…”

He pockets his phone. “Your idea is better.”

I make my way into the living room and lift myself onto the couch.

My stomach flutters when he lowers himself down next to me and puts his arm on the backrest. “Hi.”

My lips quirk. I shift, so I face him too. “Hi.”

His eyes crease at the corners. “I’m Rick.”

My smile grows. “I’m April.”

His widens. “It’s nice to meet you, April!”

I laugh, tucking my hair behind my ear.

His eyes follow my every movement as my shoulders shake.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

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