“You’re that forgetful?”
“No, but I do like a variety of foods.” Although I might not finish the chicken tonight. I push the platter aside. “How about dessert? I know of a place that serves great beignets.”
“I should get home.” She looks at the darkening sky. “Grandma is probably wondering where I am.”
“You have at least three more hours left on your date meter,” I inform her. I’m not ready to let her go. Not just yet.
Chapter 12
Paislee
I like him. Heck, I think I more than like him. I should be more excited about that. Why is it freaking me out so much? When my mom came up, I felt myself start to shut down. I was laughing and having a good time. The thought of her being gone and never doing those things again had saddened me.
My life has become so different over the last month, and she’s not here for me to tell her about it. I’m not sure how she would have reacted to my grandma coming to the house, but I think she would have given her a chance.
I can’t help but wonder what she would think of Gant. What advice would she have given him about me? Gant reaches out and swipes his thumb across the side of my mouth. When he pulls it back, I see powdered sugar on it. He brings it to his mouth, sucking it clean. The heat in his eyes has me fighting not to wiggle in my seat.
“You like?” he asks. I shove another giant bite of the beignet into my mouth.
“More than like.” I cover my mouth realizing I talked with food in it. He only gives me that charming smile of his. I’m really seeing why the bidding was so crazy for Gant. He’s a unicorn compared to all the other men I’ve met since I’ve come to stay with my grandma. Tonight’s date had proved that he’s sincere. Him being sweet and charming is not an act. You’d never know he was wealthy until someone told you or if you were familiar with who his family is.
“You haven't tried the hot chocolate yet. It might be better than the beignet.”
“That’s because you haven't let me.” He’s holding my hot chocolate on his side of the table. He picks it up and takes a sip.
“I’m making sure that mouth of yours doesn't get burned. I’ve grown very fond of it.”
“How are you single?” I pick up the hot chocolate and take a sip. I let out a small moan as the creamy chocolate taste hits my tongue. It’s so damn good. He’s right. It might be better than the beignet, but it’s definitely not sweeter than one of his kisses.
“I could ask you the same question.” I roll my eyes, not so sure I agree with him. He might be different from all the other men I’ve met so far here, but at least he fits in. He was born into this life.
“I think I’m more fresh meat?” I say. I actually heard someone call me that last night. His smile slips from his face. Ah. I bet he heard someone say it too.
“Who said that to you?”
I shrug. “Are you going to beat them up in my honor?” I tease.
“Yes.” At first I think he’s teasing me back, but from the look in his eyes, I realize he’s not. “Names would be helpful.” He takes out his phone like he’s going to make a list. I can’t help but let out a giggle at how ridiculous he’s being. But I secretly love the fact that he wants to fight for my honor.
“You’re adorably charming. Did you know that?” I’m still blown away by the fact that he’s single.
“Next you’re going to call me cute.”
I burst into laughter. “No, you’re definitely not cute.” I lick my suddenly dry lips as I take his gorgeous face in. “Cute is what one calls a boy.” Our eyes lock.
Gant is hot without having to try. Tonight he’s in a simple pair of jeans and a sweater. The sweater stretches across his broad chest, fitting him rather snugly. My fingers itch to reach out and touch him. To feel him pressed against me.
“Let’s get out of here.” He stands, snagging my coat off the chair. He holds it out for me to slip into. The second he has my coat on me, he’s pulling me out of the pastry shop. The old woman who was serving us gives me a wink with a thumbs-up.
I noticed when we were in the bakery a few of the girls' eyes watched Gant too closely for my liking. Gant hadn’t noticed. All his attention was focused on me as we made small talk getting to know each other. His mom and sister sound pretty kickass.
“I think you know you’re hot. You’re the total package as far as I can tell.”