“Wow. I can’t remember the last time I dressed up,” I state, picking up my phone from the dresser. “Should I leave my hair down?”
“Hmmm. I think half up, half down would look best. Especially with some hoops!”
I take her advice and sweep the front part of my hair into a clip at the back of my head. I pull out a few pieces in the front to hide the harsh dark roots peeking out at the edge of my hairline. I really need to get my hair done, but that isn’t at the top of my priorities right now.
While I attempt to freshen up my makeup, I see the time out of the corner of my eye and curse under my breath.
“Oh, crap. I better get going. Thanks, Wren. Love you!”
“Love you, Em. Have a great time, and call me tomorrow with an update.”
My finger hits the end button, and Wren disappears from my phone screen. I quickly dump all my necessities into a smaller purse that doesn’t screamI’m a momand head for the door.
As I’m opening the door, I’m met with Henry’s frame filling up the small space on my porch. His hand in a fist, getting ready to knock, but it seems like I beat him to it.
He drops his hand down to his side, and his entire body remains still. It’s quick, but I notice the way his eyebrows raise behind his glasses and how he forces his eyes to stay glued to mine.
The way his lips curl into an innocent, buttery, soft smirk sends a jolt of warmth to my core, making me feel confidentin a way that’s been lying dormant for years. I finally understood what Wren meant when she said Blake gives her butterflies. It is something you truly don’t understand until you experience it.
“Hi,” I croak, breaking the silence.
“Are you ready?” he questions, reaching behind his neck to scratch a hidden itch nervously.
“Yep,” I respond before joining him on the tiny porch.
Henry steps back to give me room while I lock my door. I can feel the heat radiating off him from inches away. I swallow cautiously and attempt to focus on the simple task of turning a key. It’s hard to do when I can feel his eyes searing into my body.
When I finally hear the click of confirmation, I turn around to find Henry’s gaze lower than it was moments ago. A feeling of triumph begins to manifest. Henry’s eyes snap up to mine when he notices me turning around. He covers up his traveling stare with a friendly smile.
His smile lingers as he steps aside, letting me move past him. The air between us feels charged, and for a moment, I think he’s going to say something. Instead, he shifts his weight, glancing at the porch, deciding his next move.
“So,” he says, breaking the spell. “Ready to head out?”
I nod, not trusting my voice just yet, and follow him to the driveway.
"I’m kind of excited for tonight. I feel like I haven’t gone out in a long time. The last time I stepped foot in a bar was the night I met you.”
Henry glances over his shoulder. “I remember,” he says quietly. “I think it will be fun. And your drinks are on me tonight. I owe you for today.”
“You don’t owe me anything,” I reply, trying not to sound too eager.
He lets out a low, rich laugh. “Let’s agree to disagree.”
“I can drive if you want.”
“No, that’s fine. I can drive,” Henry declares.
“Okay,” I reply hesitantly while following him to his Prius. “Do you know where we’re going?”
“It’s a brewery on the outskirts of town. Knox said it’s called Whistle & Barrel Brewing Co. Do you know it?”
“Yes,” I smile. If it was within a twenty-mile radius, I knew about it. Wren and I weren’t big fans of IPAs, so we rarely went to the brewery unless Blake wanted to go.
“Perfect. You can be my GPS then.” He winks.
I coolly respond with another friendly smile and wait for him to move so I can open the passenger-side door. Unexpectedly, Henry reaches behind him and opens the door for me. Thankfully, he’s not close enough to hear my heart banging against my chest. I reach for the words to thank him, but they are caught in my throat.
Finally, I muster up a thank you, and Henry nods before closing the door behind me and walking to the other side of the car.
