Chapter 15

Nate

Usually a really hard workout helps me get rid of the desire to punch something, but not this time. It’s still here, a sense of balled up energy stemming from my bicep and rolling all the way through my fist. I don’t know why I care so much and so fast, but I do.

When Rowe said she didn’t think I’d ever meet her parents, it was like an emotional car wreck went off in my chest. It was a nothing statement to her, but to me it had been so damned significant.

I’m just not that guy, the guy who keeps things in compartments and satisfies urges and doesn’t get them tangled with the rest of the shit going on in his heart and his head. I tried being that guy for a few months, and it sucked. I felt like an ass**le. I was an ass**le. My tour through the world of ass**le-ness was brief—nope, not for me.

“Rowe coming?” Ty asks, holding his arm out for me to button the cuffs on his shirt. We always dress up for Sunday dinner with my parents. My mom always insisted on it when we were kids and at home, and it just sort of became the tradition—even if we’re dining out.

“Don’t know, don’t care,” I say, not lifting my eyes to meet his and just focusing on the button in front of me. There’s a soft knock on the door behind me, and her voice soon follows.

“Okay to come in?” Rowe asks, her words pushing the corner of my lips up into a smile against my wishes.

“Don’t care my ass,” Ty whispers, leaning forward. “Rowe, I know this probably isn’t appropriate, but damn girl. You look hot!”

Her giggle pushes my lips up the rest of the way. I haven’t turned to see her yet, and part of me wants to put it off, knowing it will do me in completely. I finish the last few buttons on my own shirt, a plain white fitted one that I leave un-tucked, and then turn to see if my brother’s right.

This is how a girl steals your heart. Rowe’s hair is down in waves, the front swept to the side with a tiny braid holding it in place. Everything about her face is simple and plain—absolutely kissable. She’s wearing a long black dress with black flat sandals that somehow still make her look like she’s six-foot-seven thanks to the slit along the side of her leg showing off what is quickly becoming my favorite part of her body. I’m inching closer to her without even realizing it, and when I reach her, I touch the tips of my fingers to her chin and turn her face so I can kiss her cheek. “May I?”

She only nods; her eyes looking away and her shyness making her face burn red. I tuck her hair behind her ear, letting my fingers indulge in a slight graze along her shoulder, coming to rest along her neck. When my lips meet her cheek I’m instantly charged with a need to kiss her more, but I don’t. I wouldn’t, unless she gave me permission.

“Ty’s right,” I smile. “You look hot.”

“Well, you’re just used to the ideal woman because of your new Barbie obsession. You’re just projecting,” she jokes, and I can tell it’s because she’s uncomfortable with the attention.

“Yeah, well, you can turn her head completely around on her body, so that’s kinda hard to top,” I say, trying to set her at ease again.

“Oh, mine does that too,” she winks. Yeah, heart…stolen.

My parents meet us at the only semi-nice restaurant near campus. My mom says it’s not a fancy dinner unless the place serves you bread before you eat, so she always insists on places like this. It’s a steakhouse called Morgan’s, and I’m just excited my parents are picking up the bill.

“Rowe, Cass, so glad you both could join us,” my mom says, reaching around to hug both of the girls. I pull out Rowe’s seat next to me, and she slides in, her fingers gripping at the side of her dress.

“So, Cass. Ty tells us you’re studying physical education? Do you hope to teach?” my dad asks. I notice Rowe’s hands flex and tighten even more as Cass responds to my dad’s question. She’s waiting for the question to come to her next, and she’s worried because she doesn’t have an answer. We’re also sitting in the middle of the restaurant, and I can see her eyes darting from side to side, sneaking in glances at her surroundings. Without even thinking, I slide my hand to her leg and reach for her fingers. She startles at first, and I give her the tiniest shrug, hoping she’ll use me for strength—just for tonight. Her hand moves to mine, and soon she’s holding my hand tightly.

“I’d like to get into rehab work,” Cass finishes explaining. I watch as my mom looks over to Ty, nodding and smiling with her approval. Ty rolls his eyes, but I know he likes Cass a lot.