Grayson dissolves into husky, easy laughter. He shakes his head and rests his forearms on the table, leaning closer. Our drinks have been pushed aside now, abandoned in our conversation.
“A lab, huh? I always wanted a dog growing up,” Grayson murmurs wistfully, his dark eyes taking on a faraway look for a second. “My parents wouldn’t have it, though. They aren’t animal people, which says everything you need to know about them. Give George a treat for me when you get home?”
I assure him I will just as his phone rings sharply. He sighs and checks his cell before lifting his enchanting gaze back to me.
“That’s my cue. I’ve got to run. I guess it’s my turn to vanish.”
I wink and hold up a playfully lecturing finger. “The difference is that you’re saying goodbye. That doesn’t count as vanishing.”
Grinning, Grayson slides out of the booth and grabs his briefcase along with the book he stashed inside when we first sat down. Instead of walking away, he leans down so that he’s bent over me, his hand pressed against the back of the seat near my face. He’s so close that when he speaks, the heat of his breath drifts over my cheek, sending a wave of goosebumps down the side of my neck.
“What if I don’t say goodbye then?” he asks in a low, playful voice that’s almost a growl.
It’s only when my lungs start screaming for air that I realize I’m holding my breath. I don’t have it in me to even respond.
Fortunately, he doesn’t wait for me to answer. “La Chanterelle. Let me take you out, Kali. I didn’t get a real answer last time and it nearly drove me crazy. I have to try again.”
I shake my head, but it isn’t until his face falls that I finally remember how to speak.
“Not La Chanterelle,” I say softly. “How about Franco’s Burgers instead?”
He blinks hard, seeming as stunned that I’d finally agreed to go out with him as he was that I’d suggested a burger shack. “Franco’s? That tiny place on the beach?”
“They’re dog friendly. George and I can both go. I have to make sure he approves, after all.” I grin again, hoping my reason for avoiding a fancy restaurant sounds convincing.
At La Chanterelle, we would definitely be spotted by some G&G fans, and the veil of secrecy I have over my identity would be yanked away. At Franco’s, no one will notice us, especially at night. It’s a cozy little place that not many people know about, and it’ll be a perfect evening getaway for George, Grayson, and me. Besides, they have seriously good burgers.
He grins. “It’s a date.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card with his name and number. “Text me your address and I’ll pick you up at seven sharp.”
“It’s a date,” I repeat, hardly able to believe it.
Grayson walks backward toward the café door, his eyes locked on me the whole time.
When he finally disappears into the late day crowd of people outside, I don’t know whether to scream with excitement or trepidation.
I’ve finally got a date with the man of my dreams—but he has no idea who I really am.
CHAPTER SIX
“Sutton! Liv!” I call the second I throw open the door of the house and rush inside.
When they have the nerve not to respond right that very instant, I shout for my besties again as loudly as I can. All the while, George leaps and barks at my feet even when I offer him some zealous pats. My exhilaration, apparently, is contagious.
I’m going on a date.
A date!
My dream life just got even dreamier.
“Kali! I’m live on Insta right now!” Sutton whines from our sunlit studio down the hall. “Sorry, Glammers, my roomie is demanding some attention right now. Remember those tips I gave you on choosing the right fit for your denim jeans and stay tuned. We have lots of fun announcements coming up. Mwah!”
I hear Sutton noisily smack her lips for the camera. A moment later, she and Liv emerge from the room to look at me with bewildered expressions.
I ruffle George’s head one more time and then beam at them.
“I did it,” I announce breathlessly
Both of my BFFs continue staring blankly at me.
