Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“Hop down for me,” he says, helping me to my feet.
“Now what?” I ask, wondering what happens at this point. Do we walk out together? Do I tell Curtis that I had an emergency? I have no idea. “This is unchartered territory for me.”
“What happens now?” He smiles sinfully. “Now you go back out there and think about how hard you just came while you have your burger with that dipshit.”
I gasp. “You expect me to go out there and finish dinner?”
“Hey, you’re the one who thought this was a great idea.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “It doesn’t bother you that I’m on a date with someone else.”
“Make no mistake—I hate it.” He lifts a brow. “But your body and I seem to have a good rapport. I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”
“You’re terrible.”
“Me? You’re the one who just got off in a public bathroom while on a date with someone else.”
“Don’t try to shame me!”
He laughs, pulling me into his chest once again. It’s my new favorite place to be. “Shame you? For what? Doing what you should’ve been doing all along?” He kisses me sweetly. “Let this dinner remind you that no one can take care of you like I can.”
I already know.
Tate yanks the door open and pats me on the ass. “Have fun at dinner.” Then he strolls out casually, leaving me alone.
That fucker.
I straighten my dress and fix my hair, taking in my reflection in the mirror. Rosy cheeks. Glassy eyes. Swollen lips. There’s no fixing this.
A few more people are in the dining area as I make my way back to Curtis.
“Sorry about that,” I say, taking my seat.
I glance down at the table, and his plate is empty.
“Was I gone that long?” I ask, my cheeks heating.
“Nah, I’m a fast eater. And Cathy needs me to come by and check her pipes.”
Cathy, you’re a lifesaver.
“Don’t let me keep you,” I say a little too happily. “Clogged pipes can be a disaster.”
“It’s always something with that woman.”
He looks away, but I can see the corner of his dimples shine in his cheeks.
“Curtis?” I ask.
“Yeah?”
“It might not be about the thermostat or the clogged pipes, you know.”
The semi-scowl on his face all evening begins to fade.
“Maybe listen to her a little bit,” I say gently. “She wouldn’t be calling you if she didn’t still love you.”
His eyes brighten almost immediately. “You think so?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
He scoots to the edge of the booth. “I’ve already paid the bill, so as soon as you’re done …”
I consider mentioning that he shouldn’t be a chauvinist pig, but decide I’ve fought enough battles for one day.
My phone lights up with a text from a number I don’t recognize. My heart skips a beat.
Unknown: By the way, you look beautiful tonight.
I laugh, certain my eyes are brighter now, too.
“Come to think of it, I’m not that hungry,” I say, reaching for my purse.
“Really?”
I nod. “Really.”
Curtis and I walk out side by side. Suddenly, in the strangest way, I’m grateful to him.
The world works in mysterious ways.
Chapter Nineteen
Aurora
I get inside my car and start it. Then I pull out my phone and eagerly open my text app.
Unknown: By the way, you look beautiful tonight.
A grin splits my cheeks as I re-read his message.
Me: We need to talk.
Tate: Whenever you’re ready.
Me: You busy for the rest of the night?
His response comes in immediately.
Tate: I hope so. I have plans with my girl if she can wrap up her date.
I laugh as my chest swells. My girl. I’ll never tire of that.
Me: My date just decided that he needs to check on his ex-wife.
Tate: You’re serious?
Me: I don’t think I was giving “available vibes.” But I also think he’s still in love with her.
Tate: Have you left yet?
Me: Parking lot of the restaurant.
I look up as a firetruck rushes by. The sirens wail so loud that my rearview mirror rattles. Wow.
Tate: Dropped Pin [Map Thumbnail of the pinned location] 72961 Annabella Drive, Nashville, TN
Me: What’s this?
Tate: My address. Meet me there.
Me: I get your phone number and your address in the same night?
Tate: Do you think that’s all you’re getting?
I stare at his words, unsure what he means. They could be taken many ways. But after what just happened in the restroom, I’m willing to bet I’m going to like it. A lot.
Instead of asking him for clarification, I put his address into my navigation system.
Me: I can be there in 26 minutes.
Tate: I’ll be waiting.
Chapter Twenty
Aurora
“What the heck is this?” I mutter.
I hit the brakes and slow roll to what appears to be a guard shack in front of two large metal gates. A man slides open a window as I roll mine down. He peers into the car as if I’m transporting illegal substances.
Perhaps I was put on a watch list, after all.