Page 14 of Flip the Field
“Sorry, sweetie, but I’m withholding details until you have some of your own to share.” While I had been off-limits to most of the men at Thackeray because of Duncan, April was on a self-imposed hiatus from the XY chromosome.
“You’re so not fair, and annoying,” She sighed. “I’m going to bed. It’s finally quiet in here –– my musically challenged neighbor is quiet for once.”
“I can’t believe Cal Chase is your new neighbor.”
She groaned.
I stood up. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Bye.”
Brady and I hadn’t exchanged numbers, so I had no way of cancelling on him. It would be one date, not even really a date. Just two people hanging out in Rocky Cove together.
Friends who maybe kiss.
I pushed up off the mattress and got ready for bed.
* * *
The next afternoon,a loud engine roared outside my door and sputtered before it choked off. I peeked out the door.
Brady climbed out of the front seat. He rounded the front and glared as if it was going to jump and gobble him up.
I stepped outside. “Hey.” I waved.
“You heard me coming, huh?” He shook his head at the truck before climbing two steps to stand in front of me. “Hi.”
He shoved his hands into the front pocket of the blue hoodie. He wore baggy blue jeans and the whitest sneakers I had ever seen. Had he polished them before seeing me?
“I borrowed it from Matthews, but I fear for your safety taking you in that thing,” He motioned over his shoulder.
“We can take my car,” I pointed to my white Range Rover at the curb.
He whistled. “Nice. That will work. You ready?”
I grabbed my purse and a jacket from inside, shut the door, and locked it. I pushed the unlock button on the key and the car beeped. I handed the keys to Brady. “You can drive…” My voice trailed off as our hands touched. The keys fell to the ground. We paused, staring at our hands.
Was the man made of electromagnetic material?
He recovered before me and picked up the keys. “You sure?”
I proceeded toward the car. He followed. I peeked over my shoulder. He scooted around me and opened my door.
“Yeah,” I climbed in. “This is your date.” My heart seized. “I mean…”
He chuckled and closed the door.
He climbed into the driver’s seat and paused. He adjusted the mirrors and found the button on the side of the seat to slide it back. He looked at the key fob and then at the push button start.
I leaned over and pushed it.
His shy grin made my insides flip.
He put the car in drive, and we were on our way.
