Page 72 of Branded

Who knew going to see a woman that you’ve already met could be so nerve-wracking? I know how much she means to him. He tells me all the time how special she is.

I want to make a good impression. I don’t want her to dislike me because that would absolutely break my heart.

When I finally settle on an outfit, opting for a long maxi dress with a denim jacket over top, I give myself a look in the mirror and actually feel pretty content with my choice. It’s still me, but simple. Perfect.

As I’m making sure I have everything in my purse I might need, my phone vibrates across my dresser, indicating an incoming call.

“Hello?” I say when I answer.

“I’m pulling onto your street. Are you ready?” Isaac’s smooth voice is even better over the phone. He has a total phone sex voice.

“I am. I’m just making sure I don’t forget anything.”

I give myself a few spritzes of perfume then head out into the front room with my phone still to my ear.

“Do you think I can convince you to come home with me afterward?”

“I mean, if you’re going to twist my arm, I guess I can do that,” I tease.

“Good, because I’ve missed you and I want more of you since I have two days off.”

“I’m all yours.”

“I do enjoy hearing you say that. I’m here. Do you want me to come in? Do you need help?”

“I just have my purse. No need. I’ll be right out.”

I toss my phone into my bag; grab the charger from the wall behind my sofa then head out the door.

When I climb into the passenger side of his truck, he greets me with a kiss.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. I’m nervous so I wanted to make sure I at least looked nice, just in case she isn’t a fan of my personality.”

“You’re nervous for no reason. I promise you.” He turns his head to check behind him before reversing out of my driveway.

God, since when did men’s jawlines get so attractive?

His arm is outstretched around the seat and his hand is casually resting on the back of my neck. He does this a lot lately. He always looks for reasons to touch me, and I love it. I’ve found myself craving this connection more and more. The heat from his hand warms my cool skin. The January chill is in the air now. Sunset Valley gets much colder than Los Angeles does this time of year, but nothing like the winters in Tennessee. They may not be arctic-like, but they are very cold and dreary nonetheless. The Bay Area here is more of a mild crispness. I really enjoy it.

“Grams is excited.”

He slides his thumb up and down my neck where his hand still rests. It’s a simple touch, but it ignites a fire in my belly that I’m starting to long for.

“I am too.”

“She’s going to try to embarrass me, so just be ready for that.”

“What kind of grandmother doesn’t try to embarrass her grandkids? I’m looking forward to it. I never got to know my grandparents on either side before they died.”

“I’m sorry,” he says.

“No, there’s no reason to apologize. I never even met them. My mom was never close to her parents and my dad’s lived really far away. It just never came to be. It doesn’t make me sad. It’s just part of my story.”

“I’m sure if you tell Grams that, she’ll take you on as an honorary grandchild.” He laughs.

“She may be too much grandma for me. From what I remember of the interaction we had in the grocery store, she’s an incredibly feisty lady.”

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