Page 12 of In the Grey of Dawn

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Page 12 of In the Grey of Dawn

Okay, I'll see you soon then.

Ending the call, I rest my head against the wall for a second before turning to everyone, now crowded in the corner where Nova is sitting. “He thought I wanted help moving furniture,” I say.

A collective groan comes from the group before Dante mumbles, “And I thought I was clueless.” A small smile crosses his face as he looks toward Mila, who gazes back at him. Taking a step toward her she immediately calls out, “Stop. Stay away from me, old lady soap man. I love you but you smell so bad right now.”

Tapping the side of his head he grins at her and says, “Baby, I hope you know I’m storing each and every one of these moments you refuse my lovin' on you. Your punishment is becoming quite extensive.”

“That's how I got into this mess to begin with,” she mutters and rolls her eyes.

“Keep going, the list is just getting longer,” he says, chuckling to himself. I can't help but look at them and feel a little envious of what they have together.

???

Walking into the bar later that night I'm greeted with a warm familiarity. The low hum of people talking, while soft music thrums through the speakers creates a sense of calmness. A quick scan around and I can’t see Porter anywhere so I headover to a quiet corner of the bar and take a seat, looking over the menu to see what I want to order.

“Hello,friend,” a gruff voice purrs into my ear as two strong arms rest alongside mine, effectively caging me in.

“You were two seconds away from getting head-butted,” I huff, swivelling my bar stool around. Porter steps into me, standing in between my legs, leaning over me as I take him in.

Why does he have to be so gods damn good looking?

I also note that he called me his friend again. Should I just take the hint he's giving and not even try to start something with him?

Letting out a sigh, I look up into his dark eyes as they watch me, resisting the urge to reach out and touch his chest.

“What's for dinner,friend? I ask.

“Let me know what you want and I'll tell the guys in the kitchen. I'll come sit with you in between orders.”

He smiles down at me and I wonder if there's some part of him that can see us being more. Surely the connection I feel with him isn’t all one sided. This thing we have between us is like nothing I've ever felt before.

I'm tempted to give him a little motivation by fawning over another guy. I know I shouldn't, but I want him to decide on what this is between us. Even after all the times I've told myself I wouldn't want to be with someone who doesn't want me, I've still never been in this position of really liking a guy and not having them like me back. I mean, what's a girl meant to do in this situation? How obvious do I need to be before I have to literally spell it out to him?

“I'll have the first dinner meal on the menu and I'll just work my way through them until I've found my favourites,” I say, trying to hide the disappointment of this evening turning out differently than I expected.

Putting my order in with the kitchen he makes a quick check on the regulars before coming back to me with an iced water.

“Do you want anything else to drink?” he asks.

“No, water is fine tonight. I'll get my usual next time.”

He cocks an eyebrow at me when I say this but he doesn't enquire further.

“Do you bring your dates here? Wine and dine them with all this,” I say, gesturing to the booths along the far wall.

It's a little degrading to ask but he's ignoring the conversation clues I'm dropping and if I'm honest, I want to know. I want to know if I'm just one of many that he's done this to. The way he stands at the bar and cleans glasses while the veins on his forearms beg me to lick them. I want to know if this is justtypical Porter,or if he's just hot and cold with me.

Coming around the bar he cages me in like he did before and stares at me for a moment. Looking, as if he’s trying to find my secrets.

“I don't date Charlie. I had one long-term thing several years ago and I haven't been with anyone since you. I don't date. I don't want to date,” he growls.

“Me and you. What happened that night ...” He rubs a hand over his face, shutting his eyes for a second.

“Please don't say it was a mistake,” I whisper. The look of hurt flashes across his eyes.

“Never. Charlie, it was not a mistake. It was more of an awakening and I just don't know if I'm ready to jump in again. Things with my ex … it didn't end well and I just need some more time. I … I … I think we should just be friends for now.”

His brow dips and he seems to struggle with his next words. “I don't want to hold you back. You should get out there, meet new people, see what happens.”


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