Page 34 of Taming You

I nod. “Yeah.”

Kai sits forward and turns to get a better look at me. “What were you doing with Matt Carter?”

I play with the lid to my water bottle, watching as I spin it on the kitchen counter. “He’s my friend, I thought I’d stop by when I finished shopping.” I avoid telling them about Jayden, because quite frankly he’s none of their business, and I also don’t want to deal with the Spanish Inquisition right now.

“Your friend,” Kai drags out.

“Yes, my friend. Nothing more.”

Henry opens his mouth, but before he can say anything, I say, “I’m going to head upstairs and read.” I slide off my chair and climb the stairs two at a time, wanting to be as far away from my questioning brothers as possible. After changing into comfy pyjamas, I slide into bed with my Kindle and open my latest book.

I have pre-date jitters the entire week. Liv texted me on Sunday morning with a restaurant, date, and time, saying the reservation was under my name. She didn’t tell me anything about the guy I’m supposed to be meeting, so I have no idea what to expect.

I spend hours getting ready on Saturday, cycling through different outfits, showering, doing my hair and makeup. I finally settle on a navy sweater dress and some knee-high boots with a heel. I adjust myself in the mirror, taking in every inch, and I look hot, if I do say so myself.

Grabbing my purse and jacket, I make my way downstairs and into the foyer.

“Well, don’t you look nice,” Maggie says as she stands with Henry in the kitchen, pouring a glass of wine.

“Thank you. I have a date.”

Of course, that piques Henry’s interest, forever the protective brother.

“Date?” he asks.

“Yes. Liv set us up.”

Knowing he at least knows one of my friends and she has my best interest at heart seems to relax Henry a little.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“Alchemy.”

His eyes widen slightly. “That’s a nice place.”

I nod. “It is.”

“Call me if you need anything,” he says.

I roll my eyes. “Henry, I’m sure I can handle myself on a date. I’m not a kid anymore if you hadn’t realized.”

“Still my baby sister.” He rounds the island and stops in front of me. Leaning down, he kisses my cheek before saying, “Seriously, Zoey, please call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

He steps back and nods. “Have fun.”

I leave and make my way to the bus and Skytrain and head for Alchemy. I don’t know much about the restaurant. I know they’re newer in town and have a reputation for being upscale and hard to get a table at.

Inside, I give my name to the hostess and she guides me to my table. I take my seat and settle in, and she returns with a man in toe, but he’s one I recognize. I could spot those waves and brown eyes anywhere. Why is Matt here?

I hold my breath as I watch the hostess lead him to the table beside mine. As she leaves the menu on the table, he spots me and stops removing his jacket as he stares at me.

“Zo,” he breathes out, and I swear goosebumps erupt over my entire body.

He stares at me, and I take him in. He’s very clearly dressed for a date in black dress slacks that fit him perfectly and a deep-red, almost burgundy, button-down. Despite the cool temperatures outside, he has the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair is styled perfectly so the stray curl that usually flops onto his forehead is held back. He’s started growing out his facial hair since Jayden came into his life, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make him a tad more attractive.

“Zo.” His voice is so low I barely hear it.

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