The Difference

by Kaylee Ryan

  “What did you expect?”

  “Honestly, I’m not sure, but this wasn’t it. It’s super fancy. I feel completely out of place.”

  Leaning in so only she can hear me, I say. “Take a good look around, Addy. Really look. Every man in this room has his eyes on you.”

  She looks up at me. “Funny, the only man I notice is you.”

  Warmth floods my chest at her words. Finally. I pull her closer and kiss her forehead. It’s not what I want, but it will have to do for now. Until I can get her alone and kiss the hell out of her. “Come on, you. Let’s go find Justin and Harper.”

  It doesn’t take long for us to find them standing on the opposite side of the room. “Addyson.” Harper pulls her from my arms and into a hug. “Girl, you look hot,” she says, releasing her and motioning with her hands for her to turn in a circle. Addyson obliges, even striking a pose.

  “Your turn,” Addyson says, doing the same to Harper who hams it up just as much.

  “Didn’t think you were going to make it,” Justin says from beside me.

  “Yeah, traffic,” I lie.

  “Justin, will you take a picture of us?” Harper asks, pulling her phone out of her small purse.

  “Mine too,” Addyson says, handing me her phone.

  We take a few shots and then trade off. They take some of us and we take some of them. I’m already making a mental note to have one of the many they took of us printed and framed. I’m not much on pictures, not really, but this one is different. Addyson is different.

  “You send your mom a picture?” She’d told me in the car on the way over that her mom helped her pick out the dress. I slide my phone back in my pocket waiting for her answer. The last thing I want to do is stand here staring at my phone all night, not when I finally got her to agree to go out with me. This is our first official date. Anything that’s not Addyson can wait.

  “No, but I will.” She pulls her phone back out of her purse and types out a message. She smiles and turns the screen to me.

  * * *

  Mom: Handsome! When can I meet him?

  * * *

  “Sounds like our mothers are one and the same.”

  “She’s cheering for you. For us, I guess,” she says, placing her phone back in her purse. She seems to be very interested in her shoes. I know it’s her confession that has her eyes on anything but me.

  I wait for her to look at me. “That means you talked about me? About us?” I don’t bother trying to hide my grin.

  She shrugs. “A little.”

  I slide my arm around her waist and move in close to her. “Good.” I drop a kiss to her temple, letting my actions speak for me.

  I feel her body relax against me. “So what’s the deal? How’s this night supposed to go?” she questions, changing the subject.

  “This is cocktail hour,” I explain. “It gives everyone time to arrive and look at the auction items. It’s a silent auction. Then we take our seats for dinner. The owner of my firm, Robert, makes a speech. Then there’s dessert, more drinks, dancing, and then we go home.”

  “So they’re raising money for the American Cancer Society?”

  “Yeah, Robert lost both of his parents to cancer. This charity is close to him. He and his wife started this event about fifteen years ago. It gets bigger and better every year.”

  “And you’ve always brought your mom?”

  “Yep. I was an intern in my first year and didn’t want to risk bringing a date who could potentially ruin things for me. You never know how people are going to act once they get around people with money and alcohol. Anyway, I asked Mom to go, and she was thrilled. We’ve made it our tradition.”

  “That’s sweet of you.”

  “Shh, don’t tell anyone. I don’t need word getting out. I’m kind of trying to impress this girl, and well, I don’t need anyone in my way.”

  “Must be some girl.” She shakes her head with a smile playing on her lips.

  “You are.” I hold her stare, causing her to blush.

  “Let’s go check out the auction.” She steps away but grabs my hand and leads me to the row of tables filled with items. I don’t hide my grin. She reached for me. This time it’s she who’s dragging me away, and I couldn’t be happier. This night has been good for us. For the first time, deep in my gut, I feel like there is an us.

  The night rolls on, and it feels like time is flying by. I’m usually watching the clock, waiting for a respectable time to leave. Tonight, I’m still watching the clock, but it’s with the hope that time is slowing down. I’m not ready for my time with her to end. Justin and Harper are seated at our table, as well as Robert and his wife, Cecelia, and their two daughters, and their husbands. The food is great, and the company even better.

  Once the dinner plates are taken away and the dessert carts have been wheeled around, the music is turned up and the dancing begins. “Dance with me,” I whisper in her ear.

  “You asking?” She raises an eyebrow.

  “I’m telling you that I need my body aligned with yours on that dance floor. I can’t be held responsible for my actions if I have to wait a minute longer,” I counter.

  Cecelia leans over and whispers, “Honey, you better get out there.”

  “Lucas!” Addy’s eyes widen.

  I shrug. “I’m not ashamed,” I say, pushing back from the table, standing and offering her my hand.

  “He’s a good one,” Cecelia says, not bothering to lower her voice.

  “He has his moments.” Addy places her hand in mine and lets me help her to her feet. We reach the dance floor and I pull her into my arms. Her hands rest just behind my neck as we sway to the beat.

  “Thank you for this, for tonight. I’ve had a great time.” Her cheeks are still a slight shade of red from her earlier embarrassment, or should I say amusement. Her smile was as wide as her eyes when she scolded me.

  “Me too,” I say, pulling her just a little closer. “This dress…” I shake my head. “I meant it when I told you that you took my breath away.”

  “I’m learning that about you,” she says softly, almost to herself.

  We dance for three slow songs in a row before taking a break to grab something to drink. We settle back at the table.

  “You bid on any items?” Justin asks.

  “Nah, just wrote a check.” I do that every year. Let the others fight over the items. I don’t need something in return to donate to a good cause.

  “Me too. We’re heading out,” he tells me as he and Harper stand from their seats. I watch as Harper and Addyson say goodbye with a quick hug.

  “What about you? You ready to head home?” I ask her.

  “I think so. I didn’t sleep well last night,” she says, covering her mouth in a yawn.

  Pulling out her chair, we say our goodbyes and head outside. I give the valet my tag to pull my car around.

  “It’s a nice night.” Addyson tilts her head back to look at the stars.

  “It is,” I agree as my car pulls up in front of us. The valet opens the door for her, but I wave him off, waiting for her to be settled before I shut it. The ride to her place is filled with conversation. We both like all kinds of music, we both love pasta of any kind, and her middle name is Grace.

  “What’s yours?” she asks as I pull into her drive.

  “Oliver, after my dad. It was his dad’s name, and it’s his middle name. And then there’s my nephew, Ollie.”

  “Family name. I like it.”

  “Stay put,” I tell her before climbing out of the car and jogging to her side. I open her door and offer her my hand. With her hand held tightly in mine, I walk her to her door. “Thank you for tonight.” I pull her close, unable to resist putting my hands on her.

  “It was fun. Thanks for having me. I’m sure your mom is sad she missed it.”

  “Meh, she was fine once she found out you were going with me.” I’m downplaying it a little. To say that my mom’s excited is an understatement.

 
“There’s always next year, right?” She chuckles.

  “You volunteering?” I ask her. The thought of her being on my arm again next year and the year after that is more than appealing. I’ve never looked that far ahead in a relationship, but with Addy, looking ahead is all I can seem to do.

  “I-I meant for your mom.”

  “Maybe.” I shrug. “Depends on if I can convince you to go again.” The more I think about it, the more I like the idea. Love it in fact.

  “That’s a year away, Lucas.”

  “I know. Now, I think I have a promise to keep.”

  “That’s a tall order to fill.”

  “You think so? Here I was thinking it will be the easiest promise I’ve ever made.”

  Her hands go to my suit jacket and she pretends to be smoothing it out. I cover her hands with mine, where they now rest over my heart. “You feel that?”

  “Your heart,” she answers.

  “Can you feel it?” She nods. “You do that. You make my heart race. Every time I’m with you I feel as though it could beat right out of my chest. So yes, Addyson, it’s a tall order, a promise made for the future. But this…” I tap my hand over hers. “…this steady rhythm is all for you.”

  “You’re making this hard on me.” She smiles up at me.

  “How so?”

  “I don’t know how much longer I can resist you.”

  “Then don’t.” Cupping her cheek in my hand, I slowly lean in, giving her time to stop me. She doesn’t. Instead, those brown eyes of hers sparkle in the moonlight. Closing the distance, I press my lips to hers. Softly, slowly, I kiss her. I have to remind myself this is a first-date goodnight kiss, not a “get the door open so I can fuck you against it” kiss. Those will come later. Right now, I need to take this slow. Show her who I am and that all I want is her.

  Slowing the kiss, I eventually pull back, tracing her bottom lip with my thumb. “Goodnight, Addy.” Her hands grip my suit jacket.

  “Night, Luke.” She slowly opens her fingers and releases me from her iron grip. Part of me wishes she would pull me inside with her, and from the look in her eyes, I’d bet money that she wants that too. However, it’s too soon for her, and we both know that. No matter how much attraction is there, she has to be ready for it. I’m ready and waiting when that time comes.

  Stepping back, I let my hand fall from her face. I wait for her to unlock her door, and slip inside. When I hear the lock click on the door, I turn and walk away.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Addyson

  * * *

  It’s been two weeks since the banquet, and Luke and I have fallen into a pattern of sorts. He texts me every day all day. We have dinner a couple of nights a week, and last weekend, we ended up at Stagger on a double date with Harper and Justin. It was a night of laughing and cutting up. The more time our little group spends together, the more obvious it becomes. Fate stepped in and brought these men into our lives, and we’re both better because of it. His persistence wore me down and I’m no longer fighting against him. Instead, I’m prying open my closed-off heart and hoping that when he fully slips his way inside, he’ll want to stay there.

  It’s Saturday night, and Luke has declared it date night. He won’t tell me where we’re going, but he did say it was country. I asked him what I should wear, and he told me to dress as I would for a concert, one that’s indoors this time of year. I’m pretty sure we’re not going to a concert since we are going to see Dan + Shay with Harper and Justin soon. I’ve tried to pull it out of him all week, but he’s not budging. He says he wants to surprise me. I don’t hate the idea; it’s one I’m not used to that’s for sure. None of the men in my past ever tried to surprise me with anything, date or otherwise. Well, that is unless you count their wives, girlfriends, or the fact that they were batting for the other team.

  So, here I am standing in front of the full-length mirror in my room, questioning my outfit. I decided on a cream-colored sundress, with a thick brown belt around my waist. I’m wearing my brown cowboy boots with teal stitching, and my hair is down with lots of loose curls. I turn side to side making sure everything is in place, second-guessing my selection when there’s a knock at the door. That has to be Luke. He’s fifteen minutes early, something I’ve come to learn about him. He’s always early. He hates to be late for anything.

  “Addy,” he all but growls when I open the door. He steps into me, slides his hand behind my neck, and draws me into a kiss. Despite the growl, this kiss is slow and sweet, and he’s pulling away way too soon for my liking. That’s something else I’ve learned about Luke, kissing him… it’s a life-altering experience. It’s as if with a simple touch of his lips, he’s erasing everything from the past. The men who cheated, lied, and the ones who used me. It’s more than just his kiss, it’s the emotion behind it. The way he holds me, tender yet strong. The way he growls my name, not from anger but from hunger. Hunger for me.

  “Hey.” I’m breathless as he pulls away from the kiss.

  “You look incredible.”

  “Thanks. You’re looking pretty good yourself.” I pat his chest and take a step back, putting some much-needed distance between our heated bodies. Also, I need to get a good look at him. He’s wearing faded jeans, which cling tightly to his thighs. There’s a rip in the knee, and I can’t tell if it’s from use or if he bought them that way. Regardless, he looks hot. He’s wearing a tight-fitting T-shirt. It’s solid black, and it does nothing to hide the ridges and planes of his muscles.

  “Unless you want me to cancel our plans, you’re gonna need to stop looking at me like that.”

  I take my time, making my way up his body until our eyes meet. “Would that be so bad?” It’s the first time I’ve said something so bold to him about us.

  “No,” he chokes out the word. “But it’s not going to happen. I’m wooing you.”

  “Wooing me?” I laugh, stepping back so he can enter my condo.

  “Yes. You’re still skittish. Until you’re not, until you know I’m in this with you, it’s only goodnight kisses.” He taps my nose with his index finger.

  His words light up my shaded heart. It’s hard for me to trust in this, in him after everything, but he’s given me no reason not to. He shouldn’t be punished for my past. But taking it slowly, that’s exactly what I need, and he somehow understands that. Not only does he understand it, but he’s also embracing it.

  “And hello kisses.” I grin.

  “Yeah, and maybe some in-between kisses.” He leans in and kisses the corner of my mouth. “You ready?”

  I look down at my outfit. “Does this work for where we’re going?”

  “How do you know it’s not a concert?” he teases. I give him a look that tells him we both know he’s full of shit. “Fine.” He chuckles. “Yes, it’s perfect. You’re perfect,” he adds.

  “Let me grab my purse.” I rush to the living room and snag my small crossbody bag from the couch. I double check I have my small wallet, phone, and keys before following him out to his truck.

  “What?” I try to sit up in my seat, but the seat belt prevents me from doing so. “Is this what we’re doing?”

  “Yep.”

  “This is awesome.” I take in the huge sign advertising the rodeo.

  “Yeah?”

  “Definitely. I’ve never been.”

  “I wasn’t sure, but it reminded me of that night at the festival. I thought it would be fun.”

  “Thank you. I’m excited.”

  “Me too. I know you said you had a late lunch, so I thought we could snack here and grab something after?” he suggests.

  “That’s perfect.” As soon as the truck is in park, I’m hopping out and bouncing on the balls of my feet waiting for him to join me. When he finally reaches the front of the truck, I grab his hand and lead us through the crowd. Tickets scanned, cold draft beer in hand, we head to our seats. “Holy shit, Luke. We’re front row.” I turn to look at him over my shoulder.

  He shrugs. �
��I wanted you to really experience it.”

  If we weren’t standing in the middle of a crowd, and I wouldn’t spill my beer, I’d jump in his arms and kiss him. Turning back around, I take each step one at a time as we near the first row where our seats are. Just as I’m getting ready to sit, I hear a female voice yell out Lucas at the top of her lungs. Stopping, I turn to see a cute little blonde and a gaggle of her friends approach the end of our row.

  “Lucas.” She tries for sexy, but it comes out all whiney. “I haven’t seen you in forever.” She lays her hand on his arm.

  Anger bubbles up inside me, maybe a little humiliation too. It all quickly fades as I watch him jerk his arm from her hold. He turns to face me, holding out his hand. I step into him instead, and he wraps his arms around me. “Kelsey.” His tone is even. “Meet my girlfriend, Addyson. Baby, this is Kelsey. We went to high school together.”

  Flutters in my belly replace my anger. I’m not quite sure if it’s because he clearly dismissed her for me, called me his girlfriend, or because he called me baby. I’m going to go with all three. Lucas Prescott is a storm that rolled into my life, slow and steady, making himself known. No matter how much I try to guard my heart, he breaks down the barriers, one at a time. I’m falling for him, and that scares me to death. I don’t know if I would ever be able to come back from losing him.

  He’s… more.

  He’s everything.

  “Nice to meet you.” Instead of offering her my hand, I make a show of resting it on Lucas’s chest. Her eyes flare just for a moment before it’s masked.

  “You too.”

  “I didn’t know you were seeing someone.”

  “Why would you?” he asks her.

  She flinches as if he slapped her. “Well, when you’re free, call me.”

  “Don’t hold your breath,” he tells her before he looks down at me. I know this because I turned away from her and glued my eyes to him. “We’re going the distance.” His voice is loud, firm, but his eyes, they’re soft, and all for me. Bending, he kisses me on the forehead. “It was good to see you.” He tells them, then turns us and guides me down the row to our seats.