Page 7 of A Date with Fate

“I’ve never had you tell me that.”

My fry hovered mid-air. “What?”

“You were so outspoken when we were kids, but I never know what you thought of me.”

Deep in my stomach, something flipped. “You were Logan's best friend. You spent half your days at my house, stealing my snacks, making fun of my braids.” I shrugged. “You were like a brother.”

“And now, a lovely human?”

I coughed into my fist, avoiding his eyes as I reached for another fry. “It just slipped out. Besides, I always figured you thought I was annoying, like Logan did. Just a tagalong no one else had time for.”

“That’s not how I felt at all.”

My head jerked up. “Really?”

“Compared to my brothers, your house was the perfect sanctuary. And if I thought you were annoying, it was only because you were constantly trying to get yourself hurt.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Not at all. You were always climbing places, hiding from us, tripping over your own feet like a puppy.” Scott cut the last half of his sandwich in half and pushed it towards me. “I just wanted to keep you safe. And you made it damn hard.”

“I really had no idea.”

Scott took a bite, chewing slowly before answering. “That was sort of the point. We couldn’t play righteously angry if you knew what we were doing.”

I picked up the sandwich he cut for me and eyed it. “I’m going to have to relive my childhood at some point so I can point out all the moments you were my secret knight in shining armor.”

Scott watched me eat. “At your service, still, if you ever need me.”

The sandwich was thick on my tongue. I wanted to tell him that I was an independent lady who made my own way in the world. But at the same time, his words filled up the gaps in my heart. I could use someone in my corner. I nodded, swallowing his food down.

“Thank you, Scott.”

He gave me one more nod and then stood. “I’m going to get the bill. You just take a second to enjoy it.”

As he walked away, I couldn’t help but follow the long lines of his body with my eyes. I’d gotten a look at him last night when he was rocking Hayden, but this was different, as if I was really seeing him for the first time. He was tall, over six feet, with that thick blond hair that made me wonder just how it might feel against my fingers. And he wasn’t some slender, office desk rider. Scott was solid, his body toned but sturdy. I didn’t see any abs last night, just a slab of pectorals and a belly that the baby had looked absolutely precious on.

The worn jeans he was wearing fit his ass and legs perfectly, and I realized I must’ve been staring as Scott stood at the checkout counter, his eyes finding mine and looking worried.

I squeaked and looked back at the nearly empty plate. I’d just been ogling him as if we could ever be anything but road trip buddies.

I had to get a grip. And not on him.

“You and your boyfriend are adorable,” our waitress suddenly said over my shoulder.

I stared up at her, wordlessly handing her our plates. “What? Oh no… Scott? We are just…friends.” The last word was awkward on my tongue.

The waitress tilted her head, bobbed dark hair swaying. “If you say so, honey, but the way he looked at you…?” She fanned herself. “He’s not thinking like a friend.”

I knew my cheeks were pink, but before I could find something else to say to her, she bustled away. The space she’d been in was quickly filled by Scott, shifting his hips as he tucked his wallet back into his pocket.

“You okay?” He swirled a hand in front of his face. “You look all flushed.”

I swatted at his hands, standing up from the booth. “That’s the spud-induced food coma.”

“Ah, of course.”

“Clearly you aren’t familiar with it.”

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