“What does that mean?”
“First his dad and then his friends. He’s bringing you into his circle in record time.”
“I truly think his dad was a surprise, but the whole night with his friends, he was different than I expected. I wasn’t anticipating the way he acted. He was affectionate.”
“That’s proof positive he’s a real man. You don’t invite a girl you recently started dating to come out with your friends and treat her like she’s inconsequential. You make her feel comfortable, wanted, and like you’re glad she’s there.”
“He did. Although, he did growl when he saw my choice of shirts. Said something about me covering up. The only time I felt uncomfortable, I was coming back from the restroom and watched as the waitress touched his arm. It was exactly out of some cheesy movie. She threw her head back, laughing, and pushed her chest out. He removed her hand and stepped away. She looked at him, rejected, and rolled her eyes when I joined them. Finn shook his head, but Tripp started laughing at her.”
“Get used to it. Men like Robbie attract attention, and you already told me the rest of his friends turn heads too.”
His words hit me hard, and for a slight second, my insecurities bubble but I push them down. He gave me no reason to worry tonight.
“Little Star, it goes both ways. He’s going to have to stay on his toes with you. People stop and stare when you walk into a room.”
I open my mouth to respond, but my phone dings with an incoming text.
Robbie: You still awake?
Me: Yes
Twenty seconds later, my phone rings and his name flashes across the screen. My stomach dips, and I suppress the urge to giggle. I kiss Cruz on the cheek quickly as I walk toward my room.
“Hello?”
“You in bed?”
“Not yet. I was talking to Cruz.”
“Is he mad?”
“No, why?”
“Ember, I’m trained to know when I’m being watched. Knew the minute we hit your porch he was there.”
“You did?”
“Yeah, babe, he’s the only thing that held me back from backing you into the wall and wrapping you around my body.”
Fucking Cruz!
His chuckle flows through the phone.
“Did I say that out loud?”
“Yeah.”
“Why does that keep happening with you?” Heat creeps up my cheeks, remembering our passionate kisses. He didn’t hold back, even knowing we had an audience.
“I don’t mind.”
“Well, I do. It’s embarrassing.”
“Don’t see how, but I’ve never tried to read a woman’s mind. I usually don’t hold back.”
I plop back on my bed and inhale the scent of him lingering on my sheets.
“Tomorrow night, I want to cook you dinner over here. Are you comfortable with that?”