Cherish Her by Johnston Andrea

Author:Johnston, Andrea
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andrea Johnston
Published: 2020-04-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Dakota

My phone has been buzzing next to my plate since we sat down. More specifically, since Grant leaned down and whispered in my ear. When his minty breath tickled my ear, it sent a ripple of goosebumps across my skin and my heart skipped a beat. I saw him dressed up on New Year’s Eve and while the look is the same, tonight is different. Tonight, I noticed his forearm flex when he mindlessly rubbed his hand over his trimmed beard. It isn’t as if the muscle just appeared, but I don’t recall finding it super sexy before now.

I’m not the only one who has noticed how handsome he is. The hostess had a distinctive blush whenever her gaze fell on Grant. I wanted to put my hand on her shoulder and tell her I get it. Completely.

Another buzz from beside my flatware as I stab at the lettuce of my Caesar salad catches both of our attention. Taking a peek, the screen reads “Unknown Caller.” I know it’s likely the spammer who keeps calling me at all hours and never leaving a message. After declining the call, I take the opportunity to check the new text messages.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes. It’s my sister. I didn’t tell her we were meeting and she’s giving me grief.”

With a smirk he chuckles when it buzzes.

“Oh for goodness sake.” Exasperated, I pick up the phone and type a quick text.

Me: I am with a friend in a restaurant. STOP TEXTING ME!

Minnie: *wow emoji*

Rolling my eyes, I toss the phone back down on the table. With a deep breath, I look at my plate and exhale, regulating my heart rate. I don’t need to read her texts to know Minnie is all over the place with her messages. Astounded and proud I’ve taken this step to be out with Grant, she’s likely equally hurt I didn’t confide in her and worried I’m going to freak out. The latter is why I didn’t go to her before tonight. I planned to call her on my way home, I just needed to get through tonight without worrying about too many opinions.

Pushing my plate out of the way, salad hardly touched, I look at Grant. Handsome, kind, and enticing, he is the first man to catch my attention and one of the only people I’ve wanted to share my story with for no other reason than I want him to know. I suppose if there are to be more dinners and nights together, that’s a good thing.

“That’s a serious look. Everything okay?”

“I’m having a great time.”

Smiling, he nods his head but doesn’t say anything. I appreciate the gesture. Maybe he recognizes how difficult this is for me. Or, perhaps he simply believes what I’m saying for what it is. The truth. I am having a great time. Being with Grant is easy and comfortable, like we’ve been in each other’s lives for years not weeks.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, becoming friends. Tonight, being out with you is a big deal for me.

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