Chapter 2 - Blair
Brandon’s grin widens. “Sure, we can meet at eight? Are you in the mood for seafood? Seeing as you mentioned prawns?”
“Seafood would be nice,” I nod, my heart hammering in my chest as I nervously fidget with the corner of some book pages.
I never say yes. I hardly ever get asked out anymore, though, but there’s a reason for that. It’s because I prefer to blend in and not stand out. I prefer not to draw attention to myself.
After having as many bad experiences with men as I’ve had in my life, I decided it was better to just avoid the whole dating thing altogether. And that’s what I’ve been doing for a full two years already. The last breakup was especially hard on me. I still have nightmares about it. It still hurts to think about it.
But maybe it’s time to give this a chance again. Brandon is sweet. He’s been working with me for a year already, and I know him well enough.
Besides, as scared as I am to get back into dating, I don’t exactly want to die a virgin. I’ll end up an old woman, single with five cats and a house full of books. It sounds depressing. I need to get over my fears and just go for it.
“Eight then. I’ll find us a nice spot and make a booking. I’ll text you the details,” Brandon says, taking a step back. He’s grinning like a schoolboy. I’m not even sure if he’s my type. But apparently, mytypehas all been assholes in the past, so maybe it’s a good thing he isn’t.
“Eight,” I nod, already regretting my decision but sticking to it anyway. It’s just dinner. It’s not like we’re going to getmarried straight after. It’s just dinner. Conversation. Totallynormalstuff.
I don’t actually care about changing. I could have gone straight from work with him. I’m even hungry enough now. But the truth is, I needed some time to prepare mentally. I need to take a few very deep breaths and try to ease the anxiety already building in my stomach.
Our last customer for the day leaves while I’m in the back putting things away, but Brandon walks him out, chats with him, and locks up after he’s gone.
I sling my purse over my shoulder, throw a nervous smile at Brandon, and tell him I’ll see him in a bit before I let myself out and turn right to walk to the bus stop.
Thank goodness that heat wave that started last week is easing up a little.
My phone chimes, and I pull it from my back pocket to check the message. It’s Brandon, texting me the restaurant name.
I’m busy typing out a quick thanks when I walk headfirst into a very solid, very tall man.
As we collide, his iced coffee spills all over the front of his shirt.
I yelp in surprise, taking a quick step back and almost tripping over my own feet. He moves quickly, wrapping his arm around my waist to steady me.
My cheeks are burning red with embarrassment when I look up at him.
His clothes look really fancy, even covered in iced coffee.
“I’m so sorry,” I stammer as our eyes meet. My mind goes blank as he stares down at me with a mischievous grin on his gorgeous lips. Dark green eyes. Intense and piercing.
Without realizing it, I am biting my lip.He is definitely my type. The attraction is instant. How could it not be? He’s freaking gorgeous.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice is so deep it vibrates through my chest. His hand is still resting on my waist.
I stammer, tripping over my words as I reply. “Yes, oh my goodness, your shirt is ruined. I’m really sorry. I wasn’t even looking where I was going. Stupid phones. They are so distracting.”
“Seriously, it’s fine. It’s not a problem,” he smiles, amused.
I narrow my eyes at him, captivated, caught in his stare again. “Um, at least let me get you a new shirt?” I ask. “You can’t walk around in that one with coffee all over it.”
“It’s not necessary. Seriously.”
“Well, I insist. It’s good manners,” I smile.
He chuckles. A delicious sound that runs over me like dark caramel.
“Alright, if you insist, I can hardly argue, but only if you help me choose one,” he smiles. The gorgeous man holds out his hand. “Simon,” he says.
As I place mine in my heart beats even faster. “Blair. It’s nice to meet you, Simon.”
