Chapter Eight
Kenzie
The next morning, I walked into The Kettle, which was our favorite place to have breakfast whenever we had the chance to. We ordered our usual breakfast and when the waiter brought our coffees, Sophia eyed me suspiciously.
“Spill it, Kenz.”
I briefly pursed my lips and glanced at her. “Well, two nights ago, I got a call from Wyatt.”
“Why? I thought that you two parted ways.”
“He said that he had just come back from a date and he was confused about something.”
“What a jerk? You’re not even giving him any more advice on dating.”
“He was rather insistent, and then showed up at my apartment.”
“Did you call the police? I would have called the police.”
“He sounded really confused, and I felt sorry for him.”
“You let him in, didn’t you?” she asked.
I nodded simply and waited for her to ask me another question, but she didn't.
Instead, I explained the situation to her. I told her what he said about wanting to kiss me and that he did.
“He kissed you?” She was stunned, and I didn't blame her because so was I when it happened.
“He did.”
She pursed her lips and eyed me for a short while. “How was it?”
I chuckled and answered, “It was great. It blew me away.”
“That’s so...” her voice trailed and she looked at me with bright blue eyes. “Romantic.”
“It was.”
“So where were you last night?”
“He took me out to dinner.”
“Like a date?”
“Yes.”
“You went on a date with a billionaire.”
“No, I went on a date with Wyatt, and it was great. We went to Romero’s for dinner, and then afterward we went for a walk on Hollywood Beach.”
“And he was okay with that?” she asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“There you are, ladies,” the waiter said suddenly and placed our food in front of us. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, we’re fine. Thank you,” I answered with a smile and watched as he walked away.
“I thought you said he had OCD.”
“He does.”
“So he walked with you on the beach?”
“He did,” I said with a smile.
“Wow, I’m impressed.”
The smile was still on my face as I took a bite of my toast and looked at Sophia. “You would think that it would have been so awkward at first, but it wasn't. We talked the whole night; it was so easy. He even told me that he was in the same school as me and Dillon.”
“He was?”
“Yeah, he and Dillon were in the same year.”
“That’s so weird. Were they friends?”
“Not according to Wyatt. He doesn't really remember Dillon.”
“That’s really weird. So many coincidences.”
“I know,” I sighed and looked at Sophia with a frown. “Is this a sign from the universe or something, Soph?”
“It can be,” she answered. “Why do you look so unsure?”
“Because we’re so different.”
“Well, maybe what you both lack, the other makes up for.”
I tilted my head at her as smiled. “Have I ever told you how much I love you, Soph?”
“You have, but it wouldn't kill you to say it more often,” she said as she rolled her eyes dramatically. “So when are you seeing him again?”
“I have to call him.”
“Why?”
“Because I said I would. I just need a day to...” I pursed my lips and lowered my gaze, “to cool off.”
“Oh boy.”
“That’s what I said.”
“He must definitely be doing something right.”
“I know, right? I mean he is so intense.”
“Okay, don’t overshare.”
I laughed and held my hands up in defeat. “My humblest apologies.”
“You’re forgiven.
“At least I get to choose where we go next.”
“He said that?”
“He did.”
“He doesn't have a clue what he’s gotten himself into, does he?”
“No, he doesn't,” I chuckled.
The poor guy.
Wyatt
I had to admit, I had not slept this well in a long time, and I even managed to wake up with a smile on my face.
Just the thought of Kenzie’s face made me smile as I made my morning coffee. I drank a few sips and paged through the morning newspaper that lay on the counter. I wasn't really concentrating on the newspaper, as my mind was too busy analyzing the entire night. Thankfully, in my mind, it didn't go too badly. Kenzie had a great time and she even agreed to go on another date. It was rather smart of me to tell her that she could pick where to go next, thus ensuring another date with her, although she would have agreed if I had simply asked her.
I enjoyed spending time with her, she made me feel like less of a hopeless-case.
A knock on the door spun me out of my bubble and I neatly closed the newspaper. I walked to the door, wondering who on Earth could be here this early on a Saturday morning and slowly opened it. I was not in the least surprised that it was Calvin, but I had to admit, I was relieved that it wasn't anyone else.
“Morning, brother,” he said cheerfully and walked passed me.
“Morning.”
“I’m sorry to just drop by unannounced, I know how you hate that,” he said, obviously not remorseful in any way, and turned to me. He narrowed his eyes momentarily and looked at me.
“What?” I asked.
“You look different.”
“I woke up fifteen minutes ago,” I shrugged.
“I’ve known you my entire life, and I know what you look like when you just woke up,” he said. “You’re actually smiling?”
“Am I?” I asked and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror across the room. I wore the goofiest smile that I had ever seen in my life and lowered my gaze.
“Why are you so happy?”
“No reason.”
“Come on, I’m your brother.”
“That is exactly why I don’t want to tell you.”
“Did you pick up a girl last night?” he asked with a chuckle. “Did you get laid?”
“No, and no. I didn't.”
“Well, something must have happened to you.”
“I went to dinner with a beautiful woman.”
“You went on a date.”
“I did.”
“Clearly it went well.”
“I think so, yes.”
“Did you call her yet?”
“No, she said she’ll call me.”
“She’s not going to call.”
“You can’t possibly know that.”
“Girls don't call guys.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“Who is this girl?”
“You know, I really wish you’d stop calling them girls. They’re women. Dating girls is illegal at our age.”
“So much for that good mood,” he muttered.
“It’s your fault.”
“Right, it always is,” he answered and sat down on the stool beside the kitchen counter. “So, who’s the girl...woman you went out with?”
I glanced at him and shifted my weight uncomfortably.
“You don’t want to tell me?”
“I’m not sure if I should.”
“Do I know her?”
My jaw clenched and I sighed. “It’s Kenzie.”
My brother turned to me and frowned. Within a second, he laughed and shook his head. “Good one. Who did you go out with?”
“I went out with Kenzie.”
My brother’s face paled slightly and looked at me. “She actually went out with you?”
“Yeah, she did.”
Calvin was slowly but surely starting to anger me, but I didn't want to allow him to, so I just stood my ground.
“And you had a good time?” he asked slowly.
“We both did.”
“So, are you two together now?”
“I don't know. I guess we’re just taking things slow for now.”
“Okay,” he said with a nod. “I probably can’t take her out now, right.”
“No.”
“Don’t be so possessive.”
“She doesn't even like you, Calvin.”
“And she likes you?”
“She wouldn't have kissed me if she didn't.”
“She kissed you.”
“Yes.”
“Ah, man,” he sighed and pursed his lips. After a few seconds of sulking and pouting, he glanced at me and smiled slightly. “Well, I’m happy for you, Wyatt. She’s a great girl...woman, and she’s hot as hell.”
“She’s beautiful.”
“Hang on, what happened to the other woman you were dating?”
“Stephanie?”
“Yeah, the one you met at the gym.”
“We only had one date.”
“Really, why?”
“I thought about Kenzie too much. At one point I actually wished that it was Kenzie beside me, rather than Stephanie.”
“She must have been thrilled when you told her.”
“I sent her a text.”
“You sent her a text?”
“Yes, it seemed better than a face-to-face confrontation.”
“You are savage.”
I shrugged and sighed.
“So, you and Kenzie. Who would’ve thought?”
“Is there a reason why you’re here?”
“Well, Mom called me to check on you, because you didn't pick up your phone last night, but now I know why. She won't be so worried if I tell her that you were on a date.”
“Please don't tell her.”
“Why not?”
“Because you know Mom, and you know how she gets.”
“I do.”
“Plus I don't want to scare Kenzie.”
“Our parents can be rather intense.”
“Exactly.”
“You’re going to have to introduce her sooner or later.”
“I much rather prefer later.”
“You want her to be your girlfriend first.”
“Stop being such a punk.”
He shrugged proudly and stood up. “As much as I would love to see the expression on her face when she hears about your date, I’m going to be gracious and let you do it.”
“Thank you.”
“I wouldn't wait too long if I were you though. Mom has a way of finding out things.”
“It doesn't help if you have a tattletale little brother either.”
He held his hands up in defense. “I won't tell, I swear.”
“I just want to gently ease Kenzie in, if you understand what I mean.”
“Yeah, I do. Like I said, they’re intense.”
I nodded and looked at him.
“Okay, so I’m on my way. I have a few things to do today. Let me get going.”
I followed him to the door and he left just as abruptly as he came. It was weird, but telling Calvin made me feel a bit better. I obviously knew that he had been interested in Kenzie from the start, and I noticed the slightly disappointed look on his face when he obviously realized that she was no longer available.
He recovered pretty well though, and hopefully, he’d stay away from her. The last time we were both interested in the same girl, I lost, and I was not going to lose this time.
I refused to.
I went back into the kitchen, and as if on cue, my phone rang. It was my mother.
Now, I’m not a believer in superhuman powers and all that, but my mother knew everything. She knew when we lied when we were kids – more Calvin than me obviously. She knew when we were up to no good, and even knew when she needed to call us.
Like now.
“Hello, Mother.”
“Wyatt Logan Pearce!”
Oh boy. I was in trouble. Whenever she’d pull out my middle name, I knew there would be trouble.
“Yes, Mother?”
“Do you know how your phone works?”
“I think so. I’ve had it for three months, so I would like to think that I do.”
“Then why don’t you answer it when I call?
“Because I was busy.”
“Too busy to talk to your mother.”
“Mom, you told me that if I was in the company of other people, that it would be rude to answer my phone.”
“You were in the company of other people?”
“I was.”
“What other people?”
“Please don't make a big deal out of this, but I was on a date last night.”
“You were on a date?”
“Yes.”
“And how did it go?”
“It went great.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes,” I answered.
There were a few moments of silence on the other end of the line, and I wondered whether my mother had a stroke or something.
“Mom?” I asked. “Are you still there?”
“Forgive me, but I am a bit shocked.”
“Right.”
“So, you had a good time?”
“Yes.”
“Both of you?”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Wyatt, I am so glad to hear that.”
“Hopefully we’ll go out again.”
“Is there a prospective second date?”
“Yes.”
“That is wonderful news. When do we get to meet her?”
“Hold on, Mom. I just told you, we only went out once. We’re just taking it slow, okay. I know you’re excited and all that, but just compose yourself. I don't want her to feel pressured into meeting you guys.”
“Is she pretty?”
“She is, and she is very understanding of me and my ways.”
“She sounds wonderful, and as long as she makes you smile, I’m happy.”
“Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that.”
“If you need any advice, let me know.”
“If I get stuck, you’ll be the first person I call.”
“I love you, Wyatt.”
“Love you too, Mom. I have to go.”
“Okay, have a great day,” she said cheerfully.
“You too.”
I lowered the phone and placed it on the kitchen counter.
I could not stop myself from wondering what Kenzie was up to, and more importantly, whether she thought about me too.
Kenzie
I stared at my phone and had to fight with myself not to grab it and dial his number. I didn't want to seem desperate, even though I was dying to speak to him again, o hear his voice and see him.
“Where’s your willpower, Morris?” I muttered to myself.
It was only after twelve, and I was already going insane.
Would Wyatt think that I was desperate if I called him right now?
Maybe he thought that I wasn't going to call him at all.
What do I do?
I stood up from the chair and paced around the living room like my life depended on it. “I decided to call Sophia, just to get her input about this.
“Hey!”
“Soph, I need your help.”
“What’s going on?”
“I really need your help?”
“You sound weird. Is everything okay?”
“Should I call him? Or will he just think that I’m desperate?”
‘Well, you did say that you were going to call him.”
“Isn't there a set amount of time that I have to wait before I call him?”
“Usually, but that only counts for guys.”
“So there’s no waiting time to call a guy?”
“Girls don't normally call guys, Kenzie, so no.”
“So I can call whenever I want?”
“Why are you so worked up about this?”
“I don't know,” I sighed miserably. “I just feel like I’m going crazy. I need to talk to him, hear his voice.”
“So call him.”
“You’re right, I should call him.”
“Go take him bowling, or rollerblading by the beach, or something.”
“He would never do something like that.”
“Say who?”
I opened my mouth to retort, but I paused. She had a point. He didn't seem the type that would go rollerblading or bowling, but it would be fun. I knew for sure that he didn't dance, so that was out of the question, but rollerblading?
Maybe I should tone it down and ask him to have lunch with me, but then again, I wanted to do something fun with him. I wanted him to try something he had never tried before, but would he go for that?
“Kenz?”
“I’m still here.”
“Tell me what you’re figuring out in your head?”
“I’m trying to figure out where to invite him to?”
“Just pick something. Anything.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“He told you that you could choose where you go next time, right?”
“Right.”
“So choose anything you want. If he’s really interested, then he would care what you do together.”
“That’s true. I just don't want to scare him off.”
“You won’t,” she said. “Oh, speaking of scared. I decided that this year, for my birthday, I’m throwing a costume party!”
“Oh my god! That is going to be so much fun!”
“Yeah, totally. And you can invite Wyatt too.”
“I can.”
“See, there’s the optimistic Kenzie that I know.”
I chuckled and rolled my eyes.
“You know I’m right, so stop overthinking it and just do it.”
“You are right. Thank you, Soph.”
“You’re welcome.”
“What are you up to this weekend?”
“Work. I have a few deadlines that are pretty tight, but I will definitely see you Monday afternoon at the gym, right?”
“Right. Then I’ll tell you all about my second date.”
“You better.”
“Thanks, Soph.”
“Enjoy!”
I smiled as I disconnected the call and stared at my phone. “Just do it.”
If I didn't do it right now, I’d probably not have the guts to do it. I frowned as I wondered where this sudden feeling of inadequacy came from.
If Wyatt wasn't interested, then he would not have given me carte blanche on our next date, right?
Was I being stupid and silly?
“Pull yourself together, for heavens’ sake,” I muttered and dialed his number. It rang a few times and I bit my lip.
“This is Wyatt Pearce.”
“Hey, you.”
“I was wondering when you’d call.”
“I said I would.”
“Yes, you did.”
“How are you?”
“Much better now, I must admit.”
“Did something happen?”
“No, I just spoke to my mom.
“Oh, right. She called you last night.”
Multiple times.”
“Oh, dear. Were you in trouble?”
“Just a little,” he chuckled.
I chuckled as well and sat down on the couch, as the sound of his laugh just made my legs go weak.
“I kind of told her about us.”
“You kind of told her,” I said flatly.
“Yeah, I mean I didn't call you my girlfriend or anything like that. I just said that we went on a date and that it went better than I ever thought it would.”
“Ah, that’s so sweet,” I said with a smile. “What did she say?”
“She practically pre-booked the Hilton for the wedding,” he said nonchalantly.
“Wow, that’s rather presumptuous of her,” I laughed nervously.
“I’m just kidding. I told her we’re just taking things slow. Right?”
“Right. We don’t need to feel pressured into anything, right?”
“Right. Are you okay, you sound a bit shaky?”
“No, I’m fine.”
Actually, I was freaking out a bit, which was relatively uncommon for me. Even though Wyatt joked about his mother booking a wedding venue, I knew that that was exactly what my mother would do if she had to find out that I was dating someone.
“So, the reason I called,” I said in a desperate attempt to change the subject, as well as get rid of the tension that I felt inside me.
“Ah, yes.”
“Would you like to do something with me today?”
“What did you have in mind?” he asked.
“Well, I was thinking that we could go bowling, and then have dinner afterward.”
“Bowling?”
“Yeah, have you bowled before?”
“I have, but...”
“But what?”
“But this is supposed to be your date, and I don't want to wipe the floor with you.”
“What?”
“I’m a rather good bowler.”
“Right, okay. Let’s not do that then,” I chuckled.
“Are you scared of losing?”
“Honestly, I’m a really sore loser.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I’m not very sporty at all, but I hate losing. That’s why I don't do sports.”
“Okay.”
“You know what, fuck it. Let’s go bowling.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“Yeah, let’s do it.”
“Okay,” he laughed.
“And I’ll come pick you up, how’s that?”
“Uhm...” he said hesitantly.
“I’ll see you in an hour.”
“Wait, an hour from now?”
“No, an hour from next week. Yes, in an hour from now. Get yourself ready, and wear something comfortable.”
“Okay,” he answered.
“See you in a bit.”
I placed the phone on the couch beside me and stood up. I took a quick shower, did my hair, got dressed in my favorite pair of jeans, and off the shoulder green top and a pair of comfortable sneakers. I didn't want to parade around the bowling alley with a skirt or dress, as that would just worsen my game, not that it can get any worse.
All in the name of fun, though.
I glanced at myself in the mirror and rolled my shoulders, deciding to rather tie my hair up. I brushed my teeth, applied a bit of makeup and was out the door forty minutes later. As I drove over Julia Tuttle Causeway, I realized that I didn't really know how to get to Wyatt’s house. Sure I’d been there once, but I had no idea how to get there. I quickly dialed his number from my phone and put it on loudspeaker.
“Kenzie?”
“Hey, just a quick question. How do I get to your house?”
“You’re picking me up and you don't know where I live?”
“Well, I know where you live, but I don't know exactly how to get there,” I answered.
“Where are you now?”
“I’m approaching Julia Tuttle,” I answered.
“Right. You take the left off-ramp onto Alton Road, over Surprise Waterway, and the first left into North Bay Road, third house on the left.”
“That sounds easy enough,” I shrugged. “I should be there in ten minutes tops.”
“Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”
I smiled and listened as he disconnected the call. I was really excited to see him again and as I glanced out at Biscayne Bay, I knew that today was going to be awesome. I followed his directions and pretty soon I stopped in front of his house. I was about to get out when the gate automatically opened and I had to remind myself that this was the house of a billionaire. Of course, he knew that I had arrived. He probably has cameras all over the place. If this was my house, I’d make sure there were cameras everywhere. I chuckled and shook my head at myself. I was being ridiculously optimistic for thinking that this would one day be my house, right? We’ve only been on one date, so it would be ridiculous to think that he could be the One, right?
I drove up the driveway and stopped in front of the house. It looked even better in the daylight. The walls were immaculately white, the windows were spotlessly clean and there was not a tree branch or twig out of place.
I was in such a state of awe, that I didn't even realize Wyatt had stepped out of the house and was slowly approaching me. I only realized when he stepped off onto the paving and I turned to him. He looked amazingly hot in a pair of dark jeans and a long-sleeved red shirt.
“Wow, don’t you look good.”
“I could say the same about you,” he said with a grin.
To my surprise, he actually came up to me and gave me a quick kiss on the lips.
“Did you miss me that much?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Of course.”
“I missed you too,” I said with a smile and took his hand. “I never realized how perfect your house is from the outside.”
“Thank you.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
We climbed into my car and the first thing I noticed was that he put on his seatbelt.
“I swear, my driving isn't that bad,” I said.
“What?”
“I practically yanked the seatbelt right off the runner.”
“I always wear my seatbelt, regardless of who is driving.”
He looked at him and frowned. “Really? So it’s not just me?”
“It’s not just you.”
“Okay.”
“If you don't mind, could you put yours on as well?”
“Would that make you feel better?”
“It would.”
I slid my seatbelt on and secured it, looking at him. “Happy?”
“And safe,” he said simply.
I pouted slightly and waited for the gate to open before I reversed out into the street. Even though Wyatt said that he didn't mind my driving, the way he clutched onto the seat was mildly insulting.
“Are you okay there?”
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine,” I said and glanced at him.
“Eyes on the road, Kenzie.”
“I hope I’m not taking this the wrong way, but you clearly don’t like the way I drive.”
“It’s not you.”
“Really? Are you going to say that to me right now? It’s not me, it’s you?”
“Yes, it is me. Your driving is fine. I’m just on edge because I'm not the one driving. My life is basically out of my control right now.”
“What?”
“Basically, if we died in a crash, it would be your fault.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. You sound like my Dad.”
“Does he also think that?”
“No, he says I’m a shitty driver.”
“He sounds charming.”
“Yeah, he’s about as charming as Calvin,” I answered and rolled my eyes.
“I can’t wait to meet him,” Wyatt laughed beside me, and because I couldn't take my eyes off the road, I simply enjoyed the sound of his laughter.