Page 39 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Thanks, you too.” And I mean it, allowing my eyes to linger over his large biceps.

Weston places his hand on the small of my back as the waitress leads us to a table. Before we sit, Weston pulls out my chair for me. I’ve never had a man be so effortlessly polite, and I’m honestly impressed. She hands us some menus, and we look over them while she grabs our coffee. I can’t help but glance at Weston and notice his strong jawline and plump, kissable lips. Once our mugs are delivered, the waitress takes our order.

“I’d like the blueberry pancakes with sausage,” I tell her.

“I’ll have the same thing.” He shoots me a wink.

As I add cream and sugar to my coffee, Weston takes a sip of his without anything in it.

“So where do you see yourself in five years?” he asks.

“Hmm.” I tap my finger across my lips. “I hope to be married and starting a family, but at the very least, living in my own place.”

Weston’s kind eyes meet mine. “So you have a roommate?”

“Yeah, my friend Maria, well, and her boyfriend too. He’s a new addition, though.” I try not to seem annoyed by him, but I think Weston notices. Anytime I think about Carter,curse words ensue soon after, but I’m trying to be on my best behavior. First impressions and all.

“Uh-oh.” He chuckles, noticing the change in my demeanor.

“I’m particular and don’t care for change, but he’s shaken things up around the apartment and is a slob.”

I realize I’m rambling and try to wrap up this topic. “But I’m easy to get along with otherwise. It’s small things that irk me, like mustard smeared on the counter or a sip of milk being left in the carton.”

Weston chuckles at that last bit. “Yeah, that’d irk me too for sure. Probably one of the main reasons I live alone. I’m saving my space for the woman I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with. Just waiting to find her. Maybe I have.”

The butterflies in my stomach flutter again. He knows exactly what to say, and I’m all smiles as our food arrives. We eat and chat about everything, and the conversation doesn’t seem to drop once. Being with him already feels so natural. It’s as if I’ve known him a lifetime.

“Do you like playing professionally? Or is it one of those things that turned your passion into a chore? I hear that happens sometimes with creative professions.”

I appreciate that he’s more interested in asking me questions than talking only about himself, which is different from the other guys I’ve met from the app. Weston listens as I chat about violin and how it essentially changed my life.

“It’s my escape,” I admit. “Music is deeply ingrained inside me, and it does something to my soul. Nothing in my life has ever affected me the same way violin has.”

“Wow,” he whispers. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you, Sophie. You’re beautiful, intelligent, talented.” He leans forward, resting his arms on the table in front of him and flashes a panty-dropping smirk. “So when do you want to get married?”He winks before leaning back to take a sip of his coffee, and I nearly choke from his words.

“Tomorrow?” I taunt. “I mean, Vegas is only a few hours away.”

“Don’t tempt me, sweetheart.” His voice is velvety sweet, and though we’re finished eating, I don’t want this day to end. By the way he’s looking at me, I think he feels the same. Or at least I hope.

The waitress brings the check, and Weston quickly hands her his card.

“I can take care of mine,” I insist.

“Now, it wouldn’t be a date if you paid, and that’sexactlywhat this is,” he explains, grinning. I know our time together is coming to an end when the waitress asks us several times if we need anything else after Weston pays. We take the hint and decide to leave.

Weston politely walks me to my car and pulls me into a hug before we part ways. It feels nice, comforting to be in his strong arms.

“Can I see you again?” he asks, opening my door for me.

“Absolutely,” I say without hesitation. Weston leans down and presses his lips to my cheek.

“I’ll call you soon to set something up.” He smirks before crossing the parking lot. As he walks away, I let out a shaky, excited breath. I can’t wait to see him again.

Before I drive home, I text Maddie and let her know how it went.

Maddie

OMG! That’s SOOO exciting! Wait, so why aren’t you doing him right now if it went well?

---