He chuckles. “I can’t say I’d want to listen to that—maybe some Johnny Cash. It’s kind of sexy, though. In its own way.”
Reminding myself that I haven’t had sex in months, I grin and lift a brow. “Yeah? You think that’s sexy?” I lean across the table, flirty and confident, giving him a clear view down my dress. “I haven’t even told you about my record collection yet.”
“Oh, damn,” he says, grin spreading wide. “Yep. That did it. Sealed the deal. I’m definitely taking you home tonight.”
I tip my head back and laugh, then meet his gaze again. Nudging him playfully, I say, “Hmm. I may need some more convincing. Tell me something fun about you.”
“Well,” he starts, “I worked in a recording studio in college…”
My phone buzzes in my purse, and I reach for it on instinct, glancing at the screen as I pull it out.
Damn. Just my mamá.
I send her to voicemail, irritated, then shift my focus back to Alexander, to the furrow deep between his brows. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. That was so rude.” I wince.I can’t believe I just did that.“I’m just… I’m waiting to hear from someone, and it’s kind of important.” I shake my head. “Please continue. I’m listening. You worked at a recording studio in college.” I shift closer, rounding the table, and bump my shoulder lightly against his. “I mean, that alone had me wanting to say yes.”
“Did it?” His gaze locks on mine as he lifts a hand and brushes my hair back. He leans closer.
My phone buzzes again.
I try—I try so hard to ignore it, but my eyes dart toward my purse. Only for a second, but it’s too late.
I broke the moment. Ruined it.
And...
I am officially the world’s worst first date.
I press my lips into a tight line, forcing my eyes to stay on Alexander.
His hand drops, and he gestures toward my purse. “Go on. It’s okay.”
My hands move fast as I pull out my phone. “I’m really, really sorry. I?—”
I freeze. My stomach launches into my throat.
Matt.
I glance at Alexander. At my phone. Back to him. I know he said I could answer—and God, I want to. But I already feel like the worst date in the world.
It takeseverythingin me to send Matt to voicemail.
Instead, I send a text.
Call you back
He thumbs ups the message.
With a resigned sigh, I tuck my phone away. “I apologize for not being a very good date,” I admit. “My head’s just… somewhere else tonight. A friend of mine died two days ago, and the person who just called is dealing with what’s going to happen to his kid. And I adore his kid.”
Alexander’s eyes soften. “I’m so sorry.” He pauses, searching my face. “How ’bout we call it a night? I’ll walk you home or grab you a cab. We can try this again another time.” A small smile curves his lips as he adds, “If you want.”
Wow.He’s really nice. And quite honestly, I don’t know if I deserve that kind of grace right now.
I smile, guilt and relief rushing in all at once. “I think I’d like that.”
“Yeah? Alright. Let’s go, then.”
He walks me through the lounge toward the elevator. The ride down is quiet, and I’m counting down the seconds until I can call Matt back. My stomach’s tight and knotted with worry. I just need to hear his voice and for him to tell me everything with Cole is going to be okay.
