“Good. That’s great.” She smiles at me, but I can sense there is something she wants to say but is holding back. “There’s a party tomorrow.”
“Oh no. I am done with the parties. I think my mother might be driving up tonight. You should go to lunch with us. We will probably do a girls day. Get our toes done and do a little shopping. My treat.”
“You sure? Liam has to work but I am meeting up with him later. I don’t want to intrude on your day.”
“Please come. If you’re there she won’t pester me with her list of don’ts.”
“Only if you’re sure.”
“I am. Now help me get ready for my date.” I’m nervous. I’ve never had a real date before. It feels like my first. Hunter and I have met up for lunch and coffee through the week between classes. But I have never gone to a guy’s place for dinner. Or to dinner with a guy period. I was supposed to have that date with Woodrow but then…I stop myself. I don’t want to think about Killian.
I haven’t seen him but once in passing. I was coming out of the dorm and his car was passing by. I don’t think he even saw me.
I wear the black dress and Hayley does my makeup like she did for the first party we went to. My hair is down and curled in bouncy waves. I feel good. Maybe even a little sexy. I am looking at my backside in the mirror, wondering if it may be a little too revealing for dinner at Hunter’s place. A knock sounds at our door.
“That’s probably my man.” Hayley beams and grabs her phone.
I grab my wristlet. “I should get going to.”
I follow her to the door and Liam and Killian are standing in the hall with Misty. I give them a little wave.
Liam whistles. “Where you off to in that dress?”
“She has a date,” Hayley answers for me and for a second, I think Killian flinches. I can’t be sure. I am trying really hard not to look at him. Maybe I am not as over my crush on him as I thought I was.
“You look hot,” Misty compliments me with a genuine smile. She comes off a bit ditzy but she’s really sweet.
“Thanks.” I go to step past their group and Killian’s shoulder bumps into mine forcing me to look at him. Those dark eyes suck me right in and he smirks satisfied with the effect. “Excuse me.” I take a breath, and I can smell his cologne. He takes a step back, and I keep strutting down the corridor. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Hayley.”
The elevator doors closes, and I collapse against the wall. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I hardly know Killian but seeing him just now drained me. He’s like a sucker of energy or something. I wasn’t jealous at all of Misty being with him. It’s just him—he does something to me. I can’t explain it.
I get into my car and plug the address in on my GPS.
Hunter lives in the nice part of town in one of the more expensive buildings. Considering we were both counselors at the same camp his family probably has money. Not that I care about that.
I greet the doorman after parking my car in the guest space. “I’m here to see Hunter Croneil.”
The older man gives me a friendly smile in greeting and escorts me to the elevator.
I gently knock on the door. I can hear soft music coming from the other side. The door opens and Hunter is waiting for me with a smile and a red rose. He’s wearing a dark blue button-down shirt paired with black dress slacks. He’s handsome in the boy next door way. I remember the muscles he had from swimming and rowing when we were at camp.
“You look beautiful.” He hands me the rose and shows me inside.
“Thanks. Do you live alone?” I look around the apartment. It’s clean and everything appears brand-new.
“I actually stay here with my older sister, Jill.”
“I think I remember her from family day. What’s she into these days?”
“She’s a doctor.”
“Oh wow. That’s great.”
He shrugs. “Are you hungry?”
“A little.”
“I ordered out. Sorry I’m a terrible cook. I wanted to take you out but the restaurant I like was booked on such short notice.”