“No, I’ll walk you,” he whispers near my ear, causing goose bumps to breakout across my skin.
“Fine,” I mutter because I don’t want to cause a scene in front of Miss Alice. I’m sure she likes me, but I’m not so sure she would like me to ruin the chances of her having great grandchildren when I ‘accidentally’ kick him in the nuts. She doesn’t say anything as we leave. She just waves goodbye with a face-splitting smile. Oh, if she only knew.
“Come on, Beast. Asher is walking us out,” I say, and then bite my tongue. I really need to work on not talking to my dog in front of people. Once out the door, I pull my elbow from his grip. “Look, I’m sorry. I had no idea that she is your grandma. I just bring Beast here to see anyone who wants the company. I watched a show on TV about animals visiting with people in hospitals and nursing homes; it said howmuch joy it brought them. I figured I’d give it a try. I have a beautiful dog who loves attention, so why not, you know.”
Asher’s not saying anything and I realize I’m rambling. Crap. “So we’re just gonna go.” I turn to leave, but he grabs my hand, pulling me back.
“Hey, not so fast. You just surprised me. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, I really like your grandma and she likes Beast, so if you just tell me the days you’re gonna come, I’ll make sure not to show up then.”
“That’s not gonna work for me.”
“Okay,” I say, feeling my shoulders slump. “Well, have a good day.”And don’t fall off a cliff.I say under my breath as I turn to walk off again.
“Meet me tonight,” he says and I know that I must have heard him wrong. His rough voice and his southern accent are making it hard to concentrate on what he is saying. I swear I heard him wrong. I look over my shoulder.
“What?” I ask, scrunching my nose.
“You, me, tonight, beer, a game of pool?”
“Um...” Nope, didn’t hear him wrong. I look around to make sure that it’s still just me and him in the parking lot.
“It’s just a beer,” he says, smiling.
“You’re kind of a jerk,” I tell him. It’s something he probably hears all the time.
“I can be, but it’s still just a beer, November.” The way he says my name makes me think this is a lot more than just a beer and a game of pool. Plus, when a guy admits that they are a jerk, is that really a good thing? “Just meet me at the Stumble In at seven,” he says, taking a step closer to me. All of a sudden, I can feel the heat from his body, smell the scent of his cologne, and I can finally make out the color of his eyes.
“Light blue with gold flecks,” I mumble to myself. My lips part and my eyes glaze over. All my senses are on overload.
“Pardon?” he asks and I realize I just said that aloud.
“Nothing,” I mumble, still staring at him. I realize that I probablylook like an idiot so I take a step back. He smiles, revealing one perfect dimple and I know in that moment that I am so screwed. Crap!
“Meet me at seven,” he repeats, taking a step closer to me. His hand comes up, moving my hair to behind my ear, and I’m totally lost. Just floating away in a hot-guy fog.
“Um...” I blink, trying to pull myself together. “Okay, seven,” I say, wondering what the heck just happened. The words are out and I need to get away from him and his Jedi mind tricks. I turn to go but am tugged back. I almost fall on my butt when I turn my head and see Asher squat down to pet Beast.
“Alright, babe. Seven. See you then.” His smile gets bigger, like he knows something I don’t. He stands from his squatting position and winks. I turn around because I need to go; go before I throw myself at him and ask him to help me give Miss Alice great grandbabies.
“Come on, Beast.” I tug on his leash, but he wants to stay with Asher. “I know the feeling, boy,” I whisper.
WALKING INTO MY dad’s house, I’m assaulted by the smell of garlic and butter. I stop in my tracks when I realize he’s home. “Crap,” I whisper to myself. Dad’s home. Of course, he’s home. We have dinner together every night. I try to act normal as I walk into the kitchen. My dad is standing in front of the stove, wearing an apron that looks like a girl in a bikini. I start laughing. “Hey, now. What’s so funny?” he asks, smiling.
“Nothing, Daddy,” I say, giggling.
“I’ll have you know that your uncle got this for me.”
“I’m sure he did,” I say, smirking. Uncle Joe is a funny guy.
“Well, I like it. I look hot,” he says, holding his hands out to his sides.
“That you do,” I agree, shaking my head. “So what are we having?” I ask, hopping up on the counter.
“Shrimp Alfredo, garlic bread, and salad.”
“Yum. Sounds good. I’m leaving at six thirty to head to the StumbleIn,” I say, glad that it sounds casual.
