My answer is yes to the date. Tomorrow is still good for me
Yes! Looking forward to seeing you.
I should be excited to go out on a date with a handsome bachelor, but I feel nothing but that irritating sense of guilt. I hate it. Edward’s a great guy, but I can’t help it if I still like Twitch.
THIRTEEN
DATE NIGHT
Milly
I turnthe music up on my phone, trying to drown out the oppressive silence in my house. I put on an upbeat song, but it does nothing to lift my mood. If I hadn’t spent time with Twitch, I’d probably be excited about this date. I’ve never experienced a gorgeous older man being interested in me, but here I am, moping around because all I can think about is the hurt in Twitch’s eyes last night.
But I can’t keep being second best to Mercedez every time she threatens him.
He thought I was moving on... Am I trying to? Just seeing Mercedez’s hand on Twitch’s arm made me snap, and I was ready to fight fire with fire. But now, with only an hour until I have to leave for my date, the damn guilt is weighing me down. Am I leading Edward on just to get back at Twitch? The thought makes me feel like a terrible person. I’ve only been out of control since Twitch and I got closer. Normally I’m levelheaded, but he messes with my mind.
I walk to my wardrobe and sift through my clothes. Lack of motivation has me pulling out jeans, but I quickly put them back. It’s a fancy restaurant, after all. I settle on a more formal top and a three-quarter black skirt, then get changed. I glance at myself in the mirror.This could be my life.The life Reaper wants for me. A man who can take care of me, who has a good career. A man who is respectful and wines and dines me.
It’s such a stark contrast to the other side of my life—a man who wears a leather vest, is part of a motorcycle club, and doesn’t have a “proper” job. Reaper never wanted me to be part of the club life. He struggled to even let me be the club doctor. I look back at my jeans. My life with Twitch would be simple if my brother and Mercedez weren’t in the equation.
I put on some makeup before heading to my car. I peek in the visor mirror and force a smile. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s hiding my feelings and pretending to be happy. It’s exhausting, but it wouldn’t be fair to Edward if he thought he was the reason I wasn’t enjoying myself. If the women at the hospital found out about this date, they’d be so jealous. And even though my feelings for Twitch are all over the place, I should be open to giving Edward a chance. Someone like him could make me happy. The truth is, I don’t feel the same spark for Edward that I feel for Twitch. That passion, that electric pull to be near him, to feel his kiss, his touch—it’s not there with Edward.
I drive to the restaurant and park where Edward is standing by his car. Getting out, I feel underdressed. I smile at him. He’s dressed up in a dark navy blue suit that snugly fits him, showing off his broad shoulders.
He steps over to me and shuts my car door. “You’re beautiful.”
My face heats. “You look very handsome.” I kiss his cheek. “I love the suit.”
His lips curve up. “Oh, this old thing.”
I look up at the restaurant. It’s modern, with a wooden deck that wraps around it and big windows. I link my arm in his and we walk up to the restaurant entrance and through the glass door.
He speaks to the waiter, who ushers us outside to our table. The sun is setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The sound of the ocean waves lapping against the shore is soothing.
“It’s spectacular,” I say, taking in the view.
“It is,” he replies. “The view is outstanding, and this restaurant has excellent reviews for the food.”
“Would you like anything to drink?” the waiter asks.
“A glass of sauvignon blanc, please,” I answer.
“And what brand, ma’am?”
“The cheapest is fine, thank you,” I reply with a smile.
“The best one,” Edward interjects.
“It doesn’t have to be expensive,” I protest. I’m easygoing, and I’ve learned that just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it tastes any better.
“I’m paying,” he offers, then looks back at the waiter. “She’ll have the best that you’ve got.”
O-kay. I let it go, and he orders a whiskey on the rocks.
“How have your two days off been?” he asks.
I cringe inwardly at the memory of yesterday. “I went to the clubhouse and saw my brother and his partner. We had a barbecue. It was good to catch up.” I struggle to keep my voice even because I’ve missed them all.
