Page 50 of Bracing The Storm

I have no time to ponder whether I made a mistake because my date’s arrived. Even though Duncan’s fifteen minutes early, I’m already dressed and ready to go. On the way downstairs, I give myself a once-over in the full-length mirror. The heels look great with my skinny jeans and black top. Aside from that, I haven’t put much effort into my looks and it shows. My hair’s washed and blow-dried, though far from perfection. A thin layer of gloss covers my lips, but the rest of my face is bare of makeup. It’s obvious that I’m not trying to impress anyone. The sooner Duncan gets my lack of interest the faster we can move toward building a professional business relationship without any hopes and dreams related to any romantic entanglements.

“You look great,” Duncan says as soon as I’ve opened the door.

Most of the lawyers I’ve dealt with were great liars. This one must have graduated at the top of his class because he doesn’t even blink as his gaze rakes over me, taking me in. If he notices me wearing the heels he doesn’t comment on it.

I know I don’t look great. Far from it. What with the fragile skin around my eyes being a little puffy from crying and the entire contents of my suitcase costing less than his watch. I smile in response, biting my tongue so I won’t give in to the pressure and pay back the compliment.

Hedoeslook great, but there’s no need to string him along.

“Shall we?” He offers me his arm and I take it hesitantly. There is no electric current running through me the way it did when Patrick touched me. Then again, no surprise there. Patrick’s so hot he could probably set my panties on fire by just looking at them.

I shake my head at the direction my thoughts are taking. Instead of enjoying the company of someone as nice and easy-going as Duncan, trust me to waste my Saturday night obsessing over the most arrogant and downright obnoxious man I’ve ever met.

Nice is boring.

“That’s not it,” I mumble to myself.

“Sorry?” Duncan asks.

“I was just—” I swat my hand and replace the sudden frown on my face with a smile. “I was just thinking out loud. It’s nothing.”

“I would have suggested an evening stroll. But the weather’s making it impossible. Good thing we’re driving.”

A stroll?

“Taking the car sounds like a good idea. As much as I like strolls, they don’t usually involve the kind of weather that could dislodge a tree. I would also opt for other footwear.” I shoothim a sideways glance. He shows no reaction to my casual hint. Hasn’t he noticed I’m wearing his high heels?

“Maybe we should get going. We wouldn’t want the competition to start without us,” I suggest to get him moving. I close the door behind me lest he seize the opportunity to invite himself in.

“The talent show?” Duncan’s brows draw together and a look of confusion flickers across his face. “Is that today?”

I nod in response and scan the short distance to his sports car. There’s gravel everywhere. I can only hope my heels won’t get stuck or worse—that I won’t lose my balance and land flat on my face.

“That wasn’t what I had in mind for us today but let’s check it out. We might get a laugh out of it. You wouldn’t believe what some people call talent. It’s probably going to be the same winner as usual”—he smiles—“but I won’t spoil the surprise for you.”

Continuing his chatter, he reaches his car in a few strides while I’m left to figure out a way to get there. I take a careful step, then another, testing my footing. It feels as though I’m walking down a plank with a stormy sea raging beneath me while a gust of wind keeps tearing at my clothes and whipping my hair left and right. After a minute that seems to stretch into an eternity, I finally reach the car and slump into the passenger seat, grateful I made it in one piece.

Duncan doesn’t drive like a maniac. That’s the first thing I notice about him. I can’t shake off the disappointment at that, like I subconsciouslywanthim to be less of a nice guy and more of a jerk like Patrick. Go, figure!

Urgh, Patrick again!

“Did you have a nice trip?” I ask because I don’t like the direction my thoughts are taking.

“Huh?” Duncan shoots me a confused glance. “Oh, that. Yes. It was good.”

I expect him to go into detail but he falls silent. We’ve barely been inside his car for a minute and I already find myself struggling to find things to talk about. It’s not the usual nervousness you have around a hot guy; it’s just some innate knowledge that we probably have nothing in common. I fold my hands in my lap and fight the need to start tapping my fingers against my thigh.

The silence seems oppressive, and the steady hum of the car combined with the howling wind outside is adding to the dampening mood.

I can already tell this date isn’t going anywhere. It’s not going to be a long night.

No matter how attractive he is, he’s never going to be Patrick.

Not him again.

I let out an annoyed huff and fight the urge to roll my eyes at myself. My uninvited roommate is everywhere even when he’s nowhere in sight. I just can’t get him out of my head.

“Sorry? Did you say something?” Duncan asks.

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