Page 20 of Mr. Big Mistake
My eyes snapped open, and my lips downturned. I hiked my purse up my shoulder and started up the steps toward the front doors. I wasn’t a girl. I was a woman. A thriving, intelligent, level-headed woman. Any man would be lucky to be with me. Any man should thank his stars if I turned my head in his direction.
“Just don’t lose your nerve,” I murmured.
“Welcome to Hard Rock! How many?” the hostess asked.
“Actually, my party is already he--.”
“Kelly!”
Brenden’s voice soared above the crowd, and I saw him flagging me down near the bar. I moved away from the hostess, entranced by the man’s beauty, as I moved closer to him. A smile crossed my cheek as he stood to greet me. He wrapped me up in a hug I almost melted into as I closed my eyes. He held me tight. Very tight. And he held me for a while. A long while. I settled my head against his shoulder, and I could’ve sworn I felt him sigh, and it made me wonder what he was thinking. It made me wonder what he was feeling.
Because Brenden had never hugged me with more than one arm. Nor had he ever hugged me for that long.
“It’s good to see you,” I murmured.
He finally stood up. “Good to see you, too. You look great, Kelly.”
I smiled. “Thanks. And you know you always clean up well.”
He winked. “Don’t I know it.”
I tried not to go weak in the knees. “So, what’s up? Everything okay?”
“Here. Have a seat. Would you like a drink other than water?”
I shook my head. “Water’s fine for me. I haven’t even had coffee yet today, so maybe if they have some here?”
“One coffee coming up. Have you eaten?”
I shook my head. “Nope.”
“Well, order whatever you want. Food’s on me.”
I nodded. “I appreciate that. But why am I here?”
He sat down in front of me. “What do you mean?”
“You and I never get together, just one on one. Is there something wrong?”
“Why would you think that?”
A waiter approached. “Can I get you two anything?”
I looked up at him. “A cup of coffee, if you have any?”
He scribbled on his notepad. “Sir? Would you like another whiskey?”
I paused. “Another one?”
Brenden chuckled. “Just water for me, thanks. Are you ready to order, Kelly?”
“How many drinks have you--?”
He turned his attention to the waiter. “I’d like a massive bowl of your cajun chicken pasta, with a slice of carrot cake for dessert.”
Something was wrong. “And I’ll take a large portion of your grilled chicken salad, with a side of bacon cheese fries and ranch to dip it in.”
The waiter nodded. “Anything for dessert?”
