Besides, I wanted to figure out why she hated me.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
I held up my hand as everybody started talking at once. “But no outside interference. This is just friends. That way, she can stop scolding me about every single thing I do.”
“You see? What’s with the sniping and the growling? I don’t know what’s up with you two.”
I ignored Myra. “But…then we’re done. No more dates.” Not that Dakota would agree to more. “No more interfering or whatever the hell is going on here. Just let us be.”
“We can try,” Hazel said. “But she’s our best friend, Macon. We want her happy. If she’s happy on her own, then that’s great. But she needs a night to enjoy herself, and you two need to be friends.”
I wasn’t going to touch on that. But I would be a good friend. I could do that.
And maybe I could figure out why she hated me so much.
Chapter 4
Macon
* * *
The next day, I pulled at my collar, grateful that I hadn’t put on a tie. I still wore a suit jacket, a button-down shirt, and nice slacks.
For some reason, I felt like I should have brought flowers or a corsage or something.
It hadn’t been that long since I’d been on a date. But, Jesus, I had never been on a blind date.
Though this wasn’t really a blind date, at least not for me, though I would be a surprise to her.
We were meeting at an upscale chophouse; one the girls had said Dakota had always wanted to try. I had been there a couple of times before, mostly with my business partner Jeremy and his wife. Thankfully, Jeremy had never set me up on blind dates, even though his wife wanted to. For those outings, I hadn’t minded being the third wheel.
This was something altogether different. I just hoped to hell that Dakota didn’t throw her drink in my face when I arrived.
Why was I so nervous? This wasn’t a real date. I was simply getting our friends off our backs. This was only to get Dakota out of the house. I didn’t think I was the right person for the job, but here we were. Hopefully, if the others realized that this was a bad decision, they would stop bugging.
I rolled my shoulders back, ignored the wandering gazes of two women waiting for their seats, and went up to the podium.
“Brady, party of two?” I asked.
“Let’s see, sir. Yes. Your other party is already here. Let me show you the way.” The younger man in front of me raked me with his gaze. I ignored that, as well. I knew I looked good in a suit, but maybe it was the glare on my face that made him do a double take. That usually attracted more people than I wanted.
Or perhaps I was just having a weird day.
I saw Dakota by a fountain before the host got there, and I tapped the man on the arm.
“I see her. I’ll make my way over. Thank you.”
The guy stepped back and nodded. “Have a good night.”
I made my way towards Dakota, my gaze on her face, so I knew the moment she saw me.
Her eyes tightened, and she glared before slowly setting down her drink and reaching for her bag. She pushed her chair back and stood, her hand fisting around her small clutch.
“You.” She whispered the word, and I was grateful. Thankfully, nobody turned to look at us or wonder what the hell was going on.
I had to swallow my words because I could barely think. She looked gorgeous with her hair in an updo thing with pieces that framed her face. She wore a jumpsuit, all black that tucked in at the hips. It was sleeveless and had a low neckline—so low I wanted to peek just to see. Though I knew that that was one of my more lecherous thoughts. Still, I couldn’t help it. I’d always thought Dakota was beautiful. So fucking hot, it was sometimes hard for me to think while around her.
And that was part of the problem when it came to Dakota and me.
“Take a seat, Dakota.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
I moved to her. I towered over her, though I hoped like hell I wasn’t intimidating her. “Our friends asked me to be here, so…I’m here.”
She swallowed hard, and I looked down to see the uncertainty in her gaze.
I reached out and brushed my finger across her shoulder. I hadn’t even realized I was going to do it until I made contact, the warmth of her nearly too much for me.
She didn’t back away, but she did flinch.
I quickly lowered my hand.
She met my gaze as if searching for something I wasn’t sure she’d see. “I’ll sit down if you tell me what’s going on.”
“I promise.”
She let out a breath and then lowered to her seat.
I tucked in the chair behind her, doing my best not to touch her before sitting across from her.
“Our friends said that you and I need to be more friendly. I’m here to make sure you don’t hate me any longer.”
I said the words quickly, and her eyes widened.
“So, you’re not here because my date bailed?” she asked, her voice soft.
I held back a curse. It hadn’t even occurred to me that her mind would go there. “Of course, not. I’m it. Your date. One that isn’t supposed to go anywhere. It’s not even really a date.” I paused. “And I keep saying the word date. I’m sorry.”
She shook her head and then reached for her water, chugging half of it. The waiter was there in an instant, refilling the glass and taking my drink order. I looked at Dakota. “Am I staying?” I asked.
She studied my face before giving me a tight nod.
I swallowed hard. “A lager. If you have it.”
“Excellent, sir.” And then the waiter was off, but my gaze stayed on Dakota.
“I’m sorry I made you think that. I promise that you can text the others. They wanted me to be here so we could stop fighting with each other.”
“Are they going to do the same to Nate and Myra then?” she asked, and I snorted.
“I said the exact same thing.”
“I can’t believe the girls did this. And I can’t believe you went along with it.”
I shook my head. “It all started with me standing in my underwear in my house, pretty much flashing everybody.”
Her eyes widened comically. “What?”
“It’s a long story.”
“I think that’s why you’re here.”
“To tell you why I was in my underwear? Or for me to ask why you hate me?” I asked, trying not to notice how her cheeks flushed at my words.
“Macon,” she sighed. “I don’t hate you. We’re friends. I guess.”
“The last time I saw you, you told me to stay away from you and your son.” There, now that the words were out, I couldn’t take them back.
I felt her gaze, and she shook her head. “I shouldn’t have been so cruel about it. But you scared me, Macon. And I don’t like that you got into a fight…whatever. I know it’s none of my business, but I need to protect my son.”
I worked my jaw for a moment as the waiter came over with my drink and told us about the specials.
“We’re going to need a few moments,” I said, my gaze still on Dakota’s.
“Of course, I’ll be back as soon as you need me.” The waiter was discreet, and I was grateful.
“Dakota, I would never hurt Joshua.”
“Maybe not physically, but he’s still a little boy. He latches on to people without thinking of what might happen if and when they walk away.”
“You don’t have to worry about me or my brothers. I know you and I aren’t going to be anything.” Her eyes widened, and I hastened to add, “Not that we were ever on that path. Regardless, I’m not going to hurt Joshua.” I paused. “Or you. We can find a way to be friends. To maybe figure out why we keep sniping at each other.”
“It’s just so easy to do.” She shrugged.
“That’s true,” I said, snorting.
“I had a very long day. A very long week, truth be told,” Dakota began. “It feels like it’
s been a long year.”
“Tell me about it.” I rubbed the scar on my chest without thinking. I hadn’t even noticed I did it until I caught Dakota’s gaze zeroed in on the action.
I held back a curse.
“I’d ask if it hurts, but I know that not all scars ache. At least not in the ways some might think.”
There was more to that statement. “Do I have to go and find someone and hurt them for you?” I asked, not entirely joking.
“I don’t want any more violence. Especially not things done in my name.”
My hands fisted around my drink. “I see.”
She shook her head. “You don’t. But, honestly, we don’t need to get into that. We can be friends. Maybe it’s inevitable. And perhaps I need to get over my misconceptions. But, Macon? I don’t want a relationship. Joshua doesn’t need a new daddy. I don’t need anyone in my life who’s going to complicate things.”
“I don’t need anything like that either. I’m only doing this so our friends get off my back.”
“Okay, then.” She paused. “Maybe we can enjoy dinner.”
Relief slid through me, and I knew I wouldn’t push. We’d eat, we’d engage in small talk, and then we’d move on. That’s all tonight could be.
“The scallops sounded pretty good,” I said, shrugging.
“I was thinking of the halibut. Now, I want scallops.”
“We can always share.” I glanced at her.
“Maybe. Just don’t think that means anything more than the fact that I can’t decide between two dishes. I’m not using it as a ploy or anything.”
I laughed. “Sounds like a plan. I promise not to fall in love with you.” I blurted the words before I meant to, and her eyes widened for a minute before filling with laughter.
“And I promise never to fall in love with you.”
We both laughed, and I couldn’t help but wonder why I felt a little disappointed.
I didn’t need her to fall in love with me. I didn’t want that. Yet I felt like I had just lost out on something. But as she smiled, and we finished our drinks and ate dinner, I got to know a little more about the mysterious woman that seemed to hate me on sight.
I didn’t know if this would change anything between us beyond tonight. But for a simple meal, one that neither of us had prepared for, it was calming.
Now, I just had to hope like hell I wouldn’t regret that promise.
Even if breaking it wouldn’t be good for either of us.
Chapter 5
Dakota
* * *
I hummed beneath my breath as I added whipped cream to the caramel macchiato before drizzling caramel sauce on top. I slid a biscotti onto a side plate and kept humming as I moved towards the front of the café and the corner booth.
“Here you go! Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy,” I said after setting down the man’s coffee. I gently placed his biscotti plate next to the cup, along with a napkin.
The man with the chiseled jaw and the bright blue eyes smiled at me.
“Well, thank you very much. Dakota, right?”
I swallowed hard, no longer humming. Fear slid over me at the fact that he knew my name. I shouldn’t be scared. After all, this wasn’t Adam. Nobody from that time in my life knew where I worked. Nobody could come after me. Not that they cared enough to try.
Why did someone knowing my name give me this feeling?
“Yes, I’m Dakota. How else may I help you?” I asked, hoping my voice wasn’t as chilly as it sounded in my head. The light in the man’s eyes dimmed, and I had a feeling it was precisely as icy as I thought.
“Just thought I’d say hi. I heard your coworker call you by name earlier. I’m sorry if I startled you.”
I shook my head and smiled, relieved that had been why he knew my name. I shouldn’t be so jumpy. It wasn’t like I had problems with anyone but Adam and his crew. The other girls had had issues. If fear-drenched pain could be called an issue. Maybe that’s why I’d reacted how I did.
“I’m sorry. Long day. I hope you enjoy your coffee.”
“I’m sure I will. And since I’ve startled you, I suppose asking you out wouldn’t be the best idea.”
I froze for a second and then noticed his eyes dim just a bit more. “Oh. Well. I’m sorry. I’m well...you know. Uh.” Clearly, I couldn’t form words.
He quirked a smile. “Let me guess. Boyfriend? I should have known you wouldn’t be free. I see you in here every time I come in. I love your shop. I’m sorry if I was too forward.”
I shook my head and ran my hands down my apron. “Oh. Thank you. I love my shop, too. I hope you love your coffee. I need to go. Thank you again!”
He frowned for a second, and I knew everything I said likely made no sense. I waved and then scurried back to the counter where Jason stood, rolling his eyes.
“Subtle,” he said.
“I think I just ran away instead of saying no,” I panic-whispered.
“Pretty much. You completely ran away instead of telling the guy you weren’t taken.” He paused. “Unless you are taken. If you are, Pop and I are going to need notes.”
His humor allowed my shoulders to relax—marginally. “Stop. I need to get back to baking.”
“I thought you were going to work on coffee orders with me.”
“I think I need to go hide in the back,” I replied honestly.
I may have just lost a customer forever. Or perhaps he was made of sterner stuff. Either the man with the blue eyes would be persistent, or we’d pretend it never happened. I honestly didn’t know what would happen.
Or what I wanted.
“Coward,” Jason whispered under his breath, but I still scurried away.
I’d go back out to the front and have fun with my favorite customers, but I needed a moment. Pop was in the back, her hands elbow-deep in dough when she looked at me.
“What’s that face for?”
I put my hands on my cheeks. “What face?” I asked.
“The slightly embarrassed, oh my God, what is going on face?’” She paused. “Is it Macon? Is he here? Are you finally going to tell us what happened on your date?”
“I don’t know how that’s any of your business,” I said primly, doing my best Myra impersonation.
“You mentioned in passing that you went on your blind date last week. With Macon Brady. Yet no details. You growl or blush whenever it comes up in conversation, but you haven’t told us anything. And now you walk in here looking all embarrassed and flushed... I only have to wonder if I’ll see that very sexy man standing out there and glowering if I pull my hands out of this dough and walk out.”
“He’s not out there,” I grumbled. “And I do not look like that. Whatever it is you said.”
“You do look embarrassed. So, what happened? Do I need to punch someone?” She pulled her hands out of the dough and punched her hand into her fist once more.
“First, you don’t need to hit anyone. Second, why do you do that? Do you enjoy hitting people?” I didn’t have the same fear I did when I thought about Macon getting into fights. And I honestly didn’t know what that said about me.
Her piercing twitched. “I’ve never hit a person in my life. I just like making the motion because I’m tiny, and it makes people laugh.” Pop must have heard something in my voice earlier. She lowered her hands, concern on her face.
I sighed. “I’m sorry for acting odd. Or odder than usual. Anyway, I just got hit on by a man with pretty blue eyes and I wasn’t expecting the offer. I ran away before I could even answer.”
Pop just looked at me and shook her head. “Wow. You sure are popular.”
“Stop. That’s not even close to being true. I feel like I’m making stupid mistake after stupid mistake. I cannot believe I ran away like that. I’ve seen that man in that exact booth numerous times. Now, he’s probably never going to come back because I shunned him and then ran away like I was scared.”
“He might have come back repeatedly because you’re a
hot piece, but he probably also came because you make some of the best coffee ever. Is he the caramel macchiato guy? The one with the pretty blue eyes and the tight ass in those gray pants?”
I blinked at Pop. “Really? You noticed his ass from way back here?”
“I came out to deliver some pastries to the front. Of course, I noticed Blue Eyes’ butt. Who wouldn’t notice how he fills those pants?”
“I didn’t look at his butt.”
Pop blinked at me again. “Really? You must have a thing for Macon if you’re not checking out other asses.”
I threw up my hands and went back to work. “That is not why I didn’t check out Blue Eyes’ assets. It’s because this is my place of business. I shouldn’t ogle and sexually harass my customers.”
“That’s not how this works.”
“Not how what works?” I asked, being obstinate.
“Now you’re just being weird and going way off subject. Are you deflecting? You still haven’t told me what’s going on with you and Macon.”
“Macon isn’t the subject of this conversation.”
“He should be. Every time he’s the topic, you make up an excuse and run away.”
“I do not.”
“You literally just ran away from a hot man who asked you out.”
“I don’t want to date.”
“And that’s the reason you ran?” she asked.
“Maybe?” I said, cautiously. “I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting him to ask me out, and I’m not good at this. I don’t date. Ever.”
“I know. That’s why you did this whole pact thing, right?”
“I feel like that was peer pressure,” I evaded.
“Perhaps. The girls are good at making sure you’re always part of the team. And know that you’re loved.”
I pushed back the emotions that rose at that. I loved my friends, and I knew I hadn’t gone into this because of peer pressure. I was just scared.
“Get back to work. I’m not going to discuss what may or may not have happened with Macon.”
Pop snapped her fingers. “You mean something did happen? Because may or may not means it did.”
Far From Destined: A Promise Me Novel Page 4
