“That was the best part.” She giggles. “There’s a reason he’s an ex, and last night was proof. He’s a nice guy but not for me.”
“Why is that?”
She looks at me closely, then takes a sip of water and clears her throat. “I’m known as a safety girl. He was safe, but I couldn’t get over the fact there was no chemistry or passion.”
“Want to tell me about this ‘safety girl’ title?”
“It’s kinda my thing. I’ve always been a safety girl. Safe decisions, safe cars, safe career… it’s me. Stability is important to me.”
Fucking shit! I think to myself, knowing this is going to be a process. I’m not in danger a lot, but I bet being in the line of fire during a lame bank robbery would upend her thoughts on safety. So, instead of delving deeper, I go back to Russell.
“His loss, my gain.”
Her cheeks start to flush again, and she tries to hide her face. Once again, one word pops into my head: adorable.
“Do you have plans Sunday night?”
“Not yet, I’ll probably go over to Dad’s during the day to help with laundry and make some food for them for the week.”
“Would you have dinner with me?”
“I’d love to.”
“Friday, I’m wrapped up in security for a concert, and Saturday, I’m working a charity event downtown.”
“The symphony event?” she practically chirps.
“Yeah, how’d you know?”
“I’ll be there. My mom was a classical musician. Before she died, a few times a year, she’d join the Nashville Symphony for certain events. We try to support the organization.”
“The night suddenly seems a lot more bearable.”
“Mine too,” she says shyly, locking her eyes with mine.
My hand shoots out, curling around her neck and cradling her face gently. My thumb brushes across her lips, and I feel her warm breath hitch.
“Promise you’ll save me a dance?”
She nods slightly, and the air between us buzzes with energy. The impulse to kiss her is pumping through my veins. But I know if I do, I’ll never want to stop.
And that scares the shit out of me.
Chapter 7
Presley
“This is a tragedy!” I throw myself down on my bed, whining. “The little black dress has always been my go-to.”
My best friend, Reese, looks through my closet, thumbing through my dresses. “We’ll figure it out. LBD is still an option with the right jewelry.”
“No! I need something stunning. Do you know how many single socialites are going to be at this event—young, beautiful, and looking for a husband? Finn is going to have a room full of willing women prowling. I need something more than my boring choices.”
“He’s got you tied up, huh?”
“Yes! And if you meet him, he’ll have you entranced, too. He’s beyond gorgeous. It’s a wonder he’s single. From what I can tell, he’s perfect.”
“Really, Presley, I think you may be going overboard. You’ve been around him what, four times? And one of those was when you buried Simon. Maybe you’re building him up in your head too much. But even if he’s as perfect as you think, he’s the one who should worry. You’re the ultimate catch.”