Salvation (Surrender 3)

He blows out a breath and my pulse quickens.

“I’d like to take you out on a proper date.”

Robbie Hayes wants to take me on a date!!!

“So, are you comfortable with me picking you up tomorrow night, or would you rather meet somewhere?”

The very few times I have dated, I’ve always wanted my own car. But with Robbie, it’s different. He’s safe. And if we’re going on a date, I want it to be a real one that begins with him picking me up and ends with him dropping me off.

“I’d like it if you picked me up.”

Cruz smiles widely at me.

“Great, text me your address. I’ll be there at seven.”

“Okay, Robbie, see you then.”

“And Ember, I look forward to it.” He hangs up before I can reply.

“We have a lot to do to get ready for tomorrow night, so stop staring at your phone. Get up, get dressed, and meet me in the kitchen in thirty minutes. Only you could get me to go shopping on a Saturday,” Cruz bosses me.

I throw off my comforter and make my way to the bathroom without any argument. As I turn on the shower, I smile to myself and dance around in a circle. Robbie Hayes, the man who has filled my thoughts for weeks and makes my insides quiver, asked me out!

Robbie: Ember, something came up and I need to reschedule tonight. Sorry for the short notice, but it’s a family thing I can’t get out of. I’ll call you later.

I re-read the text for the fifth time. Of course something came up. The first thing that I’ve been looking forward to in a long time, canceled. For once, I’m grateful for the technology of text messages.

Me: No problem. Hope all is well.

There. Simple and acknowledging. No emotional distress at all.

“This guy know about Cruz and me?” Alex asks from my doorway.

Alex Carson is Cruz’s boyfriend and like another brother to me. Even if he was no longer dating my cousin, we’d be close. He’s always been my sounding board. Cruz is emotionally involved with all my choices, while Alex has more of a reasonable ear. He’s helped guide some of my most important decisions, including finishing my Fashion Design degree.

Cruz and Alex have been together for three years and are one of the happiest couples I’ve ever seen. They’re a lot alike in their looks- tall, built, blonde hair, and hazel eyes. But their personalities are opposite. When Alex heard I had a date, he made sure I had mace in my purse and gave me a refresher course on how to give a right hook. Whereas Cruz made sure I had the most stylish skinny jeans and new black-heeled boots.

I smile at Alex slyly. “Not sure what you mean. Does he know that Cruz is gay and has a boyfriend? Or does he know that I have two men that are extremely overprotective and may embarrass me to death?”

“The last one. I’m thrilled that you are going out with this guy tonight, but don’t expect me to go easy on him.”

“Hate to tell you, but you won’t get your chance. He canceled.” I wave my phone at him. “Through text message.”

Alex’s face falls, and he comes to my bed to sit next to me. He puts one arm around my shoulders and uses his other hand to lift my chin up so I have to look at him.

“What did he say?”

“Family thing.”

“Do you believe him?”

“Yes,” I sigh. “There’s a good possibility it has to do with his sister.”

“Cruz told me she’s marrying the lead singer of Sayge.”

“They’re really close.”

“So it sounds like he has a legit reason. Tell me what you’re thinking.”