What is she doing here?
I’m shocked to see hersitting at one of the round tables, and she looks breathtaking. Her long hair is straightened, and her makeup is more dramatic. With her plump lips painted pink and glossy, and the green dress complementing her smooth skin. I clench my teeth, staring at the back of a guy with a shaved head.
I’m gonna kill him.
Who the fuck is he?
And what does he think he’s doing having dinner with her?
Chapter 18
Gracie
MyeyeswidenwhenI see Marc heading toward the table out of the corner of my eye.Oh, fuck.
His face is pinched and almost murderous. I freeze as I wait for him to approach. What else can I do when he looks like he wants to start a war?
I won’t back down. I didn’t plan this date. I’m going to kill Ava when I call her next.
She set me up on this blind date, and I couldn’t say no when she suggested it by saying if I went on the date, I’ll know if Marc’s the one I should be with. Obviously, his daughter and my thoughts on having children in the future are still undecided. But I want to at least see if the ache in my chest and the burning sensation in my stomach for him is just a stupid fantasy, or if I’m unable to deny him and I need to accept that I want him.
But as he stands next to me, stiff and powerful, I swallow hard. God, he’s sexy, even standing here all tightly coiled. I look over at my date, and he seems like he’s seen a ghost. I almost feel sorry for him, but I also want someone to be able to stand up for himself, not be intimidated. I want to be protected. Like Marc protects me…
I stare up, appreciating the way his disheveled dark locks give off the fact he’s been running his hands through it many times. The way the dark gray suit and white shirt sit on his body so perfectly, it shows off his broad shoulders, the tapered waist, and muscled legs that I know he’s got under his pants.
He clears his throat, and I flick my gaze back to his as he says, “Gracie, what are you doing?” His tone is thick and velvety, and with his piercing eyes, I shuffle in my seat from the throb that’s forming between my legs.
I can’t be rude to this date. It’s not his fault he’s in the middle of this.
“I’m on a date, Marc.”
When the words leave my mouth, he sucks in a breath and then releases it, causing his nostrils to flare. I’m not wanting to fight here.
I turn to my date. “I’m sorry. Could you excuse me for a minute?”
He nods. “Sure.”
I peer back at Marc and say firmly, “Let’s talk outside.” I remove my napkin from my lap, putting it on the table before I stand. Walking around the table, I don’t bother waiting for Marc to lead the way. He seems stuck to where he’s standing.
Heading directly outside, my body trembles from him coming here tonight. Of all the damn places he had to walk into, it had to be here.
The universe is pushing us together. I can’t deny it; I just want a little breathing room.
Heavy footsteps sound behind me, and I smile. Thankfully, he’s following me and not traumatizing my date.
I push the door open and welcome the fresh night air.
Hugging my body from the cold, I look around for a spot to talk in private. But with not many options, I stand at the edge of the sidewalk, away from the door. I spin around and wait for him to stand in front of me. As he comes closer, he peels off his jacket.
“Is this your thing?”
His brow lifts in question. Clearly not understanding me.
I gesture to his gray jacket. “You give me a jacket every time I see you.”
His lips twitch, but it goes back to a thin, hard expression instantly. He shrugs. “I don’t like you standing out in the cold.”
My stomach somersaults and this is exactly what the difference is…I feel every part of my being when I’m around Marc compared to my date. And the little things Marc does make him stand out.