Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Standing in front of the mirror, I gave myself one more look, happy with the pink linen skirt I’d chosen and white top that showed off a little glimpse of my stomach without being an actual halter top. The skirt was short enough that my mother would be horrified, which was why I had bought it in the first place.
Heels were a given with me. I hated always being the short one when I went out with a group, so I had a pretty good selection of pumps, sandals with a high heel, boots with a high heel, and wedges. Tonight, I had gone with a strappy white pair of sandals that had a four-inch heel and looked great with my hot-pink toenails.
When I heard the knock on the door, I grabbed my silver clutch and headed out of the bedroom and to go enjoy my evening. I had kept myself so busy that thoughts of Thatcher hadn’t plagued me. I was proud of that. Putting whatever that brief moment that we’d had in the hotel behind me. Thatcher had forgotten it easily enough. I should to.
Opening the door, I wanted to sigh in relief to see that the photos Esther had sent me of Tyron, Jaiden’s friend, were accurate. He was nice-looking. The easy smile on his face hinted at a dimple, and his blue-gray eyes with all that dark brown hair were a great combination.
“Capri!” Esther said in her enthusiastic tone. “Meet Tyron. Tyron, this is my bestie, Capri.”
Tyron held my gaze, still smiling, as if what he saw pleased him. He didn’t appear as if he wanted to take off running or make up an excuse to get out of this. Neither did I.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said in a smooth voice that held no accent. That was new for me because around here, everyone had one.
“You too,” I replied, stepping outside onto the porch.
“Let’s get going. We have dinner reservations in fifteen minutes, and then we are going dancing!” Esther exclaimed and clapped her hands before spinning and hurrying for the steps.
I looked from her back to Tyron. “I just need to lock up,” I explained.
“Of course,” he said, stepping back as I closed the door and made sure both locks were engaged before dropping my keys into my purse.
“This is a great house. Way better than living in an apartment complex,” Tyron said.
“I got really lucky nine years ago. You wouldn’t believe the deal I got on rent. I love this house. I could afford to pay more now, too, but the lady I rent from refuses to take more. I keep thinking I need to just buy it from her.”
He fell into step beside me as we made our way off the porch.
“Cost of living here is more affordable than Atlanta, and the traffic is worlds better. I’d buy it if I were you,” he said.
I glanced up at him. “You live in Atlanta?” I asked.
He nodded.
I hadn’t realized he was so close. I assumed he was visiting from far away.
“I didn’t realize that.”
His expression looked almost shy as he glanced toward the car and back. “She told me not to tell you this, but I’m here because, well, she tagged you in a photo a few weeks back, and I saw it. Saw you. Checked out your Insta and asked her if you were single.”
I paused. He had? And she hadn’t told me?
“Uh-oh. Have I messed up already?” he asked me, looking truly concerned.
I shook my head. “No, not at all. I just … I just didn’t realize you had asked for this. I thought this was Esther trying to set me up again.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Nope. It was me. You’re the reason I’m here.”
I felt my cheeks go warm. He’d come here because of a photo he had seen of me. How flattering. I wasn’t the kind of girl guys asked to be set up with. At least, I hadn’t been before now.
“I don’t know what to say,” I replied, then laughed at my own awkwardness.
“You don’t have to say anything. I just … I didn’t want to start on a lie, you know.”
I nodded, liking this guy more and more. When we reached the car, he opened the door for me. I climbed inside, and then he followed behind me. Jaiden had a newer Bronco, and he always wanted to take it out whenever we went. Most of the time, I wanted to drive myself so I could escape. Tonight, I was really glad I hadn’t chosen to do that. Tyron smelled nice. Clean, fresh, like soap.
He didn’t tower over me either, although I was in heels. I would guess he was around five foot ten maybe. His frame wasn’t overwhelming and intimidating either. No broad shoulders or thick, corded arms that could hold you down. An image of Thatcher, shirtless with a towel wrapped around his waist, invaded my thoughts, and I wished I could erase that. I didn’t need it showing up and causing problems. Comparing other men to Thatcher wasn’t fair.