Page 8 of Sharing Shadow Secrets
The patio erupts in shouts, cheers, and gasps. Emily steps into the doorway, hand in hand with a little boy. I think Nicholas mentioned she had a son on one of our calls. The crowd cheers again as she walks to Nicholas. She’s radiant, her brown hair beautifully styled to one side, wearing a fitted white midi dress. I love that dress. With my hips, that would be a flattering cut if I had a casual wedding.
Good joke.I’m approaching thirty and never even had a boyfriend. Although, I want that. Marriage and at least one baby.
“Looks like I’m a wedding crasher,” Brandon whispers into my hair. I shiver at the proximity and the way his deep voice sounds.
“Reception crasher,” I correct.
He leans his shoulder into me, and our height difference sets in. I’m five-four, and he’s over six feet.
“I could be your date and then I’m not crashing anymore.”
“Thirsty, Brandon.”
“Hydrated.”
Innuendo?There’s an intensity of his blue eyes looking into mine. Why does he feel too good looking for me?
“Well … I don’t think now’s the time to pitch my business idea.”
Brandon nods. “After you say congrats, want to hang at my place? I have a few people that are chilling until after dinner.”
I shake my head. It’s not that I don’t want to hang. It’s that if I go back to his place, I know exactly what will happen. The energy between us. It would be fun … but no.
Don’t rush this.
“I wouldn’t sleep with you,” he says, a smirk growing.
“No?” I bat my lashes.
“I mean …” His cheeks blush.
“That’s exactly why I am not going tohang.” I drag out the last word. I don’t want to ruin whatever is going on between us by hooking up too soon.
“What day this week is best for you to go to Cable?”
“I don’t know yet …” I manage because I’ve never been put on the spot like this. Guys have always asked me out over text or dating app. Never in person like this.
“Be a tease then.”
I look away from him, giggling. “I should go tell Nicholas congratulations.”
Brandon grabs my hand, squeezing it. “On Thursday, I’m taking you out. Because the week after, I’ll be in Europe.”
I fight back the urge to sayoh, really?and give in to this idea because I really want to go on a date with him.
“Thursday. Okay.” I smile wide, looking forward to seeing him again.
6
Watching her walk away, I really hope she is the good kind of trouble. I haven’t felt like this in a while—buzzing, smiling, intrigued. She’s interesting.
I walk over to Patrick and clap him on the back of the shoulder. “Well, I have a date on Thursday.”
“With?” he asks, shocked.
“Taylor Williams. She’s High Five’s social media girl.”
Rachel pokes me. “Looks like you might have to break your ban on High Five.”
