Exposed (Exposed 1)

I watch as she reaches for a container of robust dark roast. She methodically fills the machine with water before placing the grounds in the filter. "That's it." She doesn't turn to look at me when she finally responds.

"Why not?" I push. This isn't Alexa at all. Typically, by now, she'd be reading me the riot act about missing out on life and being too self-conscious for my own good.

She turns abruptly so she's facing me directly. "You're old enough to make your own decisions." She reaches to rest her arms on my shoulders, clasping her hands behind my neck. "You need to stop worrying so much about this..." her voice trails as she bows her head down motioning towards my chest. "It's part of you. Just a part. Don't let your life slip by because you can't see that."

I stare in stunned silence as she walks away towards the front of the bistro. "Just a part," I whisper as I run my hand down the front of my apron. Maybe she's right. Maybe I have to stop worrying so I can start living.

Chapter 11

"I'm looking for Sadie Lockwood." The sound of an unfamiliar male voice makes me pop my head around the corner to see who is standing by the counter.

I'm greeted by the sight of a massive floral bouquet and two burly hands holding onto it. His entire face is obliterated by the fragrant arrangement.

"I'll take it." Alexa reaches across the counter to cradle the flowers in her arms. "Do you need me to sign anything?"

"Nope." He tosses back over his shoulder as he heads for the door. "We're all good."

"Sadie." She pushes the flowers into my hands. "They're from him. They have to be."

I smile as my heart races. My mother loves fresh flowers so there's always at least a few bouquets dotting the house but this is unlike anything I've ever seen. The mixture of exotic flowers is breathtaking. I place them down on the counter as I reach for the card.

"What does it say?" Alexa is hovering over my shoulder. I can feel her breath on my neck.

I don't want to be rude but this feels important and special. "Let me look first?" I ask even though it's more of a declaration.

"Sure." I can sense the disappointment in her voice. "Let me know, okay?"

I nod as I scurry to the back room. I sit in the chair by the desk and quickly run my finger along the seam of the small envelope, tearing it open.

"Dinner. Tonight at eight. Just one kiss. H."

I hold the card in my hands, staring at the words. This is it. This is my second chance with him.

"I can't stand the suspense." Alexa peeks around the corner at me. "What does it say?"

I lower my gaze to the card; pull in a deep breath and say, "I'm having dinner with him tonight. I need you to help me pick out a dress."

"That's my girl." She claps her hands together in giddy excitement. "At least one of us is getting laid tonight."

"Alexa?" Josephine's stern tone coming from the front of the bistro makes us both laugh out loud.

***

I open the door and I'm instantly assaulted with how amazing he looks. He's wearing gray slacks and a white sweater. The fabric is so thin I can almost make out the toned definition of his chest and abdomen. His black hair is pushed back from his forehead revealing his chiseled features. His blue eyes sparkle in the soft setting light of the evening.

"You look beautiful, Sadie." He drinks me in and I stand proudly on display. Alexa

helped me get ready. The white dress I'm wearing is short enough to show off my toned legs. My back is bare which makes up for the high neckline in the front. I left my hair down letting the natural curl course through it after I showered.

I smile softly. My heart is pounding in anticipation of what's to come. This feels like a real date and I haven't been on one of those for so long.

"Are we set?" he asks the question as he steps next to me, his hand caressing the soft skin of my back.

I push back into his touch. I want to savor every moment of this evening. I know his attention is likely fleeting. This is going to be an experience I'll remember for a long time and I don't want to waste a moment worrying about anything.

"Where are we going for dinner?" I follow his lead and take his hand as we step down the concrete steps and follow the path to the street.

"My place," he says casually as he opens the passenger door of his car.