My imagination starts to go down a very filthy path. I rein it in firmly, but not before arousal floods my body.
Oh goddess. Now I’m really getting ahead of myself. We haven’t even been on a date yet. He said friends, for flips sake.
But he did say he was interested in more.
My phone pings and vibrates in my pocket. I jump so hard I nearly levitate. I pull it out and stare at the screen.
One notification. From Flyn. Three little words.
‘Dinner tomorrow night?’
Oh my goddess.
Chapter four
Flyn
I’m standing outside a restaurant, my foot tapping a nervous rhythm on the pavement. Hopefully, I don’t look too crazy.
The cozy Italian place looks warm and inviting, lit up by soft golden lights, a perfect little spot for dinner. Too perfect, maybe. A bit too intimate.
What was I thinking, choosing this place? The candlelit tables, the intimate booths. Hell, even the way the wine list feels more like a seduction than a menu. It’s all just so… romantic. But I didn’t think about any of that when I picked it. I just wanted somewhere nice for us to talk. Somewhere where we’d actually be able to hear each other speak. I didn’t want to make it awkward, but I also don’t want to come off too eager. Is this too eager?
I glance at my phone, but Jade hasn’t messaged yet. He’s always been punctual, though. Still, it’s hard not to worry. What if he gets here and thinks I’ve set this up as a date? What if he gets the wrong idea, or worse, thinks I’m trying too hard?
I’m overthinking this, I know.
A few people pass by, and I glance up at the streetlights. I straighten my shirt, run a hand through my hair, and then shove my hands into my pockets. If I don’t stop fidgeting, I’ll just make myself more anxious. I can’t even remember the last time I felt this nervous. It’s like a schoolboy crush all over again.
And then I see him.
Jade walks towards me, as effortlessly cool as I remember. His short blonde hair looks perfect, like it always does, styled with that just-got-out-of-bed vibe that somehow works for him. He’s wearing his usual pair of oversized sunglasses, probably to avoid the attention he always attracts. He’s a better man than me. If I was as stunning as him, I’d lap that shit up. I’d flaunt it and use it in evil ways to get everything I’ve ever wanted.
But Jade hides his looks. And he doesn’t let it go to his head. He is beautiful and not at all a jerk about it. He is the very opposite. Shy, sweet, humble. He really is incredible.
His bright green eyes peek over the glasses as he gets closer, and that nervous flutter I’ve been trying to suppress rushes back again. I smile anyway, doing my best to act like it’s no big deal, even though inside, my heart’s beating a little faster.
“Hey,” I say, my voice maybe a little higher than usual.
“Hey,” Jade replies, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he stops in front of me. “Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare.”
I shake my head. “You’re right on time. You know me, I’m just early to everything.”
Jade gives me a smirk that makes my stomach flip. “I figured.”
We stand there for a beat, the cool evening air brushing against our skin, and I suddenly realize that I have no idea what to say next. “So,” I start, then pause, unsure of what I was going to say. “You look good.”
It’s a stupid thing to say, but it’s the truth. He looksreallygood. Even in a simple black hoodie and jeans, he’s effortlessly handsome. Damn, I really need to get a grip. Fawning over him is the last thing he needs. I know he doesn’t enjoy it.
“Thanks,” he says, sliding his sunglasses off and folding them in his hands. He looks me up and down. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
“Not bad for a guy who spends most of his time looking like a slob, huh?” I grin, trying to keep it casual. I’m so relieved I haven’t pissed him off by commenting on hislooks.
Jade chuckles. “You look great, Flyn. Let’s go inside before they think we’re standing here to advertise the place.”
I laugh, relieved at the ease between us. He doesn’t seem uncomfortable, which makes me feel a bit better. We walk into the restaurant, the warm, rustic smell of Italian food welcoming us in. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had a proper dinner with someone.A dinner like this.Casual, but not so casual that it feels like I’m not putting any effort into it.
The hostess seats us at a little table near the window, and I pull out the chair for Jade, trying to look smooth. I think I fail, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
