Page 29 of King of Kings

“These will be perfect,” she says, holding up a pair of black wedges. “And holy shit, you look incredible.”

“Thanks, Kins,” I say, grabbing the shoes.

“Can I braid your hair?” she asks.

“Sure. You must have read my mind, because I had no idea what I was going to do with it.”

For the next half hour, Kinsley braids my hair into a perfect side braid, while I put on some minimal makeup. I was blessed with amazing skin, so I don’t glam out on the makeup very often.

“Sophia, you look so beautiful,” she says, wrapping her arms around me.

“Thanks to you,” I tell her.

“Sophia! Someone’s at the door for you!” Kane yells from downstairs.

My heart rate kicks up thinking about Knox being here. Would he care? Why do I care?

“Have a blast. You deserve it,” Kinsley says before hugging me one more time.

“Damn, girl, you fine.” Kane whistles when I come down the stairs.

“Please.” I roll my eyes, laughing.

Dylan is standing at the door, looking handsome. He’s wearing dark wash jeans and a light blue collared shirt. I wish looking at him made my insides flip like they do when I see a certain someone.

“Wow, Sophia. I feel underdressed,” he says, making me laugh.

“Nonsense. This is just a sundress.” He grabs my hand before we head out the door.

Thankfully, I didn’t run into Knox, and I don’t see his car anywhere in the driveway when we get into the car.

Twenty minutes later, we’re pulling up to a restaurant downtown.

“I love this place,” I say, smiling over at Dylan.

“Me too. It’s one of my favorites.”

He parks the car, gets out, and is pulling my door open before I can even register what’s happening.

“Thanks,” I tell him, grabbing his hand and getting out of the car.

Twice tonight I feel myself wishing that Dylan made me feel the things Knox does.

Once we’re at the table and have our food ordered, the conversation flows pretty easily. Dylan is a great guy. He’s almost too great.

“How are you liking the Psych unit?” he asks between bites.

“I love it up there. It’s my passion,” I tell him.

“I can tell. You really connect with the patients. That’s rare these days. A lot of people go into nursing for the paycheck, but I can tell it’s what you love.”

“I’ve always dreamed of being a nurse, ever since I was a little girl and one held my hand during a shot. I’ve just always wanted to be the person that helped someone feel comfortable in a time where it’s normal to be scared.” I shrug.

“That’s inspiring.”

“Have you always wanted to be a nurse?” I ask him.

“No. My plan is to be a doctor. It’s just taking me longer than I wanted it to,” he says.

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