Page 64 of Love is Blind

“The light turned.” Startled by the sound of his gruff voice, I turn my head just as he takes my hand, his long fingers interlocking with mine.

“What are you doing?” I snap.

There’s a brief pause, then his voice sounds again and this time, I can detect the frustration in his tone.

“I’m holding your hand,” he hisses, his hand tightening around mine. I straighten my shoulders and with my free hand I tap the end of my cane to the cement.

“Well, thank you but I’ve been crossing the street all by myself for quite some time.”

To prove my point, I go to pull my hand from his. I lift my foot to take a step forward, but I’m quickly reeled back a pace. Somewhat panicked by the firm grip he has on me I immediately strain my ears and listen for a horn or an angry driver screaming expletives—anything that will explain why he’s pulled me back to him. But all I feel and hear is his breath against my ear and the deep timber of his voice.

Dangerous, and oh, so alluring.

“Ain’t debating with you. I let you hold onto that cane because of what happened between us that first night, but if I reach for your hand, you give it to me, Birdie.”

Not really wanting to start yet another scene, I let him lead me across the street, but once we hit the sidewalk, I stop walking. The man has my head spinning. I can’t tell if he wants me around or if I’m just a nuisance to him.

“I can’t figure you out,” I call out to him.

“Do yourself a favor and stop trying, babe,” he replies.

If only it were that easy.

“One minute you’re hot, the next you’re cold. You say you want to be friends, then the next you’re buying me a dog and asking me out to dinner. Is this how you are with all your friends?”

“I don’t have friends. I got my brothers and I got Holly. Now, I got you.”

I raise an eyebrow.

That’s pretty high company to keep and the statement only confuses me more.

“Look, Birdie, most days I can’t tell which way is up and which is down. Just go with the flow, babe, and we’ll get there.” His hand closes around mine and he tugs me against his side, draping an arm across my shoulders.

Lifting my chin, I touch a hand to his chest, halting him from taking another step.

“Get where?” I ask.

“Wherever it is you and I are meant to be.”

Maybe he’s right, maybe I should stop trying to figure him out and just go with the flow. It’s surely the saner option.

We cross the street in silence. Reaching the shop, he lets go of my hand and opens the door for me. “Now, what size shoe are you?”

Forget calling him Casper, I might start calling him Dr. Jeykll. It’s more fitting. With a sigh, I narrow my eyes and ask, “Why?”

“Because you need a good pair of riding boots if you’re gonna be on the back of my bike.”

Or maybe I’ll call him Hyde.

Chapter Fifteen

Ghost

I fucked up big.

It wasn’t the long ride to Fayetteville that was the problem—feeling the wind on my face and Birdie’s perky tits pressed against my back was fucking bliss. Taking her to Mac’s and treating her like shit—that’s where I fucked up.

I felt on edge the second we stepped foot inside the restaurant. It was packed for a weeknight and I feared Birdie would have trouble navigating her way to the table. Then that stupid fucking hostess made the remark about only needing one menu.

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