Page 30 of Ask No Questions

“Yeah, you look very nice, sis. You guys have fun tonight and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Brandon smiled like he has been waiting his whole life to say that to me.

“Thanks, I’ll see you later.” Mike held out an arm, and I hooked mine through as we walked out the door and to the elevator.

“I really mean it, Aubrey. You are beautiful. Not that I didn’t think that before, but jeans and a shirt do not do you justice. This just further proves that your ex is an idiot for letting you go.” We got off at the parking garage, and he directed me to a sleek, black sports car. He opened my door for me and waited as I got situated before closing it. I looked around the luxurious interior as he made his way around to the driver’s side.

“I always wanted a Mercedes, but Brandon converted me when I moved here to BMW. He got me that one after I moved here.” I pointed to my pearl baby that was parked a few spaces down.

“That m3 is yours? I saw it parked at school and just about had a heart attack! What is a girl like you doing with a car like that?” He pulled onto the street and headed toward the bay where most of the local shops and restaurants were.

“I like to go fast! Actually, I just wanted a convertible, and that one caught my eye. It just happened to be the m3.” I smirked so he would know I was kidding.

“A pretty girl that appreciates cars. I think I’m in love with you.”

I just laughed as we drove, enjoying how comfortable I was with him. He pulled into a parking spot on the street and came around to open my door.

“I hope you’re hungry. This is my favorite Italian place in the area, mostly because their portions are huge so I actually get full.” We smiled at each other as the hostess asked for our reservation and sat us at a table near the front window.

“This is perfect! I love people watching.” I didn’t realize how rude that sounded, as if I needed a distraction from him, until it came out of my mouth. He didn’t seem to notice as he read over the menu.

“Me too, it’s so interesting to me thinking about where people are going and what their story is.” He actually got it, huh. We might actually have things in common.

“I told you some of my story. I think it’s your turn now.”

He was about to reply when the waiter came to get our order. I watched him, waiting for him to reply. There was no way I was going to let him off the hook. After the waiter left, I raised an eyebrow and waited.

“Fine. Do you want my story, or the one people have made up over the years?” He seemed to have dropped the macho man façade and looked sincere. I was confused at what he meant.

“I want to know you, the real you, whoever that is.”

He sighed and leaned back into his seat. “I haven’t had to tell a girl I went out with about myself before. My reputation precedes me, unfortunately. It’s refreshing that you could actually get to know me.”

I nodded trying to encourage him to continue.

“I was born in Hawai'i, on Oahu, that’s where most of my family still lives. My dad got a job offer here that he couldn’t pass up. I miss it sometimes, but I’ve had opportunities here I would never get back there. I got a few offers from schools for football scholarships already.”

I was shocked he seemed so modest about something so huge.

“I got the reputation as a ladies’ man because I like to take girls out. I don’t even kiss all of them, but evidently, girls like to exaggerate. What kind of guy would I be to call them out on it?” He laughed lightly then dropped his eyes and got serious. “I’m just looking for the right girl, someone I have things in common with and likes me for me—not my name or letterman jacket.”

He finally looked up at me after he finished.

“So, Mike Thomas is a misunderstood softy searching for love?”

He laughed a little and shrugged. “When you say it like that, I guess I sound lame.”

“No that’s not what I meant. It’s just that at school you’re this macho tough guy that flirts with every female, but really, you’re genuine. Obviously, since you are out here with me, trying to restore my faith in men.”

“You don’t have to tell me everything that happened, but when we talked about it in class, you seemed so sad. I couldn’t stand to see you like that. I know we just met, but you’re different, Aubrey. You don’t act like the other girls, and I couldn’t handle the thought of you hurting. You may not love me yet, but I have to show you that not all guys are jerks.”

He winked at me, and I could tell he was telling the truth.

“You’re different too. I don’t know any other guy that would go through all this effort without something more being on the line. I appreciate it, Mike.”

Our food came, and we ate in silence for a few minutes. As we were finishing up, the waiter asked if we had saved room for dessert, and before I could even think about it, Mike declined.

“I have somewhere I want to take you.” That was all he said as he paid, and we made our way back to his car.

“Where are we going now?” I knew we were headed toward the pier, but I couldn’t guess what we were going to be doing there.