Page 6 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
My eyes widen. “When who eats around here? How old is this woman you want to set me up with?” She laughs without responding,prompting me to ask another question. “Isn’t there anything better than the diner for a date around here?”
“There are a lot of great places, but we thought it would be easier since you’ve never met. Besides, does it matter where you go when you claim you don’t even want to go on this date?”
“Guess not.” Running my fingers through my brown hair, making it stick up on top, I drop my hand back to my hip in defeat. “Okay, fine. One date and one date only.”
“Yes!” Grinning wide, she steps towards me and hesitates. Scrunching up her nose in displeasure, she takes a step back. “On second thought, I’ll give you a thank you hug after you shower.”
A laugh escapes my mouth and her features soften with both gratitude and relief. “Thank you, Levi. You won’t regret this.”
“I already do,” I mumble under my breath as she walks away.
Chapter 3
Layla
Running my hands over my white sleeveless blouse with eyelet stitching, flared at the waist and onto my navy blue pencil skirt, I wonder if I should go home and change. I feel like I’m overdressed for the diner. Although, I didn’t want to underdress for a date either. Coming on this date at all wasn’t my choice, but I committed to it and I’m not backing out now. Besides, I don’t want whoever they set me up with to see my reluctance the moment they lay eyes on me or think I’m over excited. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. Then again, that doesn’t mean anything. If I knew who they were setting me up with, it’d be easier. I’ve known everyone who lives in Love Canyon for most of my life. That’s part of the reason I don’t date anymore.
Taking a deep breath, I open the door and step inside. My eyes widen. I’ve never seen the diner so full. Familiar faces glance my way, a few older couples and several women from book club standing out. My eyes narrow on Chloe’s grandmother sitting with her friends letting me know exactly what’s going on.
This was a bad idea.
I spin on my heel and reach for the door. A hand on my arm stops me and I turn. “Hi, Layla. What a surprise seeing you here. Are you meeting Chloe?”
“Hi, Nora. I’m here for the blind date you and the rest of book club set me up with,” I remind her, offering a polite smile. I don’t believe for a second she doesn’t already know exactly why I’m here.
“Was that tonight? Oh, well, let me walk you to a table. I saw one right over here,” she says, giving my arm a gentle tug.
Reluctantly, I let her guide me to the only empty table, diagonal from her and her friends. “Thank you.”
Waving to the other women, I sit down with my back to them, knowing seeing their eyes on me will only make me more nervous. Nora leans down and whispers, “Don’t forget to put the rose on the table so he knows it’s you.”
Sitting up straight, I look around the room. “I didn’t bring a rose. No one told me.”
She gasps. “What? Oh, dear.”
Shaking my head, I claim, “It’s fine. I’m the only one here who’s alone and the rest of the tables are full. I’m sure he’ll figure it out.” Or maybe he won’t and I can leave, but with everyone here, being stood up is not ideal either.
“Okay. Good luck, Layla and have fun.”
“Thanks.”
Smiling brightly, she turns and walks away. Trying to forget about everyone here, I exhale slowly, getting my nerves under control.
The door to the diner swings open, gasps and murmurs hitting my ears before I lift my gaze, seeing the man behind all the chatter. My heart skips a beat.
His face isn’t one I recognize, nor one I would ever forget. There’s no way he’s from around here. He’s tall and lean with broad shoulders, and strong arms, his firm muscles on display underneath a black t-shirt. His thick, dark brown hair sticks up as if he continuously runs his hands through it making me want todo the same. Golden brown eyes roam the room and land on me causing my breath to catch.
Damn, he’s gorgeous.
Gulping hard, I square my shoulders, tuck my hair behind my ear and force a smile as he approaches, hoping it looks natural. He saunters across the room, his stride exuding confidence, along with a crooked smile that nearly brings me to my knees and he knows it. “Hi, I’m looking for a rose, but... Are you waiting for a blind date?” His voice comes out deep and gravelly making my breath catch.
Nodding, my head wobbles like a bobble head and I force myself to stop. “Yes, hi. I’m Layla.” Wiping my suddenly sweaty palms against my skirt, I stand, reaching out to shake his hand.
He grins wider, giving me goosebumps. Clasping my small hand in his large one, a shock goes right through me, causing me to jump. His smile falters and he drops his hands to his sides, assessing me. “Nice to meet you, Layla.”
Clearing my throat, I pull myself together. “And you are?”
Taking a moment, his eyes narrow before he answers. “Levi.”
