Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Tears fill Stevie’s eyes as she nods. “You bet your ass, I will.”
A roar of cheers and congratulations rips through the tiny bar. Bear materializes and shakes Hendrix’s hand and it’s clear he was in on the plan. Waitresses circulate with trays of celebratory champagne. Stevie is pulled off by the women to look at her ring and the team congregates around Hendrix.
I slap him on the back. “Well played, and I mean that literally.”
The smile on my boy’s face is as bright as the sun and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone look happier, except maybe Van when Bea was born, but not by much. I’m thrilled for him, because I’m a romantic at heart and believe in the power of love and living your life with someone who keeps a smile on your face.
My thoughts immediately drift to Willa and while we’ve only had one superb date, I already know she’d be the type of woman who could offer me that. I understand I still need to get to know her, but the one thing that has been clear from the start is that I’m looking for something special. I don’t want one-night stands or hot hookups. I want a partner in life and as young as I may be, I’m ready for it.
The only problem is, Willa clearly isn’t.
CHAPTER 11
Willa
So yeah… my second date with King is happening at his condo. One would think that might be too intimate for a second date and one might think that it would be the guy who suggested such a setup, maybe with the hopes of getting lucky, but the opposite is true. King suggested going out for a fancy dinner and maybe strolling through an art museum. It was all so sweet and thoughtful and frankly, it put me a little on edge.
It’s all Brittany’s fault. She has relentlessly teased me that King has the potential to turn into a lovesick puppy dog and I didn’t like the word lovesick because I’m not ready to love again, and puppy dog only highlights his younger age and perhaps lack of maturity. So I suggested we cook a meal together at his place—not my house—so we could be alone. I even said those exact words… so we can be alone… thinking that if I can keep this more of a friends-with-benefits type of relationship, all those other worries will be put to rest.
Not that I’m looking for sex tonight, but I wouldn’t discount it. As Brittany said, “Get it, girl. You’re a grown-ass woman with needs and I bet he’s willing to give you what you want.”
Yes, I haven’t had sex in a good while and though I’ve had some satisfying encounters since my divorce, the dark memories of Scott always loom over my trust in intimacy.
So I’m not banking on it happening tonight or that King could erase those memories. However, if one thing leads to another, I’ll let it happen. I think, in my mind, it sends a message that I don’t need the deep feelings, nor do I expect them.
Really, I’m not sure I can handle deep.
King didn’t hesitate to take me up on my offer and we decided on a complicated Thai recipe that will take some time and allow for good conversation while we muddle through.
King’s condo is contemporary and his kitchen is filled with the enticing aroma of herbs and spices as I chop cilantro on the large kitchen island. The space is light and airy, with sleek white cabinets, marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances that gleam under the recessed lighting.
Despite Brittany’s endless teasing about this date, I was initially excited to spend time with King. Now that I’m here, a knot of nervousness tightens in my stomach because I don’t know if I’m handling this right. I glance at King, busy measuring out spices. He’s so at ease, moving around the kitchen like he’s done this a hundred times.
“You’re really into cooking?” I ask, trying to focus on the task at hand and not on how ridiculously attractive he looks in casual jeans and a snug T-shirt. He greeted me at the door with a light kiss and then a long, warm hug that made me feel both at home and ill at ease. I figured he might just drag me off to bed, perhaps the inference of me inviting myself over to “cook dinner” really meant we should just have sex and keep it uninvolved. Instead, he took my hand and led me to the kitchen, showcasing all the ingredients he had laid out.
We got to work after he opened a bottle of wine and have been chatting amiably since.
He looks up, smiling in response. “Yeah, I find it relaxing. Plus, it’s a great way to impress a date.” He winks. My heart flutters and I tell it to behave.