Looking to Score(55)

“That’s so fucking crazy to me. I mean, look at you,” Oakley said while nodding at me. “You’re the most confident woman I know. And if we’re being honest, the way you boss me around is kind of hot. I can’t picture you as anything different.”

I smiled at Oakley, but that bubbling pit of insecurity traveled up my throat. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would have found me as attractive just a few months ago. “When my streaking video went viral on campus, it just highlighted all the things I’d become. I was drunk off my ass and doing anything for a laugh. I couldn’t handle being her anymore. People were cruel.”

“What did they say?” Oakley asked.

“What didn’t they say?” I scoffed. “I was body shamed by everyone. It was then that I realized I was nothing but a joke to these people. I’d created a persona that wasn’t truly me.”

I picked up a bite of sushi with my chopsticks and placed it on my tongue, slowly chewing it before swallowing. It really was delicious.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you,” Oakley said in a low voice.

“I did it to myself. And yes, I developed an unhealthy relationship with food, but I’ve been slowly finding a middle ground. I like being aware of what I’m putting into my body. I’m getting to a point where I’m researching and learning what is good for me and what isn’t. This started as a toxic crash diet, but it’s evolved. Hell, eliminating alcohol was most of the battle with my weight.”

I paused and took a sip of my water before continuing. “Every time I took a bite, all I could hear was the cruel things they had said to me. But right now, with you, I’m just enjoying my meal.”

Oakley smiled. “I want you to enjoy things with me. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

“It’s okay. I’m glad I could tell you.”

“For the record,” Oakley began, leaning forward. “I think you’re beautiful. But it’s that feisty attitude of yours that turns me on most. I want every single version of you, Amanda Matthews. I’m sorry it happened, but I’m not sorry you found your confidence.”

I smiled. “Me too.”

We finished our dinner while Oakley talked excitedly about different scouts and what teams he would like to play for. He was really adorable when he talked about playing pro ball. He was downright sexy when he was passionate. And somehow, by the time the server brought the check, I found myself thinking about future dates. Future #mine moments.

“I want to take you somewhere else,” Oakley said with a grin, and I had to force myself not to pout. After our dinner, I wanted nothing more than to go back to my place and lick those delicious abs of his.

“Oh? Okay,” I replied lamely.

“You don’t sound excited,” he teased, signing the bill.

“I just, um, was looking forward to going home with you.”

“It’s the suit, isn’t it?” he asked, lifting his arm and flexing. I laughed at his joke and waited for him to explain where we were going. “I promise to let you have your way with my irresistible body, Solver. I just want to show you something, first.”

I grinned. “Okay.”





24





The building had a bright yellow door, and the windows were filled with beautiful arrangements. The Tilted Tulip sat in the heart of Austin. “Is this your mom’s flower shop?” I asked excitedly.

“Her flagship store. It all started here,” Oakley explained while holding my hand and guiding me toward an alley with a side entrance. “Every day after school, Daisy and I would help Mom with arrangements.”

“Daisy and Oakley,” I mused as he unlocked the door.

“My mom was a bit cliche with the names,” he agreed.

“And your Dad?” I asked.

“Left a few months after I was born. Mom took everything she had and bought this shop.” As he spoke, he flicked on the lights, illuminating the room. I looked around greedily, excited to have a glimpse into his life.

The shop was warm and cheerful, flowers filling every space. The walls were the same yellow as the front door, and there were refrigerators full of elaborate arrangements and beautiful single stems. The countertops were a cozy teal, giving the shop a bold, cheerful feeling. I spun around, taking it all in. I could almost envision Oakley’s mother from the way the shop was decorated and cared for.

“Pick some out, anything you like!” Oakley said, gesturing to the black bins full of loose flowers. He handed me a flat wicker basket with a handle to collect the stems in. It was so cute how excited he was getting over flowers.

I walked around, bending over to pick up brightly colored flowers and put them in my basket as he took off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves. The slow, methodical movement that revealed his muscular forearms made me pant. What was it about a good pair of forearms that made me go crazy? I could feel Oakley’s eyes on my ass, so I picked up a flower and pretended to drop it on the floor.

“Oops,” I said innocently. I bent over slowly to pick it up and gave my ass a little shake. He walked past me and gave it a playful smack on his way to the next row of bins.

He picked up a pretty yellow flower.

“This is a golden columbine,” he started. “It’s a flower that’s native to Texas and was the inspiration for the yellow doors on all of Mom’s shops.” He looked really proud of himself, teaching me about the flowers.