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“What’s that?”
“You haven’t asked me to go out with you yet.”
Nolan chuckles. “Ah. I better remedy that, then, huh?” He pauses. “Katie?”
“Yes, Nolan?”
“Will you go on a date with me?”
With my smile a mile wide, I shove down the part of me screaming that this is a bad idea. “I’d love to.”
CHAPTER 10
Nolan
I’m not nervous. You’re nervous.
Okay, I’m a little nervous. As evident by my shaking hands. I blow out a deep breath and slide my palms down my navy Henley to smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles in the material. With a pair of light-washed jeans and my brown boots, I’m going for casual, yet nice.
I didn’t want to take Katie out for a typical dinner date tonight. She deserves to have a fun night out where she gets to forget her worries for a little while. I just hope I’m not royally fucking this up before it starts.
I made sure to tell her what the dress code was for the night. The last thing I want is for her to dress in some fancy outfit and I show up in jeans. Granted, I’d love to see her in a gorgeous dress. If all goes well, maybe that can be our second date.
A glance at my watch tells me I need to get on the road if we want to make it to the bar in time.
There aren’t many in Westlake, and only a couple that are reputable, mine being one of those. Thankfully, the other one has a decent drink selection and puts on regular theme nights for people to participate in.
I jump into my truck and head across town to pick up Katie. It only takes me ten minutes before I pull into the driveway of a cute split-level house with white siding and black trim. Do I knock on the door? What if Cody answers? It seems shitty to just sit here and wait for her to come out. I could text her, but is that any better?
My manners say I need to greet her at the door, so I hop out of my truck and walk up the small set of stairs to her front step. I rap my knuckles against the door, hoping beyond hope I’m not fucking this up already.
When the door swings open, I’m met with the confused face of an eight-year-old. “Nolan? What are you doing here?”
“Oh, uh…” An Australian shepherd comes up to sniff me and then starts wagging his tail.
“Are you the one who’s been sending my mom presents?” His narrowed eyes make me pause. Do I lie? No, Ellie told me not to discount Cody’s intuitiveness.
“Yeah, I have been.” I squat down, figuring I should have this conversation on his level. “Are you okay with that?” The dog comes closer, and I absentmindedly start petting him.
Cody frowns; whether in thought or annoyance, I’m not sure. He looks over his shoulder before meeting my gaze with an expression more serious than I thought an eight-year-old could ever have. “Just don’t hurt her, okay? She’s the best mom ever, and she deserves to have someone be nice to her.”
“I give you my word: I will not hurt your mom.”
“Okay, then.” He nods. “Also, take her somewhere fun. She doesn’t get to have fun anymore since she has to do things with me all the time.”
“I think she’d argue that she finds those things just as fun as going out, bud.”
Cody smiles. “Yeah, you’re right.”
I wink at him, and he finally moves out of the doorway to let me in.
“This is Cash. He’s my best friend.” Cody points at the dog, who looks up at him with eyes full of love.
“I always wanted a dog growing up, but we were too busy to give a dog the proper attention they would need.”
“I’ll share him with you if you want. You can come over to play any time you want. He’s really good at fetch.”
And I’m officially a puddle of goo. Could he be any more adorable? Jesus.
