Beautifully Broken

We each pull into a parking spot and exit our cars. I suddenly get nervous and think about bolting when Sparkles says, “Wow, I wasn’t sure if you were really going to follow me.”

His incredulity reminds me of why I’m here. It’s so contradictory to the confidence that seeps out of his pores. I don’t know how to explain it, but this guy is different. It’s clear that he’s a decent human being. Not that it matters when all is said and done, but it’s nice to change things up once in a while. Ya know?

I clear my throat. “Uh…yeah.” Shit. Awkward much?

He smiles and nods toward the entrance. “Shall we see if they have cake, Birthday Girl?”

I already know the answer but I play along. “Sure. Why not?”

He holds the door open for me. Huh. Clearly this guy didn’t get the memo that chivalry is dead. “Ladies first, Red.”

I step across the threshold, making sure to lightly brush against him. “Thank you.”

He shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks back on his heels, adjusting his growing hard-on. Don’t get me wrong; he’s being discreet. I just know men. I know how to read every little nuance that says they’re aroused. Sparkles is playing hard to get, for reasons I still haven’t determined, but he’s undeniably affected. He feels this crazy energy that’s bouncing between us just as much as I do. Our eyes meet and I swear it feels like the earth just came to a grinding halt. My muscles tense, my chest tightens, and I get this strange tingly sensation right beneath the surface of my skin. I’m frozen in place, staring into azure pools, the color reminding me of the Caribbean. My God, his eyes are the most beautiful pair I’ve ever seen. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘The eyes are the windows to your soul’? I’ve always thought that was a cheesy line but this guy—these eyes—make me seriously reconsider my opinion.

“You okay?” he whispers.

I straighten my shoulders to shake out of my stupor and project a confidence I surely don’t feel at the moment. “Of course, honey. I’d be better if we were ripping each other’s clothes off, but I’m being a good girl.” I press my cheek against his and add, “For now.”

His large hand wraps around my right hip. “Something tells me you’ve never been a good girl.” He takes two steps back, once again, putting too much distance between us.

I was once, but that was a lifetime ago. I push back the memory and force a smirk. “Touché.”

A curvy older woman with bright red hair steps in front of us. “Hey there. Welcome to Rose’s. Table for two?”

Sparkles takes my hand, giving me the shivers again. “Yes, please.”

I try to calm my racing pulse by discreetly taking deep breaths as we follow the hostess. Why am I so fucking anxious? Get your shit together, Kat. Sweaty palms and panic attacks are not sexy.

Ariel’s Grandma throws two menus on the table unceremoniously. “Sharon will be right over to take your orders. Can I get you a drink?”

Sparkles waits until I’m seated before sliding into the bench across the table. “Coffee okay?”

“I’ll have hot chocolate.” I know it’s totally childish, but I love the stuff. Plus, the trace amount of caffeine in it won’t dull my buzz. I really need one of those right now to counteract my damn nerves.

He nods in approval. “That sounds really good. Make it two hot chocolates, please.”

I smirk. “You seem more like a coffee man to me.”

“I am,” he says. “But I’m in the mood for something…sweet.”

I grab the dessert menu and flip through it silently until our cocoa arrives. “No cake…but they have every kind of pie imaginable.”

“I like pie.” His tone has double entendre written all over it.

“I bet you do.” So does mine. Sparkles is getting playful. That’s a good sign.

“So, Red. Are you from around here?”

I nod. “Born and raised. But you’re not. I definitely would’ve noticed.”

He smiles. “You think so?”

“Pft,” I scoff. “Please, Sparkles. Don’t pretend you don’t own a mirror.”

He releases a deep belly laugh that sends tingles to all my girly parts. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” The hostess sets our two mugs of hot chocolate on the table.

“You should,” I say as I take a drink. “So…where are you from then?”