“Basically.”
Her smile turns soft, “Don’t be nervous. This might feel like a first date, but you two already know each other. Think of it more like catching up.”
I bite my lip. “I know. You’re right.”
“And, I mean, he’s already petted your kitty. So…”
We stand in silence, blinking at each other before we both fall into laughter.
I can feel the tension leave my body with each shake of my shoulders. Even though I picked this time because I knew Maddie wouldn’t be here to stare at us, talking to her is exactly what I needed to relax.
“What’s so funny?”
The deep voice startles a yelp out of me.
Beckett’s large hand presses softly against my lower back and I can feel the warmth even through my thick sweater.
My eyes catch the stunned look on Maddie’s face before I look up at Beckett, and I completely understand the wide-eyed stare my best friend is giving him.
In a black t-shirt, black zip up hoodie, and the same worn jeans I saw him in on Monday, Beckett looks as hot as he always does.
I don’t even understand how someone can look so good, all the time, but I can’t tear my eyes away.
I clasp my hands together to stop myself from reaching up to stroke the stubble covering his handsome face. I know what his hands feel like, but I’m dying to experience that beard between my thighs.
He clears his throat, “Evening, Smoky.”
“Hi, Beckett,” my voice comes out breathy, and if Maddie wasn’t so mesmerized by Beckett, she’d probably make fun of me.
The smile he gives me sends a tendril of warmth all throughout my body as his hand slides across my back, until he’s palming my hip and pulling me into his side.
Good god, why are we even here? I should’ve just invited him straight to my bedroom.
Beckett’s chest expands, “You look nice.”
Usually nice wouldn’t be a word I’d preen over, but the way he says it…
Welp, that’s it. One minute in and my panties are already toast.
“Thanks,” I lean a little harder into his side. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
The smirk on his face is so cocky, I’m tempted to pinch him.
“Umm, you guys want some coffee?” Maddie’s timid voice reminds me we aren’t alone.
“Oh, uh, Beckett, this is-”
“Maddie, right?” he cuts me off, holding out his hand.
Maddie’s cheeks flame a brighter red than I’ve seen in years. Her mouth opens, but instead of responding she snaps it closed again and shakes his hand with a quick nod.
Beckett’s easy smile tells me this isn’t the first time a woman’s been rendered speechless by his looks.
“Nice to see you again,” I don’t know if he’s referring to the restaurant last weekend, or if he remembers her from all those years ago, but Maddie doesn’t seem to care, she just keeps staring.
I look to Beckett, “I know what I’d like, if you’re ready to order.”
He dips his chin, “You first.”