But as I stare at myself in the mirror, adjusting my dress for what feels like the hundredth time, I can’t shake the feeling that something’s going to go wrong.
I swallow hard, forcing the thoughts out of my head as I do a final check in the mirror.You’re more than the scars,I remind myself.You’re more than the past.And tonight is about you and moving forward.
And then, just as I gather myself together, I hear the knock on the door.
Six o’clock.
It’s time.
Reaching into my closet, I pull out a long black coat and slip it on with a sense of purpose.I button it up, cinching the belt tightly around my waist.It feels like armor, covering all my vulnerable parts, giving me a sense of protection.Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my nerves, then jog to the front door, where I find Grace sitting, staring up at it as if she’s waiting for her own date.
I take another breath, trying to calm my racing heart and open the door.
Blade is standing there, looking as effortlessly rugged as always.His long hair is tied back, his white shirt contrasts sharply against his tanned skin and blue eyes.As my eyes drift down, I can’t help but smile.He’s still him, wearing jeans and boots, looking every bit the MC president I’m tryingnotto be intimidated by.
“You look very handsome.”
Blade takes a step back and looks me up and down, his gaze lingering for a moment, longer than usual.“You look warm.”
Not exactly the compliment I was looking for, but dressed like this, how can I blame him?
I glance down at my coat, and my cheeks flush a little.“It’s warm at your house, right?”
Blade gives me a smile that’s just a little too confident, as if he knows something I don’t.“Yes, ma’am.I have the fire on, but if you’re still cold, I can give you a blanket...or a snowsuit?”
“No air conditioning?”I tease, crossing my arms.
Blade scratches the back of his neck, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.“Ah, no.”
Before I can respond, Grace lets out a loud meow, capturing both of our attention.Blade bends down and scoops her up, rubbing under her chin, completely at ease.
“Hey, terror, how are you?”he murmurs to her, his voice softening.
“You know, I think she likes you more than me.”
Blade chuckles, his eyes warm as he stands up, still holding Grace.“Are you ready?”he asks, his tone shifting from playful to something a little more serious, a little more grounded.
My nerves creep back as I say, “No.Yes.”I nod repeatedly, trying to reassure myself more than him.
His hand reaches out, his fingers gently wrapping around my waist, pulling me in a little closer.“It’s just dinner.No expectations.”
I let out a breath, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease a little.“Okay.”I take Grace from his arms, patting her on the head before placing her on the floor.“I can do dinner.”Then I look down at Grace.“Be good, baby girl.There are treats in your bowl.”
Grace gives me one last look before walking away, and I turn back to Blade, the nerves still there but somewhat softened by his steady presence.Tonight feels to me like a step forward, even if I don’t know exactly where it’s leading.
Closing the door behind me, I hear Blade test the handle to make sure it’s locked.My heart is racing, and then he holds out his arm as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“Shall we?”he asks, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth.“Do you think you’ll be warm enough on the bike?”
Horror fills me at the thought of getting on another bike.I trust Blade and he’s probably been riding much longer than Travis ever did, but I can’t help the fear in my gut.
Taking a deep breath, I slip my hand into the crook of his arm, letting him guide me outside, and see his truck parked on the sidewalk, with the motor still running.
“I’m so glad you brought the truck and not the bike,” I say, the relief clear in my voice.It’s hard to imagine navigating this night in heels on a motorcycle.
Blade grins, his eyes flickering with mischief as he looks down at me.“I did tell you to wear the little black dress and six-inch heels,” he teases.“But I didn’t think you’d appreciate the bike, even if you’d look hot on it.”
My cheeks flush at his words, and I can’t help but laugh.“Well, Idolook good in leather,” I tease, giving him a sly smile.
