“Yes, please, that would be great,” Braden answers.
While the waiter talks about the various cheeses and meats, my mind spins. With him showing up like this, I wonder more than ever what’s happening. Is this a booty call or an actual date? I can’t figure him out. He’s always been easy to read, so to speak—out for one thing and one thing only. But we already did that. And he certainly doesn’t need to travel a thousand miles for sex. Braden could have any woman he wanted.
Unless he’s hoping to share me again, since I bet most women are averse to that. That’s probably it. I’m so stupid for thinking anything else. I wonder if he brought Warren along and is buttering me up for later when we go to his room where Warren is waiting. Not that I’m even considering going to his room.
This is so fucked up. Why am I letting myself be played like this? I’m spiraling, so I reach for my glass, needing some liquid courage to give him a piece of my mind—or to stop from continuing down this rabbit hole.
When the waiter leaves, Braden immediately realizes my shift in attitude and calls me out.
“Hey, what happened? Are you upset I’m here?”
“No. I just can’t figure out why you asked me to dinner. Is Warren with you? Were you hoping for round two?”
“Shit, that’s what you think? God.” He sits up straight and runshis hand through his hair with a loud sigh. “Fuck, no. That won’t happen again. I mean, yeah, it was hot, but no—you’re…” He shakes his head. “I won’t be sharing you. I came to spend time together… get to know one another.”
“But why?”
He looks straight at me in complete seriousness. “Because I like you.”
My head jerks back in shock. “Seriously? But you’re constantly telling me what a mouse I am. Obviously, you’re way out of my league. Plus, we don’t even live near each other. What’s the point?” He’s got to be playing me. He can’t be interested in anything more than sex.
“Dammit, I have a lot to remedy.” He drops his head before looking up with remorse. “You may have been mousy when we first met, but in all fairness, I came on pretty strong. The nickname stuck, but only as an endearment because you’re cute. It’s not meant to be derogatory. I’m sorry you’ve been taking it like that. I won’t use it anymore if you want.”
“No, it’s fine now that you explained it.” I don’t have a chance to say anything else as he continues.
“And as for being out of your league—you’re crazy. I’d say you’re out of mine. And yeah, we don’t live in the same city, but… I don’t know… I can’t stop thinking about you.” He grabs the back of his neck and pulls. “I’m not sure what this is, but I’d like to explore what it could be if you’re willing to give me a shot.”
I don’t know what to say. This is the most nonsexual conversation we’ve had, and it’s taking me off guard. I’ve sort of grown fond of flirty Braden, and I certainly can’t complain about the orgasms he delivers. But maybe he could be more. Do I want that?
I’m silent for too long.
“I’ve completely freaked you out, haven’t I?” he asks.
“No. I’m just processing.” I take a sip of my drink for something to do while I think. He silently watches, patiently waiting for an answer.
Finally, after a slow inhale, I take the plunge. “I’m open to that idea, but after this weekend, I’m not sure how it’s even possible with the distance issue.”
“How about we worry about that when we need to? For now, let’s pretend we don’t live miles away.” He points to the dish in the middle of the table. “We should probably give this a try. But first, a new toast,” he lifts his glass and holds it out. “Cheers to possibilities.”
Clinking mine with his, I repeat the words, smiling shyly, before we each take a sip and then dig into the cheese tray.
This is so weird. I didn’t think of Braden as more than a fleeting moment. I figured we’d have some fun with book club and sexting, then go our merry way. But it sounds like he’s serious about exploring more, which seems so far-fetched.
Plus, I’m already talking to Owen, and I don’t know if I’m willing to throw that away for something on the brink of impossible. Would Braden expect me to? I’m too inexperienced with this stuff to know. And I can’t ask Cici for advice since it’s about Braden. That would be weird, considering her husband is friends with him, but I could probably have Matt weigh in.
I’m so deep in thought that I’m startled when he reaches for my hand. “What are you thinking about?”
The appetizer only bought so much time.
“I guess I’m confused. I thought we were keeping it casual, but now you’re… wanting to date me?” The need for clarification seems crucial.
“Honestly, I don’t exactly know what I’m asking for, but I’d like to see what happens.”
Well, at least I’m not the only unsure one.
With a glass of champagne in our systems, the conversation starts to flow more freely, and soon, we’re deep into discussing our families. Learning about his childhood, I understand why he’s so driven in life. It’s impressive how far he’s come after starting with nothing.
His resistance to relationships makes more sense after hearingwhat happened with his parents, not to mention his career choice. With each bit of information, I’m beginning to piece together who he is and why.
