I fall back into the pillows and cover my face doing a giddy dance. I don't think I've ever been excited over Dakota. I loved him, but if that is true, how could a stranger make me feel like this? This time away from everyone the past five months has helped me figure out who I want to be. I think it's about time I start doing things for me and see what happens.
I roll over to look at the time, 11:30.Shit, it's hard for me to sleep at all, let alone until noon. I decide I better go ahead and take a shower and start getting ready. I haven't dressed up in a hot minute, so I had better get going.
I stand in the shower way too long. My mind seems to be going 100mph. Sometimes when it's quiet, it's like I can feel my dad here with me. The stages of grief do not precisely cover "Feeling like you are being haunted." I'm not sure I believe in ghosts, but I swear sometimes I can feel him. I can still hear his voice. The memories repeatedly play in my head. It's like a dream that I can't wake up from. When I really sit and reflect about the events of 5 months ago and think of how I will never see him again, how I'll never talk to him or laugh with him, it makes all of the Dakota stuff seem so petty.
I run the razor over my legs, wash my hair, and jump out and into a towel. I run the brush through my long dark hair that hangs halfway down my back and determine that I should run and get a few inches cut off.
I pull on some shorts and a tank top and make my way to a salon downtown. Doesn't take long for my hair to look decent. A few layers and some loose curls, and I am on my way. I have tried growing my hair for a couple years, so just a couple inches is all I can manage to part with but, the difference is almost incredible. I know a haircut doesn't change anything, but honestly, after a break up it kind of feels revolutionary.
I decided to get my eyebrows waxed since that has been a long-overdue thing. I'm kind of impressed. I am looking somewhat like a female human. This is definitely a change I can embrace.
I hurry back to the house to get dressed because, typical me, I am pressed for time. I bust through the door and into the bathroom, dumping my makeup bag out on the counter. I shoot for a natural look, nudes and some subtle lip gloss. I slide the dress over my head and slip my heels on, taking a long look at myself in the mirror.
Here goes nothing, literally.
I rummage through my suitcase, pull out a bottle of vodka, and take a swig to calm the nerves.Ready. I glance at the time on the microwave, 2:57pm. Well, if that wasn't cutting it close, I don't know what is. I hear him on the steps, so I pull the door open before he can knock. He looks so different. He's dressed in a navy suit, white shirt, and tie. Man, He pulls it off. His hair is still messy, and he didn't shave. I've quickly decided that the scruffy, "I didn't have to try," look on him is my favorite.
"Woah, Blakely." He looks me up and down, speechless.
"I don't think I want to take you as my date. Someone may steal you away." He puts his hand on the small of my back and steps inside the door.
"Well, good thing it's not a date then." I shoot him a smile.
"You look insanely beautiful, I'm currently wishing I could ditch the gala and take you to the bedroom." He whispers as he pulls me in closer.
I break his hold.
"Guess I'd better grab my bag." I pull it off the counter and turn to pick up an extra pair of shoes just in case.
I flip the light off, and we step out into the sun. I can feel his eyes burning through me. If I am honest, I don't want to stop staring at him either. There is just something there between us. We walk down the path and over to his driveway. He drives a corvette? Of course, he does. It's super nice and black, but I'm 100 percent sure he looks better than the car. He pulls the door open, and I slide in. He cranks the ignition and pulls it down into drive.
He sighs and then puts it back in park. Before I can think about it, his lips are falling into mine.
"You make me want to break all the rules," he says, still close to my lips. He plants one more slow and soft kiss on me and turns back to drive.
CHAPTER 9
JUDSON
"Well, we definitely could've flown to Charleston, but I figured if I made you sit in the car with me for three hours, maybe you'd tell me a little bit about yourself." I look at her and grab her hand, so her fingers intertwine with mine.
"What do you want to know?" She shrugs.
"I want to know everything. Who are you, Blakely Walker?"
"I don't think three hours is enough for everything. Besides, my life is pretty boring." She rolls her eyes and stares out the window.
"Well, considering you are in Wilmington alone, I'd say it's more interesting than you think. Besides, I can create more hours, as long as it takes." I squeeze her hand, it's kind of becoming my signature move.
"Well, since you are desperate for information, I broke off an engagement, pulled a complete runaway bride, and my dad passed away all on the same day. So I've been a little confused lately. My family and friends were worried about me, so they suggested I get away from it all."
The fuck?Talk about a bombshell.
"Damn, I was thinking more like favorite color, birthday, and hobbies." I look at her and try to laugh, hoping the mortified look in my eyes doesn't keep her from telling me more.
"Oh... well, in that case. Purple. Yesterday. Reading, Traveling, Music." She blurts. She obviously doesn't realize the innocence in her response.
"Your birthday was yesterday?"