“I-I actually need help with my homework. Would that be, o-okay?” He seemed so shy, his eyes darting from Cash to me and back. I nodded my head and went to leave, giving them some space, some guy time.
“Please,” Cash started, looking like he was way more disappointed that I was leaving than he was about doing high school homework again. That made me feel good, and he looked adorable.
So I switched gears.
“I’m going to whip up some snacks to bring back over for you guys,” I smiled at them and headed for my apartment. Vivienne gave me a death glare at the elevator before stepping in. I rolled my eyes and went into my apartment.
In the whole six months that he’d been courting me and we’d been building our friendship, he’d been denying her advances. He’d even talked to me about it, promising that he’d ask for another little brother if I would feel more comfortable with it.
I didn’t want to ruin the bond the two of them had.
“Name’s Cash, reservation for two,” his deep, smooth voice pulled me out of the memory. He smiled down at me, and I smiled back before turning to follow the hostess as she led us through the restaurant and showed us to our little table for two out on the beautiful patio connected to the side. My face was blushing furiously, because tonight, there was a tension in the air.
It was so thick, I could practically feel it.
The night was clear and beautiful, a little chilly, but there were heaters out, and the lights they had hung above the seating set a very romantic atmosphere. Tonight was definitely different. Cash ordered us a bottle of Reisling, and I placed an order for an appetizer to share.
Catching his eyes after the waitress walked away, I could tell. This was going to be the longest dinner of my whole freaking life.
We made small talk. About the weather, how work was going. He let me know that he’d seen Eddie at work a few days ago as he was leaving Clint’s office after lunch.
“With the way his hair was messed up and his shirt was misbuttoned,” he raised his eyebrows in a knowing way, “It looked like they were having agrandole time.” I felt my face scrunch, and Cash just laughed. “Eddie is definitely ready for people to know about them. Clint is slowly moving his way out to everyone. It’s slow, but…your brother’s good for him.”
I watched the thoughtful, caring look on his face. He was seeing something I hadn’t seen, happiness oozing from his face.
“I’m happy. That your ex fucked up. It brought a friend someone who genuinely cares about him. And…it brought me you.” His eyes bore into mine, vulnerability shining through, followed by hopefulness and love.
“I’m not sending him a thank you.”
Pfft!
I loved the way he threw his head back laughing with a reckless abandon, like we were the only two out here.
“Fine,” he chuckled, “But we’re going to send him an invite.”
“To what?”
“Our wedding. Cause I’m going to make you mine, in every way I can think of.” My breath hitched, feeling a sense of love and lust looking low in my belly. He reached across the table and picked up my hand like it was the most delicate flower.
“Starting tonight, if you’ll allow me,” he raised my hand, kissed the back of it, and waited for my answer.
That was when it hit me.
Waiting.
That’s what he’d been doing. For months. He’d been waiting for me.
“How soon can we get home?” I asked as I drug my eyes from where our hands were connected, my his arm and down his body before settling on his eyes and biting my lip. I saw the way his jaw flinched, the way his shoulders tightened like he wanted to throw me over his shoulder right now.
As if he was about to, my stomach rumbled.
Instantly killing the heat between us. The waitress came back with our appetizer and wine. I was determined to make sure his mind was as far in the gutter as mine was tonight.
Tonight would be different.
I was prepared tonight.
Eddie had set up battery-operated candles all over my apartment, put freaking flower petals on the floor leading to my bedroom, the whole nine yards, the whole shebang.
