We had a lovely date and I relaxed a lot more after a few drinks, but I tried not to lead him on. There was no kiss at the end of the night unless you count a peck on the cheek.
Fraser gets out of the car and retrieves the biggest, most beautiful arrangement of white roses and lilies I’ve ever seen from his back seat.
Connie breathes out a whistle and turns to me. “Something tells me he likes you.”
“Shit. What am I going to do? Four dates are enough to know I’m not feeling it, surely. I mean, I’ve tried. I really have, but he just doesn’t do it for me.”
She raises her brow. “Then perhaps you should be honest and tell him the truth, except maybe a little less direct.”
“Oh, God. I hate being in this situation. He’s a lovely man.”
“But if you’re not feeling it, you’re not feeling it.”
I narrow my eyes towards her. “How are you so wise for someone so young?”
“I’m not wise. It just makes sense,” she says, shrugging her shoulders.
“Yes, you’re right.” I nod with some determination. “I’ve got to be honest with him, otherwise this could drag on forever.”
Connie turns around, pointing her thumb towards the door. “I’ll grab the boys and get out of your hair as soon as we can.”
“Thank you,” I say, taking in a deep breath and blowing it out as I straighten my blouse.
I head to the hall, plaster a smile on my face, and open the door. “Good morning.”
“Hey there,” he beams. He looks good in blue jeans, a cream linen jacket, and a white shirt. He’s also well doused inaftershave, which I can almost taste in the air. I smile towards him, and I’m about to ask if he’d like to come inside, but from nowhere, he leans in and scoops me into his arms. His mouth is open and fully on mine before I can get my head around what’s happening and I find I’ve got no choice but to wait until he’s done kissing me. Oh God, this is a nightmare.
Finally, he steps back, but his smile drops slightly, and I look away while discreetly trying to dry the edges of my mouth. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I also don’t want his lips on me either. He’s a good-looking man, just not for me. There’s no spark. No chemistry. No butterflies.
Yet, Tommy gives me all those things and more.STOP.
I try to gather my thoughts together as an awkward silence fills the space between us for a few seconds.
“Um, these are for you.” He hands me the giant bouquet.
“Oh, wow. Thank you, Fraser. That’s lovely of you, but what are they for?”
“Just a thank you for last night. I had a great time.”
I clear my throat. “Would you like to come in for a cuppa?” I should tell him now, but not on the doorstep.
“Yeah, great.”
He follows me to the kitchen and, just as we enter, the boys come screaming past with Connie close behind. “Indoor voices please, boys,” she says, then smiles at Fraser. “Hello again.”
“Hi there.” He smiles back, but when his eyes glance down at the kids, his lips form a line. I wonder if he feels uncomfortable around them. There’s only one way to find out.
I crouch down in front of the boys, flowers still in hand. “This is my son, Josh, and this is Ozzie,” I say looking up, then briefly back to the boys. “Okay, you two. First, say hello to Fraser.”
They both turn around. “Hello, Fraser,” they say in unison. Fraser half waves and his mouth sets in a slanted smile. Yep. I’m right. He doesn’t know what to say to them. Surely, he can manage a simple hello.
The boys turn back to me after a short awkward moment. “Okay, you two, behave today. No ganging up on Connie.”
Josh giggles, playing with a flower petal from the bouquet, while Oz nods vigorously. “Okay then, off you go.”
I grab Josh by the hand, swing him back, and kiss the top of his head before he runs off. From nowhere, Oz launches himself into my arms. I nearly topple backwards, but his little gesture has stolen my heart. “Bye, Angie,” he says, then toddles off, taking Connie’s hand.
“Good luck,” Connie mouths, making sure Fraser isn’t looking.
