Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 488(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Am I prepared to be the woman running out of bars to avoid coming face-to-face with an insanely good-looking doctor, his beautiful date, and an awkward third-wheelership for the rest of my life?
I don’t know, but at the same time, I guess not, because here I am.
Nerves sizzle into a tingling feeling at the tips of my fingers as I think about worming my way through all of these people looking for Gavin. It feels daunting and, even, if I’m honest, makes me doubtful.
But a gentle touch at my elbow takes me out of my overanalysis. I spin around to find the culprit and am met with the smiling green-hazel eyes of my date.
“Sammy,” Gavin greets tenderly, leaning down to kiss me on the cheek and sparking a zap in my stomach. It’s funny. I thought all the butterflies that lived in there were long past dead. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”
I blush. It feels good to be noticed.
“They have our table ready, but I thought I’d take the liberty of waiting for you out here. I hope you don’t mind.”
Mind? Truth is, I could cry I’m so relieved.
“I don’t mind at all.”
“Great,” he replies with a smile. His hand smooths down my back to settle in the small hollow just above my butt, and we’re in motion. Side to side and through the crush, this handsome man in a gray suit—who, for some insane reason, wants to go on a date with me—guides us with an ease I didn’t know existed before this moment. My step doesn’t have to falter or pause, and I don’t have to shrink myself to fit through the people around us. He makes a hole for both of us, and all I have to do is fill it.
Once we reach our table, Gavin pulls out my chair and then moves to sit in his own once I’m settled. He signals the waiter, and I’m impressed with the level of service when I’m greeted by a man in black slacks and white collared shirt asking for my drink in less than five seconds.
“I’ll take a glass of prosecco, and a glass of water also, if you don’t mind.”
The waiter’s face is fond and friendly. “Of course. Is there a specific prosecco you’d like?”
Heat flushes my cheeks. I know this business well enough to know that there must be at least twenty choices of prosecco in their cellar, but I’m so flustered, I didn’t even think to ask for the menu.
“She’ll take the best you have,” Gavin chimes in without prompting. In another circumstance, it could be seen as controlling. The man ordering for the little woman. But right now, I’m grateful. I lift the corners of my mouth in appreciation to let him know.
Words are far too complex at this time.
Flat out, I’m overwhelmed. I made the decision to meet him here on a whim, and I have no idea what I’m doing. I don’t know how to date or flirt or freaking relax, for Pete’s sake.
Frankly, after a divorce and momming all the time and moving to a new city, I don’t even know who I am anymore.
“You okay, Sammy?” Gavin asks, jolting my attention back to the present in a way that tells me just how out of it I was.
“Yes,” I say through a forced smile, sitting up straighter in my chair and picking at the linen tablecloth with frantic fingers. “Of course. I’m sorry, I—”
“Sam,” Gavin interrupts, putting his hand on top of mine and calming my fidget. His eyes are warm and his expression soft. “It’s okay. I know I sprung this on you last minute, and I still remember what you said yesterday. I promise there’s no pressure. Just enjoy a dinner on me, okay? Don’t feel like you have to make any decisions or promises other than that.”
His words are an instant balm for my anxiety. I don’t know what demands I was expecting, but I feel like he just let the hostages go for free.
“Thank you. And I’ll try to at least be a little better company for the rest of the night.”
“My current company is perfect, okay?” He gently squeezes my hand again. “I can’t have you insulting my date like that. I, personally, think she’s pretty damn wonderful.”
I laugh. “Thanks, Gavin. Really. I think I needed this, even if I didn’t think I needed this.”
His grin is brilliant, his bright white teeth showing out. “Happy to be of service. Truly. Anytime. I’m glad I called.”
I nod. “Me too.”
Our waiter returns with both of our drinks and a basket of bread, and I can’t help but dive face first into it like a starving animal.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize when I look up to see Gavin pushing the bread basket closer to me. “I didn’t eat anything today, and I just realized how hungry I am.”