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I continue getting ready. After a couple glasses of red, andwaytoo many positive affirmations in the mirror later, it’s already 4:45pm.Wait…it’s 4:45?!!!
“Girls, you have to go, he’ll be here any minute!” They scurry to find their purses and shoes, and with a hug and a kiss on the cheek they are both at my front door ready to leave.
As I open it for them, Dylan is standing on the other side with his hand raised up to knock. Damn it if he looks even more attractive than when we dated in our early 20s. It’s infuriating that men age so gracefully! In his left hand is a bouquet of violets, my favorite.He remembered.“Oh, hi! Sorry…my friends were just leaving.” Seeing him after all this time has my stomach in knots.
He is staring at me, like he just saw a ghost.Is something wrong with my outfit?I look down to make sure I look ok. Hearing his voice forces my gaze up. “Wow, E, you look amazing. You haven’t changed one bit.”
I am about to reply, when Lily pushes past me to hug Dylan. Whispering way too loudly, probably due to the two glasses of wine, “If you hurt her, I will end you.” His eyes are wide in response and I can’t help but laugh at the fear she tried to instill in him.
“Hi, we haven’t met. I’m Riley.”
He takes her hand. “Dylan, nice to meet you.”
She eyes him cautiously, then turns to me with a wink. “Alright, Em, have a good night!”
With both of them walking away, I focus on closing the door behind me to hide the blush on my cheeks. I’m out of my element here. It’s almost closed when his hand envelops mine over the handle to stop me. It’s like static electricity when he touches me—I feel it all the way to my toes. With his other hand, he hands me the bouquet, and says softly, “As much as I can’t wait to head out, you might need to put these in water first. I saw them and thought of you. Hope you don’t mind the cliché first date etiquette.”
I pause, the feeling of his hand over mine makes me shiver. It was always like this with him. I look over his shoulder to make sure my friends are already in their cars, then back to him—which was the possible worst idea. He hasn’t lost those adorable dimples when he smiles. “Oh, yeah, sure. Mind coming inside for a moment?”
Once in the kitchen, I reach up to grab a vase from above my fridge and my shears that are in a drawer. I quickly trim the stems to fit my vase and fill it with water. As I turn off the faucet, I finally have the courage to look at him again. “You know, this isn’t technically a first date…I’m sorry, this whole thing is weird, right?” I turn my gaze away quickly. His eyes haven't left me since the moment he walked into my house—I could always feel them on me—and it’s making me incredibly nervous.
“I know, but it feels like I missed some of the milestones the first time. Ididsort of trick you into dating me.” He leans against the counter. Who knew leaning could be so sexy?No, focus…flowers…vase.
I let out a little laugh and reply, “True. Ok, so where are we headed?”
“Oh, you’ll have to wait and see. I recommend pants and not a skirt, though.” His eyes darken as they rake over my body. I don’t know whether to be afraid or turned on.
I look down at my skirt.See, I knew there was something off with my outfit!“What’s wrong with my skirt? We are going to dinner and you won’t tell me where. Will I be overdressed?”
Taking a step toward me, he leans in, now only inches from my face. My breath hitches. “Make no mistake, you are absolutely breathtaking. But if you don’t change, I won’t be able to keep my hands off you…and I intend on being a gentleman tonight.” His voice is low and sultry. When pulls back, I already miss him in my space. “Also, we aren’t going to a movie, I have something else in mind.”
I look up at him curiously and shake my head. His flirting is messing with me. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, but with him acting this way, it feels like no time has passed. “Ok, fine, I’ll go change. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I run upstairs and into my room, grateful for the space I put between us. Throwing open my dresser drawers, I grab a pair of skinny jeans. I put them on quickly and text my group chat with Lily and Riley.
Emma: 911!!! He changed plans on me and he won’t say what, other than I should wear pants.
Riley: Oooh girl, he is sneaky!!!
Lily: Ok, I just asked Andrew and he said he has no idea. Apparently, he also told Dylan not to date you, so I am sorry I’m no help!
Riley: You got this! Magic panties, remember!!!
I laugh out loud and quickly cover my mouth. I almost forgot Dylan is right downstairs.
Emma: Changed into skinny jeans. Sending you both my location, in case I am murdered by my ex tonight.
Riley: Have fun!!!
Lily: xoxo
I put my phone in my back pocket after sharing my location with both of them. I’m not actually worried, but if they know where I am, they won’t be blowing up my phone. I take one last look in the mirror before heading back downstairs.
“Sorry I took so long! Ready to head out?”
I grab my purse and keys and as I am about to make my way to the front door, he reaches for my hand. I consider it for half a second, before taking it. It all feels too familiar, even though I hold it with obvious caution. He squeezes my hand three times.I love you. I gasp, remembering what it meant to us when we were together. It doesn’t seem to phase him though.Does he not remember? Or maybe it’s just a muscle spasm?As soon as we step outside, I make sure to use both hands to lock it behind me. I am falling under his spell, just like last time. I need to keep my wits about me—the less physical contact the better.
We walk the path down the driveway, with his hand on the small of my back. Every time he touches me, it becomes harder and harder to keep my head on straight. He opens the car door for me to get in. It feels like déjà vu, and I am not liking it one bit…ok, fine, I’m liking it a bit too much.
