Blind Date (Dating Series Book 7) Page 7

  Without thought I walk toward him, my laughter dying as he heads for me too, so that we meet in the middle.

  “You caught it,” I say, reaching out to touch the garter in his hand.

  “I wanted to. Told the big guy I’d give him twenty bucks if he let me,” Isaac says, gesturing toward Mitch.

  More laughter on my part. “You do realize he’s a professional.”

  “A professional what?” Isaac frowns.

  “Football player? For the Raiders? Mitchell Anderson. That name ringing any bells?” I ask him.

  Isaac frowns. Turns so he can study Mitch for a moment before he returns his attention to me. “Well, shit. You’re right.”

  “I know I’m right,” I say. “One of my friends is living with him in Las Vegas.”

  “No way.” Isaac’s eyes widen the slightest bit.

  “Yes.” I nod. “And I can’t believe you paid him $20 to get the garter.”

  “I wanted us in photos together. They’re going to take them, you know.” He grabs hold of my free hand and pulls me close to him, his voice lowering. “We need to document this moment.”

  “What moment?” I ask breathlessly. The dark look in his gaze fills me with longing.

  Fills me with the need to fling myself at him and kiss him.

  What in the world?

  “You know. Our first date. Or blind date. Whatever you want to call it.” He smiles, lets go of my hand so he can skim his fingers across my cheek, making me shiver. “Someday we can look back on this photo and see it.”

  “See what?” I whisper.

  “That moment when you realized I might be the right guy for you after all,” he says with confidence.

  Just before he kisses me.

  Ten

  Isaac

  Her lips are soft and she tastes like wine and Amelia, which I can’t particularly identify, but I know it when I taste it. Like I’m tasting her.

  Right now.

  I keep the kiss simple. I touch her face. Cradle her smooth cheek. Nibble at her lips. Pull away when a soft whimper leaves her, like she wants more. She blinks her eyes open, oblivious to all the dudes that were just vying for the garter who are all now hooting and hollering their approval of our kiss.

  Smiling at her, I let my hand drop and grab hers once more. “Let’s pose for the camera.”

  She nods, looking a little confused. A lot stunned. “Okay.”

  The wedding photographer chooses that exact moment to appear with her giant camera, asking us to pose. Asking all the guys behind us to get off the dancefloor. We snap a couple of photos together, and I take the opportunity to slip my arm around Amelia’s slender waist and hold her close. She fits perfectly against my side.

  Of course she does.

  Once we’re done taking photos, we slowly make our way back to the table, never letting go of each other’s hand. Only when we’re settled in our seats do we finally break our shared link. I toss the garter on the table. She holds the bouquet up to her nose and breathes deeply, like she’s trying to inhale it. The tiny smile curling her perfect lips when she lowers the bouquet is sweet.

  Beautiful.

  Charlie and Candice are about to cut the cake. I scoot my chair in closer to Amelia’s and lean over so I can whisper in her ear, “You think he’ll shove cake in her face?”

  Amelia slowly shakes her head, never taking her gaze away from the married couple as they stand before the towering cake, both of them clutching the knife together. “No way. She’d get so mad. Candice expects things to be a certain way.”

  “Charlie likes to cause trouble,” I point out, staring at her neck. It’s long and smooth and pale. I imagine kissing it. Feeling her shiver beneath my lips.

  “I’m sure they’ll come to a reasonable compromise,” Amelia says.

  “Uh huh.” I lean back in my chair once more, enjoying the way Charlie teases Candice, like he really is going to shove the cake in her face. But at the last second, she parts her lips and he gently presses it into her mouth instead.

  The smug look Amelia sends my way tells me she’s pleased with the results. “Told ya. No way would Candice let Charlie mess her up.”

  I smile at Amelia, thinking of all the many ways I could mess her up. “Guess you know your friends pretty well.”

  “I do.” Her smile softens. “I have some of the best friends in the world, though I wasn’t a very good friend to them the last few years.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask with a frown.

  “Oh, I was in a relationship with a guy.” She rolls her eyes. Shakes her head. I already hate this guy and she hasn’t told me anything about him. “He demanded all my time. He was very—possessive. Jealous.”

  “Jealous of your friends?” Maybe that’s why she’s a reluctant flirt. Why she’s got that wall up.

  “Jealous of everyone, really.” She shrugs. “He always made things difficult. Started a lot of fights for no reason. It was a very—passionate relationship.”

  My frown deepens. “His jealousy sounds like a problem, but the passion part? That doesn’t necessarily sound like a bad thing.”

  “Right? On the surface, I’d agree with you. But it was definitely a bad thing. Passionate in the fact that, when our relationship was good, it was great. But when it was bad, it was terrible.” Her smile is faint. “And most of the time, our relationship was terrible.”

  Without thinking I reach out, settling my hand over hers where it rests on the table. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” She shrugs again, her expression uncomfortable. I’m guessing it was hard for her, admitting all that. Especially to a stranger. Because that’s what I am to her, though I’d like to change that. “I don’t need your sympathy.”

  “But you’re getting it anyway.” I lean in close, my mouth near her ear once more. “Have I told you how fantastic you smell?”

  She dips her head, her lips curling. “No, you haven’t mentioned it.”

  “Well, you do,” I say. “Smell fantastic.”

  “You smell pretty great too,” she admits.

  My body prickles with awareness. Well what do you know? She’s actually been paying attention to me. “Hey thanks.”

  “You smell like a forest,” she adds.

  “I do deal with pine trees on a daily basis,” I say with a chuckle.

  “I know. And it makes you smell really—good.” Her cheeks are the faintest pink. Like it took a lot for her to say that, which is adorable.

  She’s adorable.

  No, that’s not the right word for Amelia. She’s beautiful.

  “Can I ask you a question?” I say.

  “Depends.” Her smile is still on her face, so that gives me the green light.

  “What did you mean earlier, about our blind date?” I had no idea what she was talking about then, and I still don’t.

  “Oh.” She dips her head, her teeth sinking into her lower lip for a moment before she lifts her gaze to mine. “Candice said she wanted to set me up on a sort of blind date at the reception tonight.”

  I make a face. “Who the hell does that?”

  Amelia’s smile grows. “Candice. Anyway, she said she knew a guy who was perfect for me. She even told me his name, and it was…”

  Her voice drifts and I wait for her answer, but don’t get it. “What was his name?” I prod.

  “Umm…” She wrinkles her nose. “Jonesie.”

  I start to laugh. It just pours out of me. I can’t believe Candice did this. That with everything else going on with her life, and Charlie’s, and the wedding, she still wanted to put me and Amelia together. Like a little matchmaker. “Wait a minute. She actually wanted to set us up on a blind date? Here? Tonight?”

  “Why do you think she seated us at the same table?” Amelia asks, her dark brows shooting up.

  I glance around at the people sitting nearby. “I thought we were seated at the singles table.”

  She shakes her head slowly. “Take a closer look.”

&nb
sp; Doing as she says, I study everyone at the table and realize they all seem pretty cozy. As in, we’re definitely not seated at the singles table. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. They all look like they’re couples.”

  “Because they are couples. They’re all together.” She waves a hand at them, frustration on her face. “And that’s great. But it’s also kind of awkward. What would’ve happened if you didn’t show up?”

  “I was definitely showing up. I work here, for the love of God. I’ve been helping set up for this damn wedding all afternoon,” I retort. “I’m sure Candice was counting on that.”

  “Maybe. I just—I don’t like feeling tricked.” Amelia’s gaze hardens as she studies me, and her expression turns serious. She’s trying to size me up. Probably thinks I might be a liar too. “You really had no idea that Candice was trying to set us up?”

  “None at all.” I shake my head. “She never even mentioned you to me.”

  “Not once?”

  “Not once.” I repeat with a small smile. “But I would’ve been interested if she did.”

  Amelia’s face softens, and she rolls her eyes. “You’re just saying that.”

  “Nah.” I’m full-blown grinning now. “You’re cute. Well, you’re more than that, but I don’t wanna scare you. You’re also nice. Kind. Interesting to talk to. You’ve got your shit together. And I’ve always had a thing for older women.”

  That last bit isn’t quite true, but I thought I’d say it to make her feel better.

  Amelia throws her head back and laughs, and damn if it isn’t a sexy sound. I could get used to that quick. “You just say whatever you’re thinking, don’t you?”

  “As long as I don’t hurt anyone, yeah. May as well be honest, right?” I send her a meaningful look. “And if you’re curious, no, I’m not possessive, and I’m not what I would consider jealous either. But I do like to lay claim to what I consider mine.”

  Her expression turns flustered. “Um, not that I was particularly curious but—good to know.”

  “Yeah.” My smile is flat out arrogant now. “Good to know.”

  Eleven

  Isaac

  Charlie and Candice are the only ones on the dancefloor, swaying to some romantic song I don’t recognize, but it has a faint Christmas-y vibe. They’re staring into each other’s eyes, both of them looking a little dazed and so damn happy, they’re even making my slightly grumpy heart thaw just a tiny bit.

  Not that I’m grumpy or down on love, I’ve just never experienced it before. Not an all- consuming, oh my God I need this woman in my life now love.

  I haven’t felt that way about anyone. I can barely remember the last time I had a semi-serious relationship. I’ve just been cruising through life.

  And now I’ve met Amelia. Though we are pretty different—some would definitely call us opposites—I’m drawn to her. I want to know more. I’d like to get closer to her.

  Does she feel the same? God, I hope so.

  The music stops and we all automatically applaud.

  “Come on now, everyone, join us on the dancefloor,” the DJ says as he starts another song. It’s a jazzy holiday tune.

  Have yourself a merry little Christmas…

  I smile at Amelia when she glances over at me. “Want to dance?”

  She frowns. “You know how?”

  I make a dismissive noise. “Of course I do.”

  Maybe I don’t. Not like I took dance lessons or anything. But I know how to sway with a woman in my arms to the music, so how tough can it be?

  “Then let’s go,” she says as she pushes her chair back and stands.

  I stand with her, resting my hand at the small of her back while we walk toward the dancefloor. Plenty of people are already out there and we find a spot for ourselves. I take her hand, wrap my arm around her waist, and start moving to the slow beat of the music.

  “Not bad, right?” I ask.

  “You can dance,” she says, tipping her head back so her gaze meets mine. She has beautiful eyes. Dark brown and warm. She’s watching me as if she’s trying to figure me out. Like she’s hoping she can read my mind. I keep my expression neutral, glancing around the room, spotting the bride dancing with her father. Charlie’s dancing with his mom, Isobel. Everyone is smiling.

  The vibe in this tent is positive. Full of happiness.

  I like it.

  “How long ago were you with that guy?” I ask out of the blue.

  Amelia lifts her startled gaze to mine. “We broke up—a while ago.”

  “You still in love with him?” I have to know. I’m not going to pursue a woman if she’s still wrapped up in her past.

  She blinks. “Absolutely not.”

  “You sure about that?”

  “Yes.” She nods firmly. “I’m sure. I won’t even let my friends say his name in my presence. Just hearing it makes my blood boil.”

  A chuckle leaves me. “I like you.”

  “Really?” She shakes her head. “I sound silly. It’s just—I’m very set in my ways. Pretty particular. A little grouchy lately, I can’t lie. I’m not a fan of the holiday season. When your family works in retail your entire life, you look at it as a busy time to make money. Not a time of joy and reflection.”

  “Go on,” I tell her.

  “And it’s not like I’m trying to deter you, but people might talk if we started—seeing each other. You’re not my normal type,” she says, her cheeks turning pink.

  “You’re not my normal type either. You’re a total upgrade,” I say with all the sincerity I can muster.

  “I’m flattered,” she says wryly.

  “It’s true.” Leaning down, I press a soft kiss to her forehead. “Am I moving too fast? I probably shouldn’t have kissed you earlier.”

  She says nothing for a moment. We just sway to the music, and I start to get nervous.

  “You’re freaking me out,” I tell her, my voice low.

  “Why?” She leans back, smiling up at me. “You want to know if I think you’re moving too fast? You do realize we’ve only just met.”

  “We met a few days ago,” I point out.

  “Barely.”

  “We had a conversation.”

  “For all of two minutes,” she retorts.

  “I’ve been told when you know, you know,” I say.

  “When you know what?” she asks, blinking up at me innocently.

  She’s not innocent. There’s an amused gleam in her eyes.

  “That you’ve met—the one.” My tone is solemn. My expression is serious. I mean it. I’ve never felt this attracted to a woman before.

  Ever.

  Her smile grows. I really like it when she does that. Her entire face brightens, and her eyes seem to almost glitter. Especially in the dim light we’re currently dancing in within this tent. “I always thought that ‘when you know, you know’ stuff was a pack of lies.”

  “Love at first sight is kind of bullshit,” I say.

  She laughs. Deep and full, and I savor the sound. “I agree.”

  “Attraction at first sight, though…” I swing her around, making her eyes widen. “I definitely believe in it.”

  I tug her closer, so her body is meshed with mine. We’re a perfect fit. “I suppose I do too…”

  Deciding to go for it, I kiss her again. Right there on the dancefloor, in front of everyone. I can feel eyes on us. Curiosity rising. Questions on the tip of their tongues.

  None of it matters. All I can focus on is this soft, beautiful woman in my arms.

  And wonder how soon I can see her again.

  Twelve

  Amelia

  I walk inside Sweet Dreams Bakery and Café on my lunch hour. It’s crowded with people. Mostly tourists—shoppers looking for Christmas gifts, taking a break and having a quick meal or coffee. Holiday music plays. Stella is behind the counter, mastering the ominous espresso machine that intimidates the crap out of me. She handles it like she was born to. As if it doesn’t scare her at all. I suppos
e it doesn’t.

  We make eye contact and she waves me over to the pickup counter.

  “I have our lunch order in,” she tells me, her voice rising above the din. “Kelsey and Sarah already grabbed a table for us.”

  “What is this, a committee lunch?” I figured it was just Stella and I. We meet for lunch at least once a week here, since I work down the street from her family’s café.

  “I might have mentioned our lunch date to the girls. Caroline can’t make it, Candice is on her honeymoon, and Eleanor is already back in Las Vegas,” Stella explains.

  I’m both relieved and sad. I miss the ones who are gone. But all of my friends at one table can be—a lot. They have questions. Lots of them.

  And I’m sure today, they all have to do with Isaac.

  “Give me a few and I’ll be right over,” Stella continues, just before she heads back to the espresso machine and starts filling orders.

  I wander through the tables in the café, spotting Kelsey sitting at one in the back, Sarah sitting across from her with her back to me. I settle into the chair next to Sarah and smile at them, but don’t say a word.

  “Aren’t you quiet,” Sarah teases.

  I roll my eyes, already on the defensive. “What is there to say?”

  “Oh, there’s a lot to say,” Kelsey adds, leaning across the table eagerly. “First of all, what’s going on with you and the blond hottie you were dancing with all night at the reception?”

  “We only danced a couple of times.” I shrug, playing it off.

  “More than that, but whatever,” Sarah says. “Plus, you two looked pretty cozy sitting at your table.”

  “Don’t forget they caught the bouquet and the garter,” Kelsey says. “Talk about fated.”

  “We’re not fated,” I say irritably.

  “And that kiss!” Sarah fans herself.

  I blush.

  “There were a couple of kisses,” Kelsey says knowingly. “I saw them. You two were totally into each other.”

  My face is on fire. “It was no big deal.”