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“I love you.You’re a pain in my butt, but I love you.”
“And I’m going to be that ache in your rear for the rest of your life, so you should really be used to it by now.Now, go and dazzle the doctor.”
“OK.”
“And I expect a full debriefing afterward ...or tomorrow morning, when you do the walk of shame.”
I gasp.“Vi, I’m not going home with the guy.I don’t know him.”
“I know.But a sister can hope.Talk soon.”
“Bye, Vi,” I say softly before ending the call and staring through the window toward the restaurant.I look back down at my phone, my thumb hovering over Luca’s message as I fight the temptation to reply.
And knowing it’ll help me focus on my date, I type out a quick message to Luc.
London: Sorry, that was meant for Vi.It’s what I’m wearing tonight.Gotta go now.See you for lunch tomorrow.
Then, before he can reply, I turn my phone off like Vi suggested and stare at myself in the mirror, taking one last big breath before getting out of my car and crossing the road.
Don’t get me wrong—Brockis perfect.Like P.E.R.F.E.C.T.But I just can’t get out of my head.Ever since I walked in and the hostess showed me to the table where the tailored-shirt wearing, definitely hot, and ever-the-gentleman doctor stood to greet me, it’s like I’ve been here but alsonot.Maybe I’m having one of those out-of-body experiences.
“How’s your meal?”his smooth-as-molasses low voice asks as he nods to my plate where I’ve been toying with my food for the past ten minutes.His eyes lift from my cutlery to mine, a frown marring his handsome face.“Do you not like it?”
My head jerks up and I move it from side to side.“No, not at all.”I place my knife and fork together on the side of my plate and grab my napkin from the table, lifting it up to dab my mouth.
As if he’s so perfect he can also read my mind, he reaches over and lifts my wineglass, offering it to me with a gentle smile that has me releasing a silent sigh when I take it from him.
“Now, doctor’s orders.Take a sip and a deep breath, and tell me why you’re as tense as a convict on death row.”
My eyes bug out at him before his twitching lips make me splutter out a startled laugh.“Oh my God, that’s a terrible simile.”
His mouth moves up into a sexy smirk that would dazzle anyone.He’s got his bedside manner sorted already.“It worked, didn’t it?”He nods to my drink.“Just a sip.Look, I’ll even have one with you.”
He reaches across the table and grasps my hand, leaning forward to brush his lips over my knuckles, sending goose bumps scattering over my skin.“It’s such a sacrifice to have to drink this Cab Sav with a gorgeous girl making me look good to everyone in the restaurant.”
If any other man said that to me, I’d be scoffing and rolling my eyes.But Brock—Perfect Brock, as he’ll now forever be known—has just enough charm and swagger to pull it off and be impressive, not sleazy.As I said ...perfect ...for anyone except Luca-focused me ...
“Hey.In all seriousness, are you okay?”The genuine concern written on his face hits me right in the feels because I’m totally guilty of not being completely present and engaged on this date so far.It’s not fair to the man.Perfect Brock deserves better, London.
I smile and drop my gaze to my fingers as they toy with the stem of the crystal glass in my hand.“I guess I’m just nervous,” I say, peeking up at him across the table.“Youdoknow that you’re kind of intimidating with all that hair, those eyes, that smile and ...”I gesture to his broad, muscular chest.
His dark blue eyes sparkle with mirth, his lips curving against the glass.“Oh, do go on.You’re very good for my ego, London.”
I giggle, my cheeks heating.
“Nowthatis the girl I wanted to see.You’re not overthinking anymore.Be in the moment, London.Life’s too short to worry about things you can’t control.”He could never know just how poignant his words are.
“Tell that to my brain, who can’t get over her stupid crush on her best friend,” I blurt out.I slap my hand over my mouth.My brows hit my hairline as mortification washes over me.
To his credit, Perfect Brock doesn’t say anything.Then again, maybe it’s because he’s staring at me like I’m a puzzle he’s yet to solve.His gaze turns gentle, and I can’t work out if it’s out of pity or sympathy—maybe both.
Brock doesn’t close down as such ...but his demeanor changes.Like he goes from flirty and charming tonot, yet again proving that he’s just a good guy who can sense the writing is on the wall.
“Shit!I’m so sorry, Brock.Honestly.I didn’t agree to come out planning on thinking abouthimall night.Actually, that’s the verylastthing I wanted to do.”I down the last of my wine, reaching for the bottle just as my date proves he’s perfect yet again by beating me to it and refilling my glass, a knowing grin playing on his lips.
He nods.“Continue, London.Get it all out.”
I stop, a little startled by how relaxed he is with all of this.“You’re not ending the date and calling for the check early?”
