by E. L. Todd
A double date? Are you kidding me? “I think I’ll pass.”
“Too bad.” He turned back to the TV like the conversation was over.
“Why are you pushing me so much?” Why did he care if I was seeing someone or not? When he did have feelings for me, he never tried to stop my dates, and he never seemed particularly interested in what I did romantically. But now, he was butting in like Jessie or Kayden.
“Because I remember how happy you were with him.” He didn’t say his name, and it was obviously intentional. “And I want you to be happy again. Isn’t that all a friend really wants? For their friends to be happy?”
***
“I can’t believe I’m doing this…” I wore a short black dress with heels, and Jessie helped with my hair and makeup. When the gang realized I was going on my first date since Ryker, they acted like parents whose oldest child was going to prom.
“You’ll be fine,” Zeke said. “Just be yourself. I can promise you, this guy is going to take one look at you and think he hit the jackpot. And when you open your mouth and show him who you really are, he’s going to think he’s the luckiest guy in the world.”
It was such a sweet thing to say, and for a second, I forgot I was on a date with someone else because I was too busy staring into Zeke’s beautiful eyes. “That’s nice of you to say.”
“I mean it.” He placed his hand in the center of my back, his warm touch nearly burning me. “Rae, you’re the most desirable woman on the planet. You could have any guy you want. Even if this guy is kinda famous, he’s going to think you’re out of his league.”
“Zeke…stop.”
“I’m just telling you how it is.” He gave me a gentle pat before he dropped his hand.
Rochelle returned from the bathroom, wearing a champagne pink dress. Her blonde hair was curled and pulled over one shoulder. The second she walked away, I forgot about her. It seemed like Zeke and I were the only two people enjoying the evening.
That was terrible.
We entered the restaurant and took our seats at a table in the corner. My date was already there, wearing a collared shirt and a black tie. In my head, I pictured a man in his late thirties that was ridiculously tanned. His eyes permanently squinted from being in the sun all day long.
But he looked nothing like that.
He was young, probably my age. When he smiled, a dimple formed in each cheek. He had short brown hair and brilliant green eyes. He immediately rose to his feet when we reached the table, and the glance-over he gave me told me he liked what he saw. “Wow…I’m one lucky man.” He shook my hand. “Owen.”
“Rae.”
He pulled out the chair for me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
We took our seats, and I felt my date stare at me with pure intensity. He was really handsome and fit, my type exactly. His skin was kissed by the sun and contained a healthy glow. His shoulders were broad and powerful, and he carried himself with a masculine posture.
But all I could do was look at Zeke.
He leaned toward Rochelle and shared a quiet whisper. She smiled in return then they shared the wine list as they decided what to get. They didn’t make conversation with us, probably giving us time to get to know one another.
“Rochelle tells me you’re an analytical chemist. That’s impressive.”
“That’s just a fancy word for nerd,” I said with a chuckle.
He chuckled in response. “Still impressive all the same. What do you do exactly?”
I told him about my work at COLLECT.
“That’s very cool. And important.”
“So you play golf?” I realized how amateur I made it seem. “I mean, you’re a professional golfer?”
He didn’t seem offended by the way I downplayed it. “Yeah. I’ve been doing it for about two years now. Started right out of college. I really love it. I get to travel to beautiful places, and I’ve met some of my idols along the way. Just a few weeks ago, I met Tiger Woods.”
“Seriously?” I asked. “That’s so cool.”
“Do you watch golf?”
“No…” I didn’t want to lie and then get caught later. “I follow basketball and football. But I like sports in general.”
“That’s cool. As long as you have an appreciation for sports in general, I think we’ll be just fine.” He winked.
I smiled back then looked at Zeke again. He was talking to Rochelle about his day at work. He didn’t pay any attention to us, and his eyes were entirely focused on her. It seemed like we weren’t even there.
And for some reason, that made me feel empty inside.
***
The four of us walked to the parking lot together, in pairs.
“Can I take you home?” Owen walked beside me, his hand in his pocket as he towered over me with his height.
I immediately glanced at Zeke and Rochelle. Zeke’s arm was around her waist, and they were chuckling together, having a good time and not caring about the two of us. I wanted Zeke to take me home, but I knew they would probably head to his place right away. I didn’t want to slow down their evening. “Yeah, sure.”
We reached the parking lot then said goodnight.
“I’m going to take Rae home,” Owen said. “Have a good night.”
“Sure thing.” Zeke walked to me then hugged me, but it was just an excuse to get close to me. “Are you okay with that? Because I don’t mind taking you home.”
Now that I was in his arms with his lips near my ear, I never wanted to let go. I could stay like that forever and feel safe until the end of time. “No. That’s not necessary.”
“Are you sure?” he whispered.
“Yeah. Have a good night.” Despite how incredible he felt and smelled, I had to get away from him. His lover was standing just five feet away, and I had a nice guy waiting for me. I shouldn’t have been focusing on Zeke at all. “See you later.”
I got into the car with Owen, and he drove to my apartment just a few blocks away. He got out of the car and walked me to my door on the fourth floor. His hands remained in his pockets, so it didn’t seem like he intended to make any moves on me. When Cameron walked me home, he pushed me against the door and stuck his tongue up my nose.
Not exactly hot.
“This is me.” I stopped in front of the door and turned to him.
His eyes contained his hope, wanting me to invite him inside.
Not gonna happen. “Thank you for dinner and spending the evening with me.”
He quickly hid his disappointment when he realized he wasn’t getting what he wanted. “Of course. The pleasure was entirely mine.”
He had everything I was looking for. He was polite, smart, and easy-going. Under different circumstances, I’d probably invite him inside. But the action didn’t feel right at all. All I could think about was Zeke, even though he was spending his evening with Rochelle.
His girlfriend.
“Maybe we can go out again sometime?” Owen asked hopefully.
I wanted to let this guy down gently because there was absolutely nothing wrong with him. The problem was me. “You’re a really nice guy, Owen. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. But this evening has just made me realize I’m not ready to date yet. Honestly, it has nothing to do with you. If I were in a better place, I’m sure this would have gone quite differently.”
He took the rejection well. “I understand. It took me almost a year before I was finally in a place where I could really be with another woman and feel good about it. Rochelle mentioned you’ve been single for a few months now. Maybe you just need more time.”
“Thanks for being so understanding…”
“Of course. I just hope you’ll do something for me.”
“Sure.”
“If you’re ever in that place again, give me a call. I’d love to go out again, even if it’s in a few months.”
The request actually made me smile. “Of course.”
“Great.” He shook my hand then gave me a nod. “I
hope we see each other again.” He walked away and headed down the hallway. Instead of taking the elevator, he took the stairs, probably so he wouldn’t have to look at me as he waited for the doors to close.
I opened my door and walked inside.
Rex was standing at the counter, and judging by how guilty he looked, he was just eavesdropping. He stirred a glass of water with a spoon, pretending he was doing something that justified him being in the kitchen and right next to the door.
“Growing sea monkeys?”
“What?” he asked with a nervous laugh. “Just making a protein shake.”
“Really? Because it looks like you’re just stirring a glass of water.”
“No…” He stirred it harder before he tossed the spoon in the sink. “So…how’d your date go?”
“Don’t act like you weren’t listening, Rex. I’m not stupid.”
He dropped the act once he knew he’d been caught. “What was wrong with him? I Googled the guy, and he’s smoking hot.”
I tossed my purse on the counter and gave him a look full of concern. “Excuse me?”
“And he’s a great golfer. He’s actually pretty wealthy.”
“You know me, Rex. I don’t care about money. I can take care of myself just fine.”
“That’s not how I meant it, and you know it. I’m just saying this guy was a catch. Tell me one bad thing about him.”
“There’s nothing bad about him.” I leaned against the counter and slipped off my heels.
“Then why aren’t you seeing him again?”
I tossed my shoes by the door and finally stood on the tile, feeling relieved by the touch of the flat surface. “I just don’t think I’m ready to be dating.”
“It’s been three months. I thought you were over him.”
“I am.” Ryker wasn’t the problem. He was finally out of my head and a ghost of the past. Even when I saw him at the funeral, I didn’t feel the way I used to.
“Then help me understand this.”
Zeke popped into my head. I pictured his adorable smile and the sexy way he smoldered without even realizing it. I imagined him shirtless on the basketball court. I remembered the way he took care of me when I was hung over. And I remembered that thoughtful gift he gave me for my birthday. My heart sunk with heaviness, and I suddenly felt defeated—like I’d never be happy again. “It just wasn’t right. That’s all.”
Rex sighed in annoyance.
“You used to hate it when I dated, and now you’re anxious for me to bring a guy home.”
“I’m not anxious for you to have a boyfriend. I’m anxious for you to be happy. That’s all.”
My eyes softened. “I am happy, Rex.”
“Not like you were before.”
“Well, I was in love at the time. Of course I was happy.”
“Well, be in love again. But with the right guy.”
Again, I thought of Zeke. “Believe me, I want that more than you do.”
“Then keep dating until you find Mr. Right.”
“Maybe I already found Mr. Right, but he’s not available…”
“What?” he asked blankly.
“Nothing.” I wasn’t even sure why I said that. “So, when are you moving out?” It was the first thing that came to mind, and I blurted it out.
“Soon. By the way…” He grabbed his wallet off the counter and pulled a check out. “I’m halfway there.” He handed it to me.
I looked at the check and saw the total for half of my investment. “Wow. That was fast.”
“I’m telling you, I’m frugal as well. But look where it got me.” He pointed to the check. “You and Zeke are both almost paid up. I just need another month or so, and we’ll be square.”
“And then you’ll move out?”
“Shut up. You know you’ll miss me when I’m gone.”
“I really, really won’t.”
“Whatever. This apartment is going to be so quiet with just the two of you.”
“Two of us?” As in, me and someone else? Like Zeke?
“Yeah. You and Safari.”
“Oh…yeah.” Seriously, what was wrong with me?
Rex tilted his head as he examined me, knowing something was off. “For some reason, I feel like something is up. I can’t explain why or how…but I just know.”
“Nothing is up. You’re wrong.”
“No…I can still see it.” He narrowed his gaze on my eyes. “I’m missing something, but I don’t know what.”
“You’re just a paranoid weirdo. That’s what.” I grabbed my purse off the counter and walked to my bedroom. “Good night, Rex.”
“You’re going to bed?” he called after me. “It’s 9:30.”
“No. I just want to get away from you.” And fall asleep as quickly as possible. Maybe I would have a good dream tonight…
Chapter Seven
Rex
“I can’t believe Rae didn’t want to see him again.” I dropped three slices onto my plate and took an enormous bite of the crust first. “That guy is a total chick magnet.”
Zeke shrugged. “I don’t get it either. They seemed to have a good time, and he was really into her. When he told Rochelle about it, he seemed pretty down.”
“Not sure why…”
“Come on, Rex. You know why.” He dropped the jalapenos on his pizza before he took a bite. “Why do you always eat the crust first? So weird…”
“It’s better that way,” I said defensively. “Who puts jalapenos on their pizza?”
“Lots of people…”
“More like weirdos.” I finished my first slice and had grease all over my hands since I held on to the edge of the pizza rather than the crust.
“Have you talked to Bonnie?”
I moved on to my second slice. “Who?”
“Bonnie? That girl you were seeing.”
Oh yeah. I drank my soda to clear my throat. “Actually, no. She hasn’t called or anything. And I haven’t seen her around.”
“So either she took it well, or she’s really pissed.”
“No, she’s not pissed.” Kayden would tell me if she felt otherwise. “I’m sure I’ll see her around and everything will be fine. We both knew our booty call situation had an expiration date.”
“Have you slept with anyone since?”
“No…but it’s only been a week. Haven’t really had the time to meet women.”
“Yeah, true.”
“Why are you so obsessed with my love life, man?”
“Obsessed?” He finished a slice then wiped his fingers on a napkin. “Just curious. It’s not like you aren’t obsessed with mine.”
Now that Rae knew how he used to feel about her, it’d definitely become more interesting. But unfortunately, Rae didn’t take the bait. It made me realize that Zeke never really had a shot with her. Settling down with Rochelle was the best thing for him. I probably shouldn’t have said anything to begin with. “Getting nervous?”
“For what?”
“Proposing? You know, the scariest shit a man can do.”
“Oh, that. Not really. I already have everything planned out. All I have to do is go for it.”
“When is this happening?”
“In about three weeks. I think she’ll love it.”
“Shit, I would love it.” A moonlight dinner on a yacht…can’t beat that.
“Then I’m going to ask her to move in with me right away. I don’t see the point in waiting until we actually get married. Not much point in me having that big house if I’m the only one who lives in it.”
“Then why did you buy it?” I asked with a laugh.
He shrugged. “I knew I would shack up with a hottie someday. Besides, the chicks dig my pad. It’ll be a good way to convince Rochelle to say yes if she’s on the fence about marrying me.”
“That’s ridiculous, Zeke. She’s going to scream at the top of her lungs and beg you to marry her right then and there.”
He smiled. “You think so?”
&nb
sp; “Come on, you know you’re hot.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “Thanks, man.”
I cleared my throat. “Eh-hem.”
“Oh, and you’re hot too.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m glad Rochelle didn’t hear that conversation. Then she really would consider saying no.”
“Nah,” I said with a chuckle. “She would just think you’re bi.”
***
The longer I went without talking to Kayden, the more out of place I felt. It was weird not telling her about my day or a great joke I heard, and it was weird not getting any action on a regular basis.
My life started to feel worthless.
I didn’t know what to do with my spare time, and since I had nowhere to go, I stayed at the apartment with Rae a lot more often—which sucked. I caught myself typing a message to Kayden only to realize I probably shouldn’t do that anymore.
We were still friends, of course. But we weren’t that kind of friends anymore. I couldn’t text her whenever I wanted just because I missed her.
And I did miss her.
I decided to go by the library on my lunch break, an excuse to see her. She hadn’t been out with the group, so I hadn’t bumped into her since our booty call situation came to an end. I didn’t want to make it obvious I was just trying to see her. But not seeing her at all seriously bummed me out.
I walked inside and past the front desk. A few women were working the computers, and another was stacking returned books on a cart with wheels. After a quick scan, I realized Kayden wasn’t there.
I walked to the first worker I saw. “Hey, is Kayden around today?”
“No,” she said. “She called in sick this week. I guess she came down with the flu.”
“Oh…” I didn’t have a clue she was sick. “Thanks.”
***
I went by Panera and picked up a cup of soup before I headed to her apartment. No wonder why she hadn’t been around. I didn’t have a clue she was under the weather. It wouldn’t hurt to bring her soup, right? No harm in that.
I knocked on the door but there wasn’t an answer.
I knocked again. “Kayden? It’s Rex.” I held the brown paper bag in my hands and listened to the sound of light feet as they headed to the door. The locks clicked as they were undone and the door swung inward.