by B. A. Wolfe
“Can I make it up to you somehow?” I asked, pleading with him a little more than I’d have liked. Maybe it was that damn charismatic smile of his. It also didn’t hurt that his eyes were more than easy to stare at.
He gazed up as if he were contemplating something before he said, “If I see you again, drinks on me?” His grin spread wider across his face, making tiny laugh lines fan out at his captivating eyes.
“That hardly seems fair.” I tilted my head and stared at his amused expression.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys before he flashed me another wink. “It is, trust me.”
Before I could rebut him, he was gone. Wet pants and all.
***
“You’re back early. I expected you to be gone at least another hour. You need to get some fresh air, babe.”
I set the two coffees on the cherry wood table in front of the leather couch where Mel was holding Jase.
“Don’t ask, okay?” I plopped down next to her and downed the hot fluid. “It’s clear I’m not ready to be out in the real world yet.”
Mel put Jase in his swing, grabbed her coffee, and smirked. “It couldn’t have been that bad, Cass.” She took a drink and returned to her spot.
I heaved a sigh. “You have no idea.”
“Try me.” She narrowed her gaze.
I told her the story, making sure not to miss one detail.
Her lips formed a straight line as if she were fighting the urge to laugh. “Okay, so rubbing a guy’s crotch in public is pretty bad.” She laughed, a little too hard. “But, shit. That’s hilarious!”
I rubbed my forehead in frustration. “Mel, I can’t go back there ever again.”
“Chances of you running into Mr. Rub a Dub Dub again are pretty slim. You’ll be okay. Drink your coffee. I’m heading into work since you’re back early. Greg’s up my ass about this damn client. He needs the presentation ready today.” Mel stood and wrapped her hair into a ponytail, using the tie around her wrist to secure it.
“How was Jase?” I asked, watching him rock back and forth.
Her eyes flickered from the swing back to me. “For the whole forty minutes you were gone? Perfect. He slept while I held him, of course.” She wore a pleased grin. He was definitely held a lot; we couldn’t seem to put him down. It killed me he was in his swing and not in my arms right now.
“I’ll let him sleep while I finish up some work.”
“Don’t forget about dinner tomorrow night,” she said, pointing at me before she left through the front door.
“God, I haven’t.” A night out was definitely needed. Unfortunately, after today’s fiasco I was a little apprehensive.
I grabbed my cream tote bag from the floor next to the coffee table and set it on the couch beside me. I pulled my laptop out and opened up my latest work. Normally it was working on the budget for our marketing department at the school paper, but my boss Shelly had me focusing on a ‘Summer School or Bust’ article. It wasn’t remotely what I’d love to be writing about, but it was a job that let me work from home, doing what I loved. Complaining wasn’t an option.
I swallowed another sip of coffee, grinned at the sweet boy in his swing, crossed my legs, and finished the article.
Five
Cassandra
“WOULD YOU PLEASE PUT your phone down? He’s perfectly fine, Cass,” Melanie huffed.
The swanky new restaurant bustled around us. It boasted contemporary decor with marbled tables, a bar, and a lounge—but all I could focus on was my phone. I’d texted Moose more than enough times. It was my first night away from Jase and he was all I could think about while sitting at dinner with Mel.
Moose: He’s doing great. For the tenth time ;)
I glanced at Mel, who repeatedly tapped her fork on her plate of pasta. I shrugged sheepishly. “I’m sorry; I just miss him.”
Worry lines appeared on her forehead. “I know, but I want you to enjoy yourself tonight. Auntie Mel misses the little guy too, but right now let’s just relax and eat, okay?”
I nodded, hoping I could obey. “Okay.”
She reached across the table. “Hand it over,” she demanded.
I reluctantly surrendered my phone to her, holding tight until she yanked it completely away from me.
“Much better.” She smiled. I couldn’t help but think she was right. I needed this night out, desperately. A newborn was a full-time job. But it was worth every yawn, every late night feeding, and every hair-pulling minute.
“God, he’s gorgeous, Cass,” Mel gushed, pulling me out of my thoughts. I followed her swooning eyes and immediately found the source standing by the bar. She was right about one thing: he was definitely good looking.
His hair was dark and his jawline was sharp, complementing his clean-shaven face. His body was hidden under a pair of dark jeans that hung on his hips and a button up shirt that was layered under a casual suit jacket. He looked professionally polished. He also had more than just our eyes on him.
I bit down on my bottom lip. Something else stuck out about him. I glanced back at Mel. “He looks familiar, doesn’t he?”
She deepened her gaze on him, wrinkles forming around her eyes. “Eh, kind of. Why don’t you go talk to him?” She wiggled her brows.
“No. I’m not here to pick up guys. I already have an awesome one back at home.” My voice was playful, but my insides clenched at the thought of talking to a guy—especially that guy.
“Yes. That’s true.” She held up one finger as if she’d just discovered how they get all that caramel into the Caramilk bar. “But this guy can actually take you to dinner.” She laughed and I gave her an exaggerated eye roll. Suddenly, she sat up straighter. “Looks to me like you’ve been noticed too. Someone’s hot-ass eyes are locked on your back. I think he knows you were ogling him.”
“He does?” My heart went from normal to pounding in zero point three seconds. “How?”
“For real?” She gave me the you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me glare. “He’s been looking over here all night, but he caught you just as you turned around. I wasn’t able to hide my looky-loo eyes, sorry.” She shrugged as if to let me know she wasn’t sorry at all. “What if you do know him? School, maybe?”
“I don’t know. I guess it could’ve been college. He looks older, though.” The urge to see him up close was something I hadn’t experienced before. It was powerful. “Okay, I’ll go, but just because I need to know where I’ve seen him before.” I couldn’t even admit to myself that part of me wanted to talk to this attractive man just because.
“That’s my girl.” She grinned. “I’ll keep myself busy.” She waved her phone in her hand. I should’ve known. It was probably her boss, Greg. He emailed, called, and texted her more than even a boyfriend would. I think she enjoyed it, though. Feeling needed and depended upon, that was her thing.
I swallowed my fear and rose from my chair. Cautiously, I meandered across the restaurant to the crowded bar where he stood amongst others. When he caught sight of me, he turned his back on his friends.
His piercing gaze held mine only a second before a truckload of butterflies released inside me. I placed a hand over my stomach, slouched my shoulders, and inched past him. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him watch me walk away. Shit. What did I just do?
I scurried to the bathroom and braced myself against the counter. Cassandra, what’s your problem? I examined my face in the mirror. You’re not ready. Tucking my hair behind my ears, I nodded. I wasn’t ready. Simple as that.
I left the bathroom, passing several scantily-dressed women along the way, and couldn’t help but look down at my blue knee-length dress. I looked more like a mom than a girl who was in her early twenties. I rubbed my hands down the length of my skirt and lifted my chin. I had something they didn’t. I had someone at home whom I loved more than the stars loved the night sky. With a smile on my face, I headed back to my table.
Unfortunately, I scanned the bar as I passed it and my eyes lo
cked with the mysterious stranger’s again, freezing me in place. I stood there immobile, soaking up every inch of his six-foot plus body. He leaned against the bar counter with his legs crossed at the ankles. The look on his face seemed amused as he stared at me. His eyes gave me a once-over from the loose hair on my shoulders to the nude peep-toed heels covering my feet. I swallowed back even more nerves as his mouth opened.
“You know,” he said, causing a rush of something fierce to run through me, intense and unfamiliar. “It would really kill my ego if I knew you truly did walk all this way just to use the restroom.” A grin spread across my face as I realized I’d been caught. His ankles uncrossed and he closed the gap between us, standing a mere foot away from my anxious body.
“Listen,” I began. He shook his head, stopping me.
“I noticed you when you came in and, correct me if I’m wrong, but I saw you looking in my direction as well. I tried to hold back from going over to you, and I think I did pretty well. Then you strutted over here, stopped, looked at me, and walked away. Painful.” He patted his ‘hurt’ chest. The guy was good.
I took him in once more. He was picture perfect. Everything about him screamed go for it as he stood confidently in front of me. Another rush surged through me, except this time it was panic. My breath hitched and a shiver ran down my spine.
I shook my head. “I’m sorry; I-I can’t do this,” I apologized and spun on my heels.
His hand shot out to grab my arm. “Wait, don’t go.”
My insides flailed at his touch. I halted and looked down at his long fingers on my skin. Expelling the breath I held, I slowly turned to face him when he spoke.
“Did I come off too strong? I’m sorry if I did. I didn’t mean to scare you away.” His hooded eyes searched mine.
I gave him a mixed smile. One that was both sorry, yet ready to cower back to my table. “No, you-you didn’t. Honestly, I came over to talk to you because you looked familiar, but I don’t think I know you after all.” His hand was still resting on my arm; I couldn’t help but stare at it. No ring. Cassandra, stop!
“Maybe you do know me?” His voice sounded desperate. “You don’t even know my name.” His lips curled into a small grin. I could only imagine the ladies he had crawling at his feet, all the ladies without kids at home. My heart squeezed tight at the thought of my son.
“No, I don’t. I’m sorry for bothering you.” I looked deep into his eyes one last time. Green swirled through the soft hazel color staring back at me. I’d swear I was experiencing déjà vu, but nothing rang a bell.
“It’s Aidan. My name’s Aidan.” His hand left my arm, leaving an empty feeling in its place as he reached out toward me.
I took his outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you, Aidan.”
Time stood still as I watched our hands touching. It was as if I’d just slid inside a warm, fitted glove. Suddenly, I remembered Jase and the way our hands had felt together. I withdrew from the trance I was in and looked up. His colorful eyes instantly locked on mine and without delay my stomach knotted like a pretzel. A wave came crashing down on me and I suddenly realized where I knew this man from.
Oh. My. God.
No wonder he felt familiar. “I need to get back to my dinner. Sorry again.” Panic laced my words. I gave a quick flick of my wrist and waved goodbye to the enticing man in front of me. Pivoting on my heels, I headed back to Melanie.
The disappointed expression on her face said it all as I slid into my seat. “I know, don’t say it.” I sighed heavily. “That man over there is Mr. Rub a Dub Dub.” My anxiety grew tenfold as I watched the look on her face fall to match mine.
“No! Oh shit, he’s coming over here,” she announced, lifting her brows.
Damn it. I tried to find my napkin. Why? What good was it going to do? I couldn’t hide behind it. But before I could find it, there he stood.
He placed his palms on the table and locked his gorgeous eyes onto mine. “I don’t normally do this. I swear to you I’m not one of those guys who doesn’t leave a girl alone.” His grin swept to the side. “But please have one drink with me. Your friend can join us too.” He finally turned toward Mel, who, of course, was already swooning over him.
If I didn’t accept his offer, she would force me to. It wasn’t like it was a bad thing. I just wasn’t sure I was ready. My hand finally found my white napkin and I gripped it in my fist.
“She’d love to,” Mel answered before I had a chance to tell him yes. A smile from corner to corner spread across his face as he awaited my answer.
Get a grip, Cassandra. You’ve got to grow up. “Okay. I’ll have a drink with you,” I said, putting my napkin on the table. His face relaxed as my answer left my mouth.
“I’ll just stay here. I need to chat with Greg about this assignment anyway. You two have fun.” Mel grinned, flashing it proudly.
I followed behind as Aidan took us to the other side of the bar. It was a more secluded area with small tables away from the main dining room. “I’ll get a couple of drinks. You’re twenty-one, right?” he asked as he pulled out my chair. His head tilted slightly. “You look young, but I didn’t even think to ask.” He bit his lip, making him look boyishly-sweet.
I stifled a laugh. “Yes, I’m twenty-two. You’re safe.” He seemed relieved and I couldn’t help but watch him walk to the bar and order our drinks.
He returned with a smile as he set two glasses on the black marbled table. “Now, don’t think I didn’t recognize you. It took a moment, but there’s no way on earth I could forget my sweet tea girl.”
The beating in my heart stopped. Damn it. I hoped my face didn’t look as mortified as I felt on the inside. I held my fidgeting hands in my lap. His sweet tea girl? A million and a half replies were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t get any of them out. The only thing that emerged was a question. An absurd, stupid, hide under the table question. “It was sweetened?”
He chuckled. “It sure was, Sweet Tea.” He slid an iced tea in front of me.
I put a hand over my face and shook my head. Of course, he would remember the girl who rubbed him down in a coffee shop full of patrons. He pulled my hand from my face, startling me. “I hope iced tea is okay? I couldn’t resist.”
“Aside from still being humiliated,” I said, eyeing him and his smirk, “It’s perfect.” He was turning out to be different than I expected. This could be okay. I practically already knew him, right?
“Cheers.” His brow lifted in this sexy way as he raised his glass.
“What are we toasting?” I asked, eager to hear his response.
He licked his lips. “Meeting new people in awkward situations.”
He could say that again.
I raised my tea and clinked my liquor-free drink against his.
“Do you live around here?” He set his glass on the table after taking a drink.
“Just moved back, actually. I lived in Alamosa with my friend for almost a year. After she graduated, we moved to Denver. Mel, the girl from the table, insisted we try this place,” I answered, taking note of his eyes again. The swirls throughout had me staring at them like they were a magic eye poster. They were breathtaking. God, he had a familiar sense to him, beyond the meet and greet at the coffee shop, but for the life of me, I couldn’t place him. All I knew was he was easy to be around and made me comfortable—two things I hadn’t felt in a long time.
I realized our conversation had stopped when our eyes connected. A chuckle escaped his lips. I’d just been caught staring, big time. Heat settled in my cheeks as I lowered my eyes to peer down at the table.
“It’s okay, I’m having a hard time not staring too,” he murmured. “You’re very beautiful.”
If it weren’t for my tight grip on the table, I’d have fallen off my seat. Did he just tell me I was beautiful? Guys didn’t say that, at least not to me, and not since Jason. The name Jason hit harder in my chest this time.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He reache
d across the table, placing his hand on mine. My stomach did a back handspring the moment our skin touched. “I’m not trying to scare you; I’m never this forward. Believe me. There’s just something . . .” His voice trailed off.
I didn’t have a response. I was embarrassed for having been caught staring, and my cheeks were heated from the compliment I received. My insides tethered together as he removed his hand. I looked into his green-laced eyes. The hairs on the back of my neck began to tingle. “You don’t scare me, Aidan. I’m just embarrassed.”
He grinned, showing off his straight teeth. “Don’t be, I think it’s sexy. Besides, it’s a good icebreaker, don’t you think?”
“I’m pretty sure that after the incident yesterday, the ice was already broken.”
He laughed, the deep kind. The kind that had me wanting him to use his deep voice for other reasons. Enough, Cassandra. Your palms are sweating. “I still feel awful about that. I hope I didn’t ruin your day.”
His lips curled into a grin. “Nah, it was only my first day at a new job. No big deal.”
“Your first day? Oh God!” I palmed my face, ready to hide forever. I’d ruined his first day at a new job. That moment was definitely going down in the books.
“If you hide under those hands all night, how am I supposed to get to know you?”
Those words had me melting. I didn’t even think twice before I uncovered my face and our eyes connected for the hundredth time tonight. But each time felt as if it were the first.
“That’s better,” he whispered.
“You know . . . you’re really easy to talk to,” I murmured, blushing as the words left my mouth. I wasn’t normally that forward.
“You are too.” His eyes held mine for what felt like hours.
Oh my. It was time to change the subject—like now. “Do I dare ask how your first day went?” I cringed as I asked.
He smirked. “It went great, actually.”
“Thank God!” I said, relieved. “What’s the new job?” His lips parted and before he could talk I intervened. “I’m sorry. I’m asking too many questions, aren’t I? I tend to do that.”
