In person, her eyes contain a hint of blue, and the sun shining off her dark hair creates a shimmer of light around her head. She may as well have a halo.
Don’t even get me started on the dress. It’s teal and form-fitting and reminds me of the crystal clear Caribbean S—
A crack in the sidewalk jumps out at me. I trip, narrowly avoiding a face plant with a streetlight.
I right myself and look at her. Her eyes sparkle with humor, and it only makes them more gorgeous. Those eyes carry me back to a dark, crowded bar and a girl in the corner of the room.
She’s the girl I tried to save. The one who didn’t need saving.
My heart races with the realization. Her hair is a little shorter now, and she’s missing the glasses, but she’s just as stunning as I remember.
I’m about to mention it to her when another memory strikes me. That night, she said she was giving up on love. But love is exactly what I’m looking for. Maybe she’s changed her mind since that first night we met, but with the way she's talked about her parents, and how awful the divorce was, I have assume she hasn’t. I’m going to have to do everything I can to convince her to give this a shot. I have a feeling she’s worth it.
I rub my arm. “I promise I’m not always a bumbling idiot. You must have that effect on me.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but being on a date with a bumbling idiot is kind of refreshing.” She places a hand on my arm and pure fire replaces the sting of embarrassment I’ve known since meeting her.
I have no words. Her soft hand is still on my skin, warming every inch of me. She pulls back, and only then am I able to think straight. “Is it okay if we start over and pretend I haven’t already crashed and burned?”
“If you’re asking me to forget you blamed your broken chair on a cat, I’m not sure I can.” Her eyes glint with mischief, and my heart thumps against my ribcage. I like her.
A delicious scent wafts over us. “Could I bribe you with pizza?”
She purses her lips, her very kissable, heart-shaped lips.
I shake my head. I don’t kiss girls on the first date, usually.
“I could be swayed.” She turns and leads us into the little shop.
I could be as well.
Chapter 10
Juliet
I pull up my first piece of extra cheesy pizza to avoid gawking at Michael. I’ve had to peel my eyes off him so many times already tonight my eyelids feel like sandpaper. The contacts I put in at the last minute aren’t helping. His profile didn’t do him justice. He could go to Hollywood and be one of those Chris Evans lookalikes, except his hair is lighter and his jawline has a harder edge.
I never got into the superhero movies, but I may have to give them another go.
I glance to thecorner of the pizza shop to ensure my backup is still here. Karli followed me into the first restaurant, then waited a few minutes to follow us here. Just because Michael looks like Chris Evans doesn’t mean I’ll get the superhero version. He could be the Chris fromTheGray Man.And I’d rather not share pizza with thatguy, no matter how attractive he is.
Karli waves to me around the menu she’s been pretending to hide behind. She puckers her lips and mouths a few words I pretend not to know. Maybe bringing her wasn’t such a great idea. Shewouldleave me alone with Gray Man Chris.
I take another bite, chewing slowly. We’ve already discussed everything from favorite movies, books, and seasons to our families and career goals through the dating app. I jump on the obvious next conversation starter.
“So, the cat…” I say.
He freezes mid-chew, and I bite the inside of my cheek. He thought he was going to get out of explaining that one. No way. I’m here on this date against my better judgment. I believe I’ve earned it.
To be fair, this has already been the best date I’ve been on. He hasn’t once asked to be my Romeo or quoted some ridiculous Shakespearean line, which, for the record, I hate.
My parents would have done better to name me after one of Einstein’s discoveries.
Michael swallows and takes a drink before answering.
“When I was little, my dad told me cats are to blame for everything. I didn’t understand at the time he was referring to his allergy and not that they are basically the devil in disguise.”
I clamp my lips together before I accidentally spit half-eaten food out of my mouth.
