Page 20 of Blue Moon

Chapter 8

Sol

Sawyer was walking toward the coffee shop, holding a bunch of red and yellow sunflowers. My heart raced. How sweet. I couldn’t remember the last time a man had given me flowers.

He stepped inside with a sheepish grin and sat down across from me at my table.

“These are for you.”

Swoon! “Thank you! They’re gorgeous. Sunflowers are my favorite. I buy them every week at the farmers’ market.”

Damn. Why did this have to be such a great Instagram worthy pic though? I could arrange them out right next to our coffees, and there was even a neon quote on the wall that would make the perfect background.

Do not take a picture, Sol.

He smirked. “I know. They were all over your Instagram.”

Ha! He had been looking at my feed? I tried to play it cool and tease him a little.

“So, you do have an Instagram? I thought it was just for us vapid narcissists.”

“No, I don’t. Your pictures are on your website.”

Right. “Cool. I can hardly believe you don’t have an Instagram though. Everyone has one. How do you keep up with your friends?”

He looked me dead in the eyes, a now serious expression washing over his face. “All my friends are on my squad. I go drinking with them, or we play golf. Or, if it’s one of the men I served with in combat, I call them when I stop by their city. I don’t have the desire to keep in touch with people I don’t have time for in real life.”

Wow. His words hit me like a punch in my gut. I didn’t know anyone who lived like that these days. “That’s cool. I wish I could be more like you.” His life made sense and seemed super healthy. What would it be like to live like that? Not that I was going to try it any time soon.

“You’re a sweet girl just the way you are, Sol. I promise I’ll treat you well for the rest of the night assuming you still want to spend some time with me. But honestly, I really don’t want to attend the gala.”

I pursed my lips. I was a little bummed about not attending the gala—I had harbored some fantasy of dancing the night away with Sawyer. I did want to spend more time with him, but by now my head was spinning. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to end this night early. “Thanks for that. I’d love to hang out with you, though I’ll be honest, I’m not feeling too well. I think I’m still a bit nauseous from the flight, and I’m getting a headache. It’s just been a long day.”

He sighed and honestly looked disappointed which made me feel good knowing that he at least wanted to spend time with me. “I understand. Flying like that takes a toll on your body, especially the first time.”

I paused over the words “the first time.” He was talking about the flight for sure, but maybe he could tell I was a virgin by the way I acted. That was doubtful, but I always feared that I gave off an obviously inexperienced vibe.

I touched his knee. “Can I get a rain check?”

He looked into my eyes and smiled. “Sure, are you free tomorrow night? I’m only in town until Monday morning.”

Right. And tonight was Friday. At best we only had two more nights together.

“Yes, I’d love to. But there is one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“Let me pick the place—I want to show you San Francisco. And wear a suit. You’ll fall in love with my city.”

He took a sip of his espresso. “I’m game—it is one of my favorite cities to fly in. Let’s get out of here, and I’ll take you home.”

“Sounds great.”

We finished our coffee and walked out of the shop. The night was chilly, and the fog was low, almost creating a mist over the city. It was incredibly romantic.

Sawyer opened the car door for me and drove me home. This time the drive didn’t feel awkward at all, although I wasn’t up to doing a lot of talking because of my headache.

When we arrived back at my place, he walked me to my door. I considered inviting him in but decided against it. I didn’t want to send him mixed signals since I had no intention of sleeping with him, because, let’s face it, I was stupid. Any other woman in her right mind would lead this sexy man straight into her bedroom. But I never acted on my impulses and desires.