Second Chance With Me - S. Moose Page 0,1

being here tonight. The horror stories about online dating are creeping into my head. My best friend, Gina, knows where I am, so if I go missing, she’ll alert the police or find the guy and demand answers. Sometimes I think she’s better at finding information than the FBI. The girl can be scary when she’s determined.

I take out my phone and pull up the conversations I’ve had with Clayton again. I’m going into this date with an open mind, and I have my pepper spray ready if he tries anything. My “stalking” of Clayton Turner didn’t bring up anything indicating he’s a serial killer. He seems like a sweet guy by the pictures he’s posted of his family and friends on his social media sites and he seems to be popular with the amount of likes and comments on his posts.

I take a deep breath and walk inside. My heart is racing, and I rub my hand against my thigh a few times to wipe off the sweat. Blind dates are supposed to be fun, and fun is the word I’m looking for tonight.

To be honest, I’m not sure if I remember how to have fun. That’s what’s holding me back. A part of me thinks I should turn around and head back to my apartment—my very lonely and ridiculously expensive one-bedroom apartment. It was something I needed, and it was available.

I nearly stop in my tracks when I see him. Dear Lord in heaven, he’s taller and cuter in person than in his pictures. The pictures he sent me don’t do this man justice. There’s an instant pull to him, and I can’t shake off this feeling. We’re like magnets, and I’m being drawn to him. When he smiles and his chocolate brown eyes shine, it’s almost perfection.

Maybe fun has a different meaning, and he’s going to be more than that.

“Hi, Ashley.” His deep voice snaps me out of my daydreaming. He steps forward and pulls me in for a hug. I could melt in his arms. Stop it, Ashley. You’re just now meeting him. Don’t show him any crazy or clinginess. Baby steps. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Hi, Clayton,” I barely whisper. “So nice meeting you too.”

With his hand on the small part of my back, he leads me to a table in the corner and motions for me to have a seat. My heartbeat picks up, and I start sweating again. He’s even sexier up close.

“Did you want anything? I wasn’t sure what you liked, and I didn’t want to look like a fool if I got it wrong. I guess I never asked you what you liked to have at a coffee shop.” He taps the side of his head. “When you tell me, I’ll be sure to remember going forward.”

Going forward.

I blush. I literally feel the warmth in my cheeks, and I can’t help but smile. This man is quite perfect.

I wave my hand. “No worries. What I crave all depends on my mood. When I’m tired, I need a triple shot of espresso. When I’m going to work, a large coffee with a shot of espresso works. On Sunday’s or when I’m out with friends, I usually get something fun like a latte. You would never look like a fool to me. Can you get me a chocolate croissant with a lavender latte?”

“Of course. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” I watch Clayton get in line, then I pull out my phone and text Gina.

Ashley: I’m here.

Gina: Good! How’s everything going?

Ashley: He’s getting our order. G, I’m going to be honest with you.

Gina: Yeah?

Ashley: He’s perfect. Beyond perfect. I know it’s only been 5 minutes of us meeting and talking, I’m pretty sure I’m in love. I know it’s crazy, but I don’t know how else to explain it. As soon as I saw him, something came alive inside me.

Gina: Shut up. You just met him.

Ashley: Trust me, I know! He’s coming back. Talk to you soon!

I put my phone away as Clayton slides me my coffee and croissant. It’s toasted and still warm. My favorite.

“What’d you get?”

“Caramel frappe. I didn’t know what else to get. I’m not a big coffee drinker.”

“I live on coffee and it has been black. I don’t like all the sugar and cream. When I get a latte, I make sure it’s skinny. I’m sure it’s bad, but I can’t function without it. People who know me know not to talk to me until I’ve had one cup of coffee.