Page 69 of Burning Skies
As I watch her drive away, I realize that’s not the only thing I love about her.
26
HONEY
After I changefor the third time, I get desperate and call Cynthia. “I need your help. What do I wear on my date tonight with Beau?”
“Depends. Where are you going?”
“Dinner and country dancing.”
“You’re not afraid someone will see you?”
I run my clammy hands down my skirt. “I can’t live by my father’s edicts forever. Besides, we’re driving a few towns over, so it’s less likely.”
“Is your dad still upset with you?”
“Furious.” For once, I’m grateful my dad is still out of town. “I was hoping he’d tell Ian to leave me alone, but that asshole keeps leaving me messages.”
“Ian still calls you?”
“You’d think he’d get a hint. But he’s like, ‘I’m so sorry, baby. You’re the only one who’s important to me. I promise I’ll make you happy.’ Gag. I don’t even know the man. And it gives me the creeps when he calls me ‘baby.’”
“Un-fucking-believable,” she mutters under her breath. “Want me to kick his ass?” Cyn sounds genuinely pissed.
“No. Not yet, at least. But seriously, what do I wear? Jeans or a little skirt?”
“Skirt. It’s easier to get some dick that way.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “We’re going back to his place afterward, so I don’t think that will be an issue. I’m actually a little nervous. We haven’t had sex since that time in my SUV.”
“I thought you guys hooked up last weekend?”
“We didn’t do the full deed. We did other things.” Things I’ve been thinking about the entire week. “I got the feeling he didn’t want to push me or go too fast.”
“Why can’t I find a man like that? Ugh, I just fall for assholes every single time. It sucks.”
“I’m sorry, Cyn. You deserve a great guy too.” When I see the time, my eyes widen. “I have to go. He’ll be here soon.”
“Have fun! Don’t get knocked up!”
“Wise words. Thanks.” I hang up and run to the bathroom where I apply some lip gloss and fluff my hair. I’m wearing a thin, button-up cotton top with a pretty lace pattern and a flowy skirt that’s a little longer in the back. And since we’re two-stepping tonight, I’m wearing my cowboy boots. This will have to do because I don’t have time to try on any more outfits.
When Beau rings my doorbell, my heart skips a beat. I have to take a deep breath to calm down. I go downstairs to open the door, and he smiles when he sees me and holds out a bouquet.
It’s not the monstrous bouquet of red roses that Ian sent me. It’s smaller, but so beautiful.
I bring them to my face to smell the delicate petals. “How did you know pink peonies were my favorite?”
“You had a notebook on your desk that had similar pink flowers. I wasn’t sure if they were peonies, but I knew they weren’t roses.”
“My planner has peonies and butterflies.” Leaning up on my toes, I kiss him. “Thank you. The flowers are lovely.”
After I put my bouquet in a vase with water, I grab a sweater and lock up. But as we walk to his car, I notice something odd. “Why’d you park a block away?” Because there are empty spots in front of my place.
He opens my door and helps me into his truck. “Didn’t want your brothers to drive by and give you any flak.”
Beau’s surprisingly thoughtful. “I’m sorry this isn’t easier.”
