Redesigning Fate (Revive #1) - A. M. Wilson Page 0,50

won’t be surprised, because he is truly mouthwatering.

A small grin tugs at the corner of his lips. He’s leaning on one arm against the doorframe, one ankle crossed against the other. His hair is tousled in that oh so perfect way, as if he just climbed out of bed, blue eyes twinkling in the remaining light of day. My eyes slowly roam down his face to his chiseled body. Tonight, he’s sporting a pair of dark blue jeans and a dove gray button down.

“Hi,” he murmurs quietly, not moving from his relaxed position against my entryway.

I have to swallow twice before my throat relaxes enough to speak. “Hi.”

“Can I come in?” he asks that small grin lifting higher as he tries to suppress a smile.

Shit, I’m malfunctioning. I swallow again. “Uh huh,” I reply, bobbing my head up and down. I step back to let him into my apartment, my eyes not once leaving his perfect physique. Oh lord, am I a lucky girl.

He saunters inside, all confident and controlled. Here I am, turning around in the foyer while trying to not trip on my heels.

“Would you like something to drink?” I manage to stutter. I need a moment away from him to collect myself.

“Sure,” he replies, still grinning at me as he slips his hands into his pockets.

I rush out of there and into the kitchen to search my fridge for the bottle of wine I bought earlier. I take my time with the cork, giving the bright red flush in my cheeks time to vanish. Things between Elias and I are…different now. Before it was fun and flirty. Now, it feels more…serious. I’m relieved he has such strong feelings for me, but I’m also afraid of messing this up. My history with men is lacking significantly. I shouldn’t judge my standards by the past. But, maybe I deserve this. I want to deserve this.

Deserve him.

I pop out the cork and pour us each a glass of Malbec. Breathe. I’ve given myself enough time to regain some semblance of calm.

In the living room, Elias is perusing the pictures placed on my bookshelf. I walk up beside him, holding out the glass for him as I take a sip of my own.

“That’s my mother and my brother.”

“You have a lot of pictures of them,” he says, taking the glass out of my hand and putting it up to his full, pink lips.

“They’re the only people I have in my life besides Carly. And you,” I tack on the end, trying for nonchalance.

The people from the photographs aren’t really in my life anymore. It’s a type of wish fulfillment that I keep their pictures on my shelf. I know in my heart neither of them are coming around.

Elias nods his head without responding, and I’m thankful he doesn’t pry further. This isn’t the time to divulge the details of my father’s absence. Why I rarely talk to the two people smiling back at me from the picture frame. Tonight isn’t about deep, depressing conversations. It’s about getting out together and having fun.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he says breaking the silence, turning towards me and taking in my appearance. The dreaded flush is back in my cheeks. “Are you ready to go?”

I drain the remainder of my wine in one unladylike gulp. “Yes, let me just grab my things.”

As soon as the doors to the bar open, I feel like I’ve stepped into a different place. Gone is the laid back dive bar with jukebox music playing from the corner. Tonight, the place is animated. All the tables are full, and a group of people is hovering near the raised platform stage.

“Is it always this crazy when you play?” I shout over the buzz of conversation while Elias leads us to the bar. He has his fingers threaded tightly through my own, and he gives me a gentle squeeze.

“Usually, yeah. It looks crazy but people behave themselves. They’ll settle in for the music and enjoy the show.”

I scan the crowd with a critical eye and find that statement hard to believe. While I was getting ready at home, I worried my dress might stick out, but it seems every other woman in this place is similarly dressed. Which means exposed flesh and long legs everywhere.

We grab a couple bottles of beer, then Elias plants a hand on the small of my back and steers us towards the right side of the platform. Two stools are set up, one occupied with none other