"Exactly." He reached out and tapped my nose gently. "So why waste it in a dusty school hall when we can be out having a delicious meal? Maybe some wine." He waggled his brows in an exaggerated attempt to appear seductive.
Since the reunion was in two days, I knew tomorrow would be the last night we would be alone together. I was beginning to dread not being able to see Harrison again—in a private capacity.
As my mom suggested, I was getting to know the man he was today—and I enjoyed this new version of Harrison very much. Almost too much.
Witty. Funny. Charming. Kind. Mature. He was the complete opposite of what he had been. I knew change happened when you grew up, but in my mind, Harrison had permanently been frozen in time as the cruel bully who had made my life hell.
Now, getting to know Harrison as a man, I could see flashes of the sweet boy he used to be—mixed in with the strong, sexy, flirtatious man he was now.
"So this dinner, it would be…"
"A date," he confirmed without hesitation. His eyes challenged me to argue. "No bullshit, Gracie, it will definitely be a date. So if you agree to dinner, just know that I'm looking at it romantically. I will pick you up, I will pay the bill, and I will try to steal a kiss at the end of the night." He leaned back in his chair. "Ball's in your court, sweetheart. What's your answer?"
It wouldn't be wise to say yes. Ishouldtell him no and skip tomorrow's meet-up since it was clear we really didn't need to discuss any more details of the reunion. Ishouldjust firmly tell him that I would see him at the reunion and then the wedding before bidding him adieu.
That's what Ishouldbe saying. Instead, I said the only thing I wanted to say.
"Yes."
CHAPTER 10
"He'shere!"Ameliasquealed,bouncing her petite body on the couch as she unashamedly peered out the window.
"Jesus, I think he heard you, too."
"I'm just so excited!" She gushed. "Iknewyou two would hook up." She rubbed her hands together like an evil villain.
I smoothed my dress down with a shaky hand. Shit, I was nervous. I was more nervous than when I sat my final exam and infinitely more nervous than when I interviewed at my current job. God, I was even more nervous than the night I lost my virginity. But unlike that night, I hoped tonight wouldn't end in an anti-climax.
I checked myself one last time in the mirror hanging above the fireplace. I had sweet-talked the details out of Harrison, so I already knew he was taking me to Soul Bistro. It was basically one step up from Bobbi's Cafe and one step down from Gina's Italian Kitchen. It was perfect. I didn't want fancy, but I didn't want to go to Bobbi's, where I lunched and brunched nearly every day.
Soul was smart-casual, so I wore a moss-green floral button-down dress that I had packed as an option for one of Amelia's many bridal events. The buttons ended on my upper thighs, so there was a sexy peek-a-boo slit running down the length of the dress, ending just below my knees. I teamed it with nude strappy heels and matching nude-colored crescent-shaped earrings.
"Honey, you look fantastic!" Amelia gushed just as Harrison rapped on the door.
She gave a silent squeal, jumping up and down in excitement.
I rolled my eyes, but they were also bubbling with enjoyment. I had to admit, Amelia's elation was contagious, and I was pretty darned excited myself.
I took a deep breath and opened the door, my breath hitching as I prepared myself for the hotness that was Harrison O'Connor.
He did not disappoint.
Dressed in white chino pants and a dark navy short-sleeved button-up shirt, Harrison oozed male model sexiness and sophistication. On his feet were brown shoes that matched his brown belt. His thick hair was styled more carefully than usual, yet it retained that ruffled look.
Belatedly, I realized that I was gawking at him like an idiot. Red-faced, I turned away, but not before I noticed his own slow appraisal of me. And if I weren't mistaken, given his clenched jaw and frozen expression, I'd bet my bottom dollar he loved what he saw.
I pushed my shoulders back. "Let me grab my purse, then we can jet. I wanna get out of here before Mama Amelia makes us pose for pictures."
Harrison laughed and stuck his head through the door.
"Hey, future Mrs Byrne. You doin' good?"
"Not as good as Grace will be tonight. You better not have her home before 8 AM!"
"For fucks sake, Amelia!" I grabbed my purse off the couch and hustled Harrison quickly out the door.
"Bye, kids, be safe." Her cackle echoed behind us.
