“It’s fine. I’m the same way.” They had more in common than he would’ve imagined. Add this to his attraction to her...his feelings for Bree were confused and confusing. He didn’t know how to describe them and was too afraid to analyze them.
* * *
Bree had opted to meet him at his place since he lived in the downtown area on Concord Street. She surveyed the contemporarily furnished condo Austin called home. She loved the acacia hardwood floors, the double balconies and the gorgeous view of the city. “You have a very nice place.”
“Thank you.” Austin’s eyes bounced around the room. “It needs a woman’s touch, though, and probably more furniture.”
“I think the way it is actually fits your personality. You don’t strike me as a man who likes a lot of stuff in your space. I would say that you’re a minimalist. You look put together always, but you’re not one to fuss over your looks. You’re probably more comfortable in what you have on right now than in a suit and tie or a tuxedo.”
Austin had dressed down for the evening. Long, muscled legs filled out faded jeans, and he wore a plain black T-shirt that accentuated the broadness of his torso.
“You’re right,” he said. “I’m impressed.”
Austin grabbed his keys and they headed down to his SUV.
Ten minutes later, they were seated at a table with a scenic view of the street.
Austin had suggested High Cotton Restaurant. She had eaten there a few times, and the food was always excellent. It was her absolute favorite eatery. Bree found the atmosphere at High Cotton relaxing and the food tantalizing. Their first date was off to a great start.
“Why did you choose this place for dinner?” she asked, her gaze fixed on his handsome face.
“It’s a favorite of mine,” he responded. “Have you been here before?”
She grinned. “Another thing we have in common. I love this restaurant.”
“I’m glad. I was a little reluctant to try someplace new since this is our first date. I knew what to expect here.”
He ordered wine.
All around them, couples sat at tables, leaning toward each other, smiling, laughing, talking. Waitresses moved through the room serving up orders of bar food and drinks. The clink of glassware and the ripples of conversation became a white noise that hummed in the background.
Bree stared into Austin’s chestnut-brown eyes and fought to hold on to the control and willpower she had developed over the past few years.
It wasn’t easy.
When the waitress returned, she took their food order. Bree ordered the jumbo crab cakes while Austin chose shrimp and grits.
“Tell me more about this wonderful son of yours.”
Bree was touched that Austin seemed interested in Emery. “Well, he’s almost three and keeps me very busy. I’m not complaining, though. My son brings me so much joy. It’s hard to put into words what it means to be a mother.”
“It’s clear to me that you really enjoy it.”
“I’ve always wanted to be a mother. A short time after Caleb and I married, I found out that my chances of having a child naturally were very slim. We decided to adopt, but then he passed away. When I felt ready emotionally, that’s when I moved forward and Emery came into my life.” She looked away. “That’s probably more than you wanted to know on a first date.”
“No, I admire you for being so transparent.”
“I love my son so much—it doesn’t matter that he didn’t come from my body.”
“He’s a very lucky little boy.”
Bree’s eyes grew bright with unshed tears. “I’m the lucky one, Austin. I’m sure every mother says this, but I know this to be true—Emery is a very special child. He loves in such a pure way. When he smiles at me or gives me a kiss... I can’t describe the feeling I get.” She took a sip of her wine. “I’m sorry for going on like that.”
“No need to apologize, Bree. I asked about Emery.” He paused a moment before saying, “I’m sure you’re just dying to show me a picture of him.”
“I have many,” she responded. “Would you like to see them?”
Austin nodded.
Bree pulled up some photos on her cell phone and handed it to him.
“He’s a handsome little boy.”
“Thank you.”
She watched as Austin stared at the photos. Bree had never met a man who was so taken with Emery, especially since they hadn’t even met.
Their food arrived.
“How’s the crab cakes?” Austin asked.
“Delicious as always.” She leaned forward and said in a low voice, “I’m trying not to devour them. Don’t want to ruin your impression of me after one date.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think that’s possible.”
Bree regarded him with amusement. “I don’t know if Jordin told you anything about me, but what you see is what you get.”
“I like that,” he responded. “I prefer to be around someone who isn’t afraid to be herself.”
She wiped her mouth on her napkin. “It’s the only way I know how to be.”
He broke into a grin. “It’s nice to meet another well-rounded individual.”
Laughter rang out between them.
After dinner, they returned to his condo.
Austin had teased over dinner that he had a surprise for her. Bree couldn’t imagine what it could be, and could hardly contain her excitement.
Before taking a seat in the living room, she caught glimpses into other rooms. A formal dining room and an office with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
In the room where she sat, a wall beyond the fireplace was covered with bookshelves filled with books. Bree settled back in the chair. It was a very nice house, shabby and comfortable, clean but not too neat. All it lacked was the warmth of a woman’s touch...
“I’ll be right back,” Austin said before disappearing into the kitchen.
Moments later he returned with two slices of banana chocolate chip cake on plates. “Is this from Ashley Bakery?”
Nodding, he smiled. “Now, I have to confess that I asked Jordin about your favorite dessert, but the restaurant was my idea.”
“This is the perfect way to end the night,” she murmured. “Thank you, Austin.”
He seemed to be peering
