Page 37 of Setting Limits

Chapter 21

Itakeadeepbreath and gently release it through my mouth while I run my hands down my skirt before opening the door.

Wes’s eyes dilate briefly, and he runs a hand through his hair.

“Wow, Chels. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” My face tips down as I tuck a wave behind my ear, my face heating with his compliment.

“I’m really looking forward to this, Chels. And I’m really happy you said yes. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, especially since the party. Besides being stunningly beautiful, you have this scent about you, something floral, that is just absolutely intoxicating. I want to wrap myself in it.”

“Honeysuckle.” The word is a tiny squeak as I lose my ability to speak.

“What?”

“The floral scent. It’s honeysuckle.”

“Oh. Thank you for telling me. Now I have a new favorite flower.” My legs turn to jelly. He’s just the most amazingly sweet guy I’ve ever interacted with.

We leave my room, and I follow him as we exit the dorm, continuing my explanation.

“We used to have honeysuckle plants all along the front hill. They were beautiful, and you couldn’t walk near or toward the road without smelling them in the spring and summer. They were my favorite. You can even pull the bottom out and drink the honey. It’s basically a drop, but it was fun. I’ve always loved the smell, so I found a perfume that has it as an ingredient. Plus, some body wash.”

“Well, I like it. A lot.” He hesitates for a second, taking my hands in his. “And you, Chelsea. I need you to know that I like you, a lot. This isn’t just for fun for me, this isn’t, like, a contest for me. I’m very interested in you.”

I have no idea what to say to that, so I let him lead me to the car and climb in, almost numb from disbelief, as I slide into my seat.

Wes isreallyinto me. And I have no idea why.

Throughout the date, he continuously calls mebeautifulandsweetness, and compliments me. It’s more praise than I’ve ever gotten from anyone, including my parents.

Wes’s light-hearted nature is what I’m sure drew he and Lochlyn together. But the way he talks about his major and career choice is awe-inspiring.

“Technology has advanced us in so many ways, and with the right programs and things, we can advance more. It’s kind of insane how one tiny alteration in a code can truly change the plan of attack.” As he continues talking animatedly about computers and how they work, I can’t help but smile and am tingling at his excitement.

I wish I felt that way about…anything regarding my future.

Though I had a notion he would, he keeps me laughing throughout the date. Part of me isn’t sure if it’s a certain level of nerves playing a part as well.

At one point, he told me that he could create an app that would let me know what pants and shoes match which top, which caused me to giggle like crazy.

“I didn’t know that was such a winner. Maybe I’ll have to make it now.”

“Oh, please do. It would make life much easier sometimes. Can you also create one that compares prices of things so I know the best place to get it when I desperately need that one pair of shoes?”

“While I’m pretty sure something like that already exists, of course I can, sweetness. I’m just that talented.” His brows wiggle on his forehead, and I cover my mouth while I laugh, trying not to spit French fries all over him.

Just one more added perk is that he doesn’t even glance at the bombshell waitress once. His table manners and the way he speaks to the waitstaff are exceptional as well, and I have no doubt he’ll leave a generous tip.

“Okay, Chels, end of the night, for the most part.” He links his fingers on the table and leans toward me right after the waitress scoops up the check and Wes’s credit card. “What are my chances here? Do I get another date with you? Or am I sequestered to the friend zone?”

Despite my better judgment, the decision is a no brainer. “I’d love to go on another date with you, Wes. I had a lot of fun tonight.” There’s a giant smile spanning my face, and it’s been there pretty much all night.

He smiles so wide that I’m sure the people on the other side of this dimly lit restaurant can see his sparkly white teeth. “For real?”

“Yeah, for real.”

The waitress comes back with a grin—only for Weston—before he can say anything else. He quickly signs the check with a flourish before standing and holding his hand toward me.

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