“Thank goodness the pizza is ready, I’m starved,” he said as I entered the kitchen.
“Do you think we should talk about what happened?” I asked timidly.
He paused. “That wasn’t exactly on the game plan, was it?” He chuckled lightly.
“So,” I started, “does this mean you aren’t worried about ruining our friendship by being together anymore?”
“You’re my best friend, Serenity. One thing led to another tonight, but we don’t have to make a big deal about it or talk about it right now. Let’s eat and have our movie night.” He shot me with a big grin, which I returned.
My insides caved in. I gave him mybody. Myheart. Myeverything. I stared at him in disbelief, holding back the tears threatening to fall. I wouldn’t let him see me cry.
TWENTY
PRESENT
My hands shook on the wheel as I prepared to drive to Grant’s. I took out my phone to let him know I was on my way, but a message from him sat unread.
Grant
Don’t come looking too pretty, I want to be the pretty one tonight.
Me
No promises.
I’m on my way. See you soon.
I had a feeling this date would be the most vulnerable and intimate because we’d be having dinner alone at his place instead of out in a public restaurant. There was still so much I wanted to know about him. I wanted to know him down to hissoul.
I parked my car in front of Grant’s house and approached his door. Before I had the time to even ring the doorbell, the front door flew open. I was the one who was blown away once I saw him. He had a navy-blue button-up shirt with the two top buttons undone: chest hair poking through. He wore snug black jeans, accentuating his toned thighs and ass. His hair had been in a bun or ponytail the last couple of times I’d seen him, but tonight he had his mid-length wavy hair flowing freely, making me weak in the knees.
We stood there staring at each other frozen in time.
“Wow, Serenity. You look… I don’t even have words. Stunning,” he said, moving away from the door to allow me inside.
“You took the words right out of my mouth,” I said with a wink.
“I was trying to be on your level, but you always have the upper hand in the beautiful department.” He grinned widely. “Come on back to the kitchen, food is about ready.”
I followed him to the kitchen. He walked over to the stove, where he began stirring the contents cooking in the pan.
“Make yourself comfortable,” he said, as he brought a garden salad out of the fridge to set on the table.
I took a seat at the dining table. “You really went all out tonight,” I said.
He looked over at me kindly. “Only the best for the best,” he said with a wink. He took a bottle out of the fridge and poured the liquid into two champagne flutes.
“What are you pouring?” I couldn’t see the label on the bottle from where I sat.
“Do you want to take a guess?”
I pondered. “Is it one of those 'healthy' sodas?” I asked, making air quotes around healthy.
He laughed. “No, nothing like that. I knew you liked apple juice, so I hope you also like apple cider. Please tell me you do.”
I smiled big. “I love apple cider, thank you,” I said genuinely.
“I’ll bring us bowls for the salad while the main dish simmers for a few more minutes.” I took a drink of apple cider, and it was simply divine.
