Page 53 of The Sound of Silence

“It was all the dog’s fault. He tied a note to her collar, asking me out on a date. How could I possibly say no to Maisie’s adorable puppy eyes?”

Natalia chuckled.

“He’s definitely creative—I’ll give him that much—but I’m serious. Why did you finally say yes?”

Thinking about all the tiny, yet significant, things Derek did, I smiled and bit my lower lip.

“He brought me vanilla lattes from La Biga because he just so happened to have walked by there—almost every single day,” I added with a laugh. “It’s too bad they aren’t a publicly-traded company. I would have bought stock. His purchases alone would have made me rich!”

“Okay, what else?”

“He showed me all around the city so I could feel more comfortable with the area. He sends me motivational text messages on the mornings I’m scheduled to train with him.”

“And?” she pushed.

I recalled the many times I caught him staring at me in appreciation when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. The way he looked at me made me feel whole and incredibly feminine. It always made me smile, but I didn’t need to tell Natalia all that. I knew where she was going with this.

“Look, Nat. I get what you’re trying to do here. You have to understand the way I see things. Yes, I’m stronger and more confident now—more so than I’ve ever been before in my life, but I can’t help but wonder if the coffee Derek bought for me so different from the daisies Ethan used to buy me? I allowed myself to be wooed once before, and it turned out to be a disaster. I know Derek is nothing like Ethan, but I’m allowed to be worried about the possibility of things going terribly wrong.”

“And it might. Who knows? Life happens. But at least you’re going into the evening, knowing you weren’t pressured by some crazy, possessive guy. Derek respected your boundaries and honored your wishes about taking things slow. Don’t forget that.”

“What if he asks questions about my past?”

“Just tell him. What happened isn’t your fault.”

“It’s more than that and you know it. For crying out loud, I can just hear myself now. Hi, my name is really Gia, not Val. And by the way, I’m legally married to a—”

“Stop over analyzing this. If he’s worth it, he’ll understand everything when you’re ready to tell him. For tonight, go have fun. You deserve this, Gia.” She paused and giggled. “Or should I say—Val?”

“Not funny, Nat. Not funny at all. I’m going to hang up now. He should be here any minute.”

“Call me tomorrow. I want all the deets.”

“I can’t call tomorrow. I’m almost out of pre-paid minutes this month. It will have to wait until next week.”

Now it was her turn to sigh.

“I’m so tired of this. I miss you. I wish I could come see you.”

“Me too, Nat, me too. I just… I just don’t think it’s safe yet.”

“I know,” she agreed sadly. “I love you. Have a good time tonight.”

“Love you, too.”

I gave myself one last look before leaving the bathroom. Having finally spent money on a proper haircut and color, I fashioned the short style with soft beach waves and pinned it up loosely on the sides with two tiny clips. It was still dyed a dark brown but I’d asked the stylist to add a few lowlights to break up the solid. The overall look had grown on me and I didn’t think I’d ever go back to blonde again.

I adjusted the straps of the burgundy silk tank top I’d purchased the day before. It showed off strong, toned arms from months of training with Derek and Hana. Skinny black ankle pants followed the long line down my legs to a pair of nude pumps that completed the outfit. I was satisfied with my appearance, and after spritzing a small amount of body spray over my neck and shoulders, I felt extremely feminine for the first time in a very long time. My reflection seemed to radiate confidence—and I didn’t think it was the least bit arrogant to say I looked sexy as hell.

I smiled at my reflection.

“I’m ready for this.”

Tossing my lipstick into my clutch purse, I snapped it closed just as a knock sounded at the door. I headed out to the family room and peered through the peephole to see Derek on the other side. Instantly, the bravado I had in the mirror just moments ago was gone, and my palms began to sweat. As I unbolted the door and lifted the wooden plank, I questioned why I was so nervous. I’d been training with Derek for months. Hardly a day went by when I didn’t see him. Now, it felt like I didn’t know him at all.

Wiping my sweaty palms on my pants, I opened the door and was greeted by Derek’s huge smile. He wore dark blue jeans and a white button-up shirt that seemed tailor-made for him. The way it was cut, there was no disguising the slopes and valleys of the muscle underneath. One finger held a black sport coat slung over his right shoulder, while the opposite hand rested half inside his pants pocket. Trying not to gawk at his perfectly tapered waist, I brought my gaze up to his hard jaw and full lips, before moving to meet the bright hazel eyes staring down at me.

Instantly, my apprehension faded away. Nat was right, I deserved this. We’d been dancing around this moment for months. I was more than ready.

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