Page 85 of Beaten

I held out my hand and helped Emily down the last step, then handed her the bouquet. She held them to her nose and inhaled. “How’d you know they’re my favorite?”

“A little birdie told me.” I winked at her mom.

“Thank you.” She handed them to her mom and asked, “Can you put these in water for me?”

I expected it to be awkward, being our first date and all, but we quickly settled into comfortable conversation as I drove to Dallas. I’d made reservations at an upscale restaurantrecommended by a friend. We were about halfway there when I reached over and placed my hand over hers. I couldn’t hold back my big stupid grin when she turned her hand over and laced her soft fingers with mine.

We arrived at the restaurant a little early, so we sat at the bar to wait. They had my favorite local craft beer on tap, so I planned on ordering one, but first I asked Emily what she wanted. Her voice was small and timid as she said she’d have whatever I was having.

I placed my hand over hers to stop her from playing with her thumb ring. “Em, order whatever you’d like.” Then I added, “Please.” Because it was a request, not an order.

Whenever she slipped back into who she’d been with Craig, who he forced her to be, I’d remind myself to be patient while she learned to find her voice again.I can wait, I’ve got all the time in the world. And I meant it too—I’d wait for as long as it took. Though hopefully it wouldn’t take too long because I’d had glimpses of the strong, feisty, silly Emily and I wanted more.

“Thank you.” Her smile lit up the room, “I’ll have a glass of sparkling rosé.”

“You got it.” I turned to the bartender. “A sparkling rosé for the lady, and an IPA for me.”

After the bartender delivered our drinks, I lifted my pint glass. “To our first date.”

“Cheers.” She gently tapped her wineglass to mine.

Chapter 44

Emily

It was easy, being on a date with Jamie. Too easy. After years of being in an abusive relationship, Jamie felt too good to be true. But I knew better. Several times throughout the night, I had to remind myself that Jamie was just Jamie. He wasn’t hiding a dark-side, or pretending to be nice to lure me in. I’d known him most of my life, and he’d always been a nice guy, a good guy.And now he’s my guy.

And a damn good-looking one, too. His steel gray dress shirt brought out the blue in his hazel eyes.It’s neat how his eyes seem to change color depending on the lighting or what he’s wearing. His black slacks showed off his sexy-as-sin ass and muscular legs.

“Jamie, can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

I wasn’t sure how to ask, because this was our first date, and I didn’t want to spook him.

“Em? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just…” I had to stop being such a coward. When I met his gaze, I saw the compassion and concern in his eyes. He put his hand on the table, palm up in invitation, so I put mine in his. “Is it just me, or does this not feel like a first date?” His knowing grin made my heart do a little dance in my chest. “I mean, first dates are supposed to be weird and awkward as two people get to know each other, right?”

“I thought the same thing. But we’ve known each other most of our lives.” He squeezed my hand. “So aside from wanting to make sure this is the best first date you’ve ever had, I’m not nervous anymore.” If things worked out, it'd be the last first date she'd, we'd, ever have.

“Wait, anymore? You were nervous earlier?” I couldn’t believe it. Why would Jamie be nervous?

He laughed. “You know this is literally only the second first date I’ve gone on? And the last one was fourteen years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school, so it barely counts.”

“I didn’t realize…” I trailed off as it hit me. Jamie hadn’t dated a single person since Isabelle died. I wondered why, but didn’t ask.

“It’s okay. Really. I focused on work and building SSI, and while I had the occasional opportunity to date, it never felt right.”

I didn’t know what to say, too many things were buzzing around in my head, mostly the selfish joy at hearing I was the first person he’d considered dating since losing Isabelle.

“Sorry. That’s kind of dark.” He sipped his beer and changed the subject. “Were you nervous?”

“A little. Ashley said I was being silly, and I quote, “Em, it’s no biggie. You’ve spent more evenings together than apart in the last two weeks.”

I didn’t tell him I spent two hours finding the right dress, or how long I spent curling my hair so the curls hung just the way I wanted them to.

After we were seated, I ordered the shrimp scampi and a side salad, and Jamie ordered a filet, medium rare, with mashed potatoes and a side salad. He let me try his filet and I half regretted not ordering one; it was cooked to perfection and practically melted in mouth. I fed him a bite of my shrimp scampi, making sure the creamy garlic sauce fully coated the pasta. He closed his eyes and said we’d have to come back so he could order it.

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