Waiting for Love ((Waiting) Book 2) (7 page)

Chapter Seven

    It’s almost time for Garrett to pick me up for our first date. I’m a nervous wreck and I don’t know how to deal with this unsettled feeling in my stomach. I’ve never been this worried when I’ve gone out with other guys and I don’t like it at all. Who would want to willingly feel this way? This dating shit is for the birds.

    I take one more glance in my full-length mirror and I’m satisfied with what I see. I dressed casually like he suggested. I’m wearing dark blue skinny jeans, a black long sleeve tee shirt and a charcoal gray cardigan that belts at the waist. I have on my black ballerina flats just in case we are doing any walking and there are diamonds in my ears, thanks to my father for gifting them to me for my eighteenth birthday. I’m wearing makeup but I’ve kept it light and my hair is down. I let the natural curl come out since I didn’t feel like fussing with it.

    As I walk back into the living room to sit on the couch and wait, there’s a knock at the door. I take a deep breath and try to calm the nervous energy that feels like it’s going to explode out of me. I open the door to find Garrett standing there with a bunch of sunflowers in his hand and a smile on his face. My cheeks reflexively lift in an answering grin.

“Come on in.”

“These are for you.” He hands me the flowers and I raise them to my nose and inhale their strong scent.

“Mmm, they smell so good. Thank you for bringing me these. Sunflowers are my favorite.” I walk in the direction of the kitchen and he follows along.

“Let me place them in some water and then we can go.” I quickly arrange the flowers and set the vase on the table. The yellow of the petals is so vibrant it adds a refreshing pop of color to the space.

“They're beautiful Garrett. I really love them.” He moves in front of me and cups my face with both his hands.

“Thank you for agreeing to go on this date with me. You don’t know how happy it makes me to know that we have hours of uninterrupted time to spend together.” He takes my lips in a gentle kiss and I realize that he isn’t playing around. He means business and I’m not sure I’ll be able to resist him if he keeps all this sweetness up. Dickhead Garret, I can resist, but sweet Garrett might be another story.

“So where are you taking me?”

“We’re going to one of my favorite restaurants. It’s about a twenty-minute drive from here. I didn’t want you to worry about bumping into anyone we know from school. I just want you to relax and have a great time.” He caresses my cheek with the top of his index finger and stares into my eyes. “We better get going.”

     We ride to the restaurant Garrett chose in his Tesla. I’ve never seen one of these up close before. He opened my door for me like a gentleman should. My father always stressed the need for good manners when we were growing up. He told me that if a man doesn’t open my door for me on our first date, that means he’s probably never going to open my door for me and a small part of me is relieved that Garrett did. It’s like he passed a secret test he didn’t even know he was being given. The drive passes quickly and before I know it we’re pulling into the parking lot of O’Neils. I’m guessing from the name that this is an Irish pub type establishment.

     Garrett once again gets my door and he clasps our hands together as we walk to the entrance. His large palm easily encompasses my much smaller one. His hand feels warm and smooth and his gentle yet firm hold on mine is sending tingles up my arm. How much his touch affects me, continues to surprise me. I can only imagine how hot the sex between us will be.

***

     We’re seated at a table immediately and a middle-aged waitress comes over to take our order. She takes one look at Garrett, smiles, and lets out a squeal.

“Garrett, I didn’t know you were coming in tonight. Why didn’t you let us know, dear?” He stands up and they share a quick hug.

“Megs, I thought I would surprise you guys instead. I’d like you to meet Shelby.” He gestures across the table toward me. I stand up from my chair and extend my hand.

“I’m Megs dear, and I’m a hugger.” She ignores my extended hand, instead pulling me into her arms.

“Megs is the mother of my best friend, Colin,” He explains. “Is he working tonight?”

“He sure is dear. I’ll let him know you’re here. He was just mentioning the other day that you guys hadn’t gotten together for a while. I know he’ll be happy to see you. Okay, how about you both tell me what you’d like to drink.” Garrett nods his head toward me.

“I would love a margarita on the rocks with salt, please.”

“I’ll have whatever you have on draft.” Megs leaves to put our order in and we peruse our menus in silence. I’m trying to make up my mind what to order. There are a lot of good selections on the menu to choose from. I’m gnawing on my bottom lip as I'm trying to decide between a burger or steak tips. The thought of having to eat a big, messy burger in front of Garrett makes my decision easy. Megs comes back in a flash with our drinks and takes our order. I order the steak tips and Garrett went the messy burger route. He did tell her to hold the onions, though.  

     “I’m assuming you must have grown up in this area since you know Megs and her family.”

“Yes, I grew up in Fairview. Colin and I were neighbors and thick as thieves. We got into a lot of mischief together when we were kids.” He smiles, lost in his thoughts of days gone by.

“What about you Shelby? Where did you grow up?”

“I’m kind of surprised you haven’t already looked all this up on the computer. I’m sure you have access to my file.” I pause to give him a chance to come clean, if he has, in fact, looked up my information. He shakes his head, so I continue.

“I grew up in Lexham.”

“Do you have any siblings?” He asks. I nod my head in confirmation.

“I do, I have four older brothers...Brennan, Hollis, Aiden and Greyson. There was never a dull moment in our house. It’s a miracle the four of them didn’t kill each other with some of the stunts they pulled. They used to beat the snot out of one another and I would cry because I was worried about them. I guess it’s kind of ironic that Aiden and Greyson are both professional fighters. At least, now they get paid for it.” I smile and I know my face reflects the love I have for all of them.

“It must have been difficult to date with all those brothers looking over your shoulder.”

“You have no idea. The only saving grace is that they’re all older than me so Brennan and Hollis were away at college when I started high school. Aiden and Greyson are twins and they were seniors when I was a freshman. That was a pretty bleak year for me as far as dating went. The two of them would scare off any boy that even glanced at me. It was horrible and totally embarrassing. There were some perks to having them in the same school as me, though.” I smile before continuing on. “They were on the football team, so I became friends with all their teammates. When they both went off to college the next year, I dated a couple of the guys that were on the team with them. I guess they weren’t afraid to ask me out as long as the twins were away at school in another state.”

“What about you Garrett? Are you an only child?”

“No, I have an older brother, Jackson. He’s married and has a three-year-old daughter Leah.” Megs returns at this point, balancing a tray with our meals on it. She places my steak tips and mashed potatoes in front of me. It looks mouthwatering and I can’t wait to take a bite. Garrett’s burger looks delicious too but after seeing the size of it, I’m happy with the choice I made.

“Do you dears need anything else?” Megs asks.

“We’re all set for now,” Garrett says with a smile.

“Okay, I’ll check back in with you later.” Now that she’s gone, I take the first bite of steak. It’s so tender and juicy. I’ve never had tips this delicious before.

“Oh my God,” I moan. “This is amazing. Mmm.” Garrett smiles at me.

“Everything they make is beyond compare. You could go to the most upscale restaurant in Boston and it wouldn’t measure up to the food they serve here. Colin is an amazing chef.” We both enjoy the companionable silence as we dig into our meals. I know where I’m coming next time Hailey wants to go out to eat.

     I eat everything on my plate and I'm so full it feels like I swallowed a boulder. I groan and rest my hands on my stomach.

“I ate way too much...but it was so good. I couldn’t let any go to waste and you know leftovers are never as good the next day.” I realize I’m rambling and pause.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. We’ll have to come back here again soon.” I smile at him before taking a sip of the water Megs left on the table.

     I notice a large, blonde guy coming up behind Garrett. He claps him on the back a couple of times, surprising him.

“You’re getting lax in your old age,” Colin says. Garrett jumps up from his chair.

“Hey, brother.” They exchange a bro-hug before I get introduced to Colin.

“So Shelby darling, what are you doing with Garrett? How did this guy get a beautiful girl like you to give him the time of day?”

“I’ve been asking myself that same question all night Colin.” The guys share a laugh.

“This one will keep you on your toes. She might be just what you need G.”

“She just might be.” He playfully winks at me before continuing. “Dinner was delicious man. This is Shelby’s first time coming here.”

“Did you enjoy your meal?” Colin asks.

“It was the best steak tips I’ve ever had. I’m totally beached now. Garrett may have to carry me to the car or I guess he could just roll me there.”

“I have to get back to my kitchen but I want to see you soon G...you too Shelby.”

***

      After we leave the restaurant, he takes me to his condo. It’s on the second floor of an old brownstone, similar to the one I live in, but his is located in a highly sought after area, close to Fenway Park. The location is prime with access to everything he could need all within walking distance. Once we’re inside, I notice the high ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors. His furniture is mostly modern in style with some antiques mixed in and somehow it ends up looking eclectic and not out of place.

      “Make yourself at home. Can I get you a glass of wine?” I untie the belt on my sweater and remove it, laying it over the back of his couch.

“I would love a glass of water if you don’t mind.” I smile at him at I sit down on his large, dark gray microfiber sectional. The material is soft to the touch and the cushions are extra deep.

“Your couch is so comfortable. If I had this in my apartment, I would never get anything done. I would curl up with my kindle and not move.” He hands me my glass of water as he sits down next to me.

“You’re welcome to come and sit on my couch anytime you want.” He winks at me before picking up the television remote. “Let’s see if we can find a good movie to watch. He flips to the guide channel and scrolls through. We settle on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which is one of my favorites and surprisingly one of his too.

“I never would’ve pegged you as a Harry Potter fan. You continue to surprise me and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.” He turns and locks his eyes on mine. In this lighting, I can see more green flecks than I’ve ever noticed before and they are truly stunning.

      “Will you lie down with me, here on the couch? I just want to hold you and watch the movie.”

“Sure.” I kick my flats off before I stand, allowing him the room he needs to get situated. He puts two pillows down for our heads and he lays sideways on one of them; leaving one for me to use. I lie down in front of him, facing the television. His arm wraps around my waist and he pulls me back against his chest. He smells so good. His cologne has a woodsy scent to it but it’s soft and not overpowering. It’s taunting me, making me want to turn over and press my nose to his neck so I can breathe his delicious smell in repeatedly. I can’t allow myself to do that so I try to focus on Harry, Ron, and Hermione. He nuzzles my neck and gently kisses below my ear and I groan out loud.

“Garrett, you need to behave or I’m going to have you take me home.” I peek over my shoulder at him. He looks more innocent than a choir boy. “Behave,” I order him, trying to be stern.

“I’ll behave, don’t worry. I just couldn’t help myself for a minute there. You smell so fantastic.” He settles back down behind me and we continue to watch the movie. I can feel myself getting drowsy but I’m so comfortable I don’t ever want to move.

     I wake to heat all around me, as though I’m wrapped in an electric blanket. It’s toasty warm and cozy. When I open my eyes, I realize I’m crushed against Garrett’s chest and our legs are tangled together.
Oh shit.
I definitely didn’t plan on this happening. Now I have to figure out a way to get out of here without waking him. His arm is wrapped around me with a vise-like grip and I really can’t see any way out of this other than waking him up. I poke him in the chest.

“Garrett.” He doesn’t move. “Garrett.” I say it a little louder and poke him at the same time. He slowly opens his eyes and when he notices how tangled up we are he smiles.

“Good morning gorgeous.”
Oh my God!
His “just woke up” voice is all husky and sexy and I need to get out of here before I do something stupid
...like strip him naked and climb on his
cock.