“Wait, what’s happening?” She looks at me and I hold my hand out.
“You’re coming with me.”
“B-but…wait.” She looks around the crowded restaurant and I’m sure there are people watching, but I don’t give a shit.
I grab her phone and lean in close to her. “You are going to get your cute ass up and come on a real date with me. We’re going to start over, and you’re going to like it.”
She stares at me with wide eyes as I swipe open her phone and see the group text she was on going crazy. I sigh as I type out my message.
Me: This is Dash Belmont and this is my number. I’m taking Brooklyn to dinner, and then I’m bringing her home at midnight. I’m sharing her location and mine too. She’s going to be with me until I bring her home and then she can respond to you. Until then, have a good night.
I turn her phone on silent and tuck it into my pocket with my own cell.
“Get up.” I hold out my hand once again and she blinks a few times. “Now.”
With that one word she pops out of her chair like she sat on a porcupine and slips her small hand in mine. Without a word I pull her behind me as I make my way through the now-silent restaurant. No doubt we put on quite the show for them, but I’m hoping everyone got a look at the stunning woman on my arm. Now they’ll all remember she’s with me, and that puts a smile on my face.
My driver is by the curb, and when he sees me he comes running around to the side of the car. I hold my hand up and shake him off.
“We’re going to walk,” I say as I nod back to the restaurant. “The food should be out in just a second. Get the creme brûlée and meet us in the park.” I look over at Brooklyn and then back to the driver. “Near the zoo.”
“Will do, sir.” He nods as he goes into the restaurant and I tighten my grip on Brooklyn’s hand.
“Are your feet okay in those shoes?” I look down at the little flats and think about just carrying her.
“I’m literally in yoga pants and flats. I think I can manage a stroll through the park.” She tries to tug her hand from mine, but I end up entwining our fingers so she can’t.
“I’m afraid you’re going to run.” I look over at her and smile as we cross the street and walk down to the next block where the park entrance is.
“You’re probably right. I don’t even know you,” I hear her huff as I slow my pace next to her.
“It looked like you did from that group chat.” She brushes her hair out of her face and I can see the blush on her cheeks.
“Oh, um, that was nothing.”
“Hmm.” I decide not to dig too deep on that response. “Is Brooklyn what everyone calls you?”
“Yeah, and you’re Dash.” She fights a smile and looks away as we walk into the park.
“What’s your favorite animal?” I nod toward the park and she smiles, but this time she doesn’t try to hide it.
“Definitely the sloths.”
“Because they like to sleep?” I chuckle, and she nods.
“They are just so chill. They like being cozy and I really respect that.”
“I can tell.” I look over at her sweatshirt and raise an eyebrow.
“Oh, so yeah, about that?—”
“I wish I would have worn one.”
“Really? You don’t strike me as the sweats and chill kind of guy.”
The sun shines through the canopy of trees and I see streaks of auburn in her dark hair. “I wear a suit for the office, but I hate it.”
“That doesn't sound like fun. Why work somewhere doing something you hate?”
