Page 73 of Living with Fire
There’s only one rule when it comes to her dating life and me as her big brother. No dating my friends. Even if I would have made an exception if she’d brought one of them with her today, Jordan never would have done it. But fuck, it would have been better than her getting back together with this douchebag.
A honk sounds behind me, and I glance in my side mirror to see one of my cousins sitting there. He sticks his head out the window and yells, “You planning on parking there for the afternoon, Nate?”
I give a wave and start down the street, pulling into the closest available spot I can find. Running a hand through my hair, I blow out a breath and close my eyes for a moment. The afternoon has barely begun, and I’ve already managed to upset two of my favorite women in the world. I really hope this isn’t how the rest of my day is going to go, or I’m going to need some headache relief, sooner rather than later.
Savanna has been silent since her brief part in the conversation, and I’m a little worried about what I’m going to see when I look at her. I shouldn’t have gotten that angry. Shouldn’t have hit my steering wheel. Seeing me react that way must bring up memories for her, and I don’t want her upset. Not because of me.
Finally, I gather my balls and chance a glance in her direction.
She’s sitting there watching me, a concerned smile lifting the corners of her lips, her eyes gentle and kind as she looks me over. I start, not expecting the warmth staring back at me.
“You okay?” she says softly.
“Me?” I ask, my eyes widening, incredulous she would be asking me what I should be asking her.
There’s a soft chuckle from her as she reaches over and takes my hand in hers. “Yes, you. You were pretty upset with her.”
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I scared you,” I frown, sliding my fingers through hers, pulling her hand towards me to press my lips to the back of it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to freak out like that.”
She rolls her eyes good naturedly. “Nate, you need to be able to have emotions. Yes, it startled me, but so does running into someone when I come around a corner. Life happens.”
Eyeing her skeptically, I don’t have a chance to answer before hands slam down on the truck beside me and my cousin’s head is halfway through the window, surprising both Savanna and me. “Yo, man! You brought a date? Fuck, you should have texted me. I thought for sure you’d be here single, and I wouldn’t be the only one they’d come after.”
“Ah, Savanna, meet Danny. Danny, this is Savanna,” I introduce them.
He shoves his arm through the window and extends his hand across me to shake hers.
“Danny is one of my cousins,” I tell her, and then to him, “Savanna is…”
I realize I have no idea what to call her. My date sounds kind of pathetic, like I picked her up specifically for the party, but given that it’s our second date, I haven’t exactly asked her to be my girlfriend. If that’s something people do these days. Hell, even if they don’t, I planned on it. I just figured it was too soon.
“His girlfriend,” she supplies easily without missing a beat.
My head snaps in her direction, and I see a friendly smile for Danny, but her eyes turn shy as she glances at me.
“Well shit. I don’t think Nate’s brought a girlfriend around for five years. It’s good to meet you!” Danny gives me a slug on the arm and grins at me, drawing my attention back to him. “She’s a knockout, man. Good for you. But also, fuck you for leaving me hanging here.”
Without an answer he shoves his hands into his pockets and walks across the street to join the party, making me feel a little remorseful leaving him high and dry.
Turning back to Savanna, I know two things. She’s snickering at me, and Danny is right. She is a knockout.
Her long blonde hair is curled in waves and falls all over her shoulders and cleavage. She’s got a little extra makeup on today that accentuates her high cheekbones, almond shaped eyes, and those perfectly kissable lips. I think what gets me the most, however, is her dress; a sky blue, off-the-shoulder sundress that alludes to her being braless. It hits her just above the knee to show off those perfect calves I enjoy so much.
It’s cute, flirty, and the second I saw her wearing it, I wanted to get her out of it. I can’t wait until later when I can do just that.
That’s coming from a guy who has had two very athletically paced nights in a row. This woman drives me crazy, and I can’t seem to keep my hands off her. Not that that’s a bad thing, especially when she can’t keep her hands to herself either.
“What’s so funny?” I ask her.
She full on laughs. “Your dating life really is the center of everyone’s attention.”
“You mean my lack of dating life. Now I’ve got you, so people will soon forget about me.” I smile at her, bringing her hand back to my lips as I look her up and down, amusement in my eyes. “Girlfriend, huh?”
Color blooms across her cheeks. “For the day at least. I thought it was easier than anything else, and you seemed to be at a loss.”
“Maybe it shouldn’t just be for the day,” I say with confidence, surprising myself.
I seem to have trouble asking this woman on dates, but suggesting she be my girlfriend is no problem. Holy shit, maybe I do have game.