Page 8 of Grade A Girl

Kade

Idon’t know if I should be angry or relieved. I waited at the restaurant for an hour after I was supposed to be out, giving her plenty of time to show, but she never did. I wanted to hear the small moans of delight as she ate dinner with me. I wanted to tempt her with something decadent afterward.

I’m lying in bed, my dog Bruno sprawled out next to me, snoring away. I have my hand tucked under my head and the other resting comfortably on my stomach.I fucked it up today with Charlie.I know I did. Why wouldn’t she come to the restaurant otherwise? I look at my clock and see it’s already eleven p.m. I’ve been lying awake for the better part of an hour.

I pick up my phone, hoping to see a new message from Charlie, but frown when I come up empty.Get a grip, Kade. I toss the blankets off and pad toward the kitchen for some water. Bruno lifts his head to watch me but makes no move to get up. Lazy bastard.

I fill a glass to the brim and drink the contents down as fast as I can. I know nothing about Charlie except she’s a butcher. I don’t know her age or if she’s seeing anyone—nothing. Since I can’t sleep, I might as well do some research. I don’t know how anyone found anything without the aid of social media. Within minutes of typing in her name, I find her profile and start scanning through her pictures.

There are several of her with her family and friends, and there is a whole album dedicated to Besties. I clench my fist and lock my jaw as I scroll through picture after picture. The ones that really twist my gut are the ones where Charlie and some guy are kissing. She looks so fucking happy.

What do I have to offer her?

I’m still fucked in the head. There are times I still have nightmares about being overseas. When that happens, I wake in a panic and usually go for a run to clear my head, no matter what time it is.

Plus, I haven’t dated anyone seriously in three years. I know my way around a woman’s body, but none of them stick around when they see how fucked up I am. I lean forward and place my head in my hands. What the hell am I doing?

My phone rings and Jaxson’s name pops up.

“Hey, shouldn’t you still be at work? Doesn’t the hottest spot in town close at two in the morning or some shit?” I joke. It feels good to talk to him again—natural. I never should have dropped him.

“You were right, Kade. Charlie looks so much like Blair, but she’s so much stronger. Feistier even. I can’t get her out of my fucking mind.”

“Me neither. I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do.”

“Do you think there is even a remote chance she would be open to both of us? Like how it used to be? That’s the only time things ever really felt right for me,” he admits.

I was thinking the same damn thing.Both of us there to care for her, and push her—make her better. I rub my hand over my face. I don’t know though. There aren’t many people who would be okay with a relationship like that.

“She texted me asking if I had any food left because she hates to cook.” An idea slams into me. I sit up tall with a smile on my face.We can cook for her. She seemed to enjoy my food. I can show up at the shop with a nice meal, and we can eat together and get to know her. It’s perfect. “You around tomorrow for lunch?”

* * *

It’s eleven in the morning, a little early for lunch, but I need to be at the restaurant for one to prep, and I want to have a little time to spend with her. Jaxson pulls into the spot next to me, and the two of us go in together. The Déjà vu feeling is strong.

Jaxson clasps my shoulders, giving me a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry about it, man. It’s gonna be fine.” One more deep breath and the bell above the door rings as we enter.

“I’ll be right there,” Charlie calls out from the back room. When she pushes open the door, her large brown eyes lock with mine first, then she skirts to Jaxson. Her mouth pops open into an O shape. “Hi, Kade, Jaxson. What can I do for you guys?” She wipes her hands on her apron.

“We thought you might be hungry. I assume because you didn’t come by last night that you didn’t eat a good dinner.”

“Thought we’d help keep you fed,” Jaxson chimes in. She blushes and smirks. “Plus, you ignored my request for a date last night. Guess that means I have to try a bit harder.” He winks at her, and she looks to the ground.I wish I was as smooth as he is.I've always been more of the quiet type. When I’m with the right girl though, I will protect her from anything—even the asshole next to me.

Charlie looks at me as her cheeks redden further. “I shouldn’t have texted you last night. I’m sorry. That was unprofessional—”

“I wish you’d come,” I cut her off.

Her brows pull down, and she bites her lower lip “Why?” she whispers.

“I was an asshole to you yesterday.” She nods, agreeing with me, and I continue. “You caught me off guard, and I’m not used to it. This is my way of apologizing.” I hold the bag in my hand up. Her gaze flits to it and back to me. “I hoped we could eat together before I have to be at the restaurant. Start over.”

“And you, Jaxson?” she asks, motioning to him.

“You’re cute, and I need to eat, too.” He gives her the smile that always made Blair swoon.

“Give me a few minutes to clean up, and then I need Scott to get back before I can leave.”

“All right, we’ll wait here.”