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The second I saw her, something was different and now I’m beginning to second-guess every decision I make. Should I try and push for more conversation, or should I just let her talk? Do I tell them to bring the dessert cart around now, or does she want to wait? Doubt is something I’m not familiar with and I don’t fucking like it.
Every time I see her tuck her dark hair behind her ear, I ache to be the one to do it. The delicate movement of her fingers as she texts on her phone makes we wonder what that would feel like on my chest. The way she bites her bottom lip when she’s self-conscious is driving me crazy and if she doesn’t turn those big brown eyes on me in the next two seconds, I’m going to flip this table over.
My blood boils the longer she taps on her phone and sips her wine like I’m not even here. If this is the game she wants to play then she’s going to be upset, because I won’t take a gamble. Not when I’ve finally found her.
“Put your phone down,” I say, my voice low and laced with an order.
She looks up and raises an eyebrow at me. “Excuse me?”
I lean close and speak in a punctuated sentence so she doesn’t miss it this time. “I said. Put. Your. Phone. Down.” Her mouth closes and she audibly swallows as she lowers her phone to the table. When I look up, the waiter is standing close by and I point to him. “You, we’re taking our food to go.”
I push away from the table and he runs off quickly; I assume it’s to do as I’ve told him.
“Wait, what’s happening?” She looks at me and I hold my hand out.
“You’re coming with me.”
“B-but…wait.” She looks around the crowded restaurant and I’m sure there are people watching, but I don’t give a shit.
I grab her phone and lean in close to her. “You are going to get your cute ass up and come on a real date with me. We’re going to start over, and you’re going to like it.”
She stares at me with wide eyes as I swipe open her phone and see the group text she was on going crazy. I sigh as I type out my message.
Me: This is Dash Belmont and this is my number. I’m taking Brooklyn to dinner, and then I’m bringing her home at midnight. I’m sharing her location and mine too. She’s going to be with me until I bring her home and then she can respond to you. Until then, have a good night.
I turn her phone on silent and tuck it into my pocket with my own cell.
“Get up.” I hold out my hand once again and she blinks a few times. “Now.”
With that one word she pops out of her chair like she sat on a porcupine and slips her small hand in mine. Without a word I pull her behind me as I make my way through the now-silent restaurant. No doubt we put on quite the show for them, but I’m hoping everyone got a look at the stunning woman on my arm. Now they’ll all remember she’s with me, and that puts a smile on my face.
My driver is by the curb, and when he sees me he comes running around to the side of the car. I hold my hand up and shake him off.
“We’re going to walk,” I say as I nod back to the restaurant. “The food should be out in just a second. Get the creme brûlée and meet us in the park.” I look over at Brooklyn and then back to the driver. “Near the zoo.”
“Will do, sir.” He nods as he goes into the restaurant and I tighten my grip on Brooklyn’s hand.
“Are your feet okay in those shoes?” I look down at the little flats and think about just carrying her.
“I’m literally in yoga pants and flats. I think I can manage a stroll through the park.” She tries to tug her hand from mine, but I end up entwining our fingers so she can’t.
“I’m afraid you’re going to run.” I look over at her and smile as we cross the street and walk down to the next block where the park entrance is.
“You’re probably right. I don’t even know you,” I hear her huff as I slow my pace next to her.
“It looked like you did from that group chat.” She brushes her hair out of her face and I can see the blush on her cheeks.
“Oh, um, that was nothing.”
“Hmm.” I decide not to dig too deep on that response. “Is Brooklyn what everyone calls you?”
“Yeah, and you’re Dash.” She fights a smile and looks away as we walk into the park.
