Kitchen Affairs Read Free Page B

I mumbled back to Blakely trying to hide my blushed cheeks.
    “Isn’t he dreamy? No wonder every girl wants a piece of his fine ass. I mean seriously, how much would it cost to have him for one night?” Blakely blurted out loud, unsure if she was speaking to me.
    I spewed my beer out as she continued talking about him and wanting to take him home. “Oh my god, Blakely!”
    If she only knew…
    “What? Don’t pretend you don’t see what I see, Molly. That man is gorgeous!” she heckled biting her lip, continuing to drool over him. She has a point.
    “Obviously, the man is good looking,” I admitted rolling my eyes. “But I’m sure his ego is big enough that you don’t have to keep staring,” I interrupted as she didn’t realize she was still eyeing him.
    Brad, Micah, and Anthony walked back to the booth, and Brad squeezed in next to me. He casually wrapped his arm around me and took a swig of his beer laughing with the other guys. He squeezed my shoulder as he smiled down at me. This is uncomfortable. And awkward.
    I rolled m y eyes at Blakely as she winked at me. Brad was a nice looking guy and he had a beautiful smile, but him sitting so close to me was incredibly unnerving. I could only imagine how we looked from afar; like a couple. I tried to wedge out of his grip, but he pulled me in tighter as he was laughing at a joke.
    I looked up at him while he spoke casually glancing to see if Drake was looking at me. His eyes caught mine, and he raise d his eyebrows at me and winked. I looked away knowing I needed to leave before this got any weirder.
    “Sorry guys, but I have to go. Stella will be heading to bed soon, and I want to see her before she falls asleep,” I insisted, gesturing to Brad to allow me out of the booth. I gave him a hug secretly hoping Drake was watching and told the rest I’d see them all tomorrow. I grabbed my things and headed for the door not looking in Drake’s direction.
    This is so confusing. I don’t know why I would want Drake to see me hug another man or why I would want to give Brad the wrong impression. Get it together!
    I started walking towards my apartment trying to flag a cab. I had three beers, and since I was feeling light headed, I didn’t feel comfortable walking home in the dark. Fortunately, a cab pulled over next to me. I grabbed for the door handle and tripped; nearly face planting the cement. Suddenly, a strong arm reached for me saving me from face diving.
    Damn, I’m a klutz.
    I thanked the person for catching me before realizing who it was. My breath was taken away as I stabled myself realizing Drake was the one whose arm had grabbed me. Oh man, he’s gorgeous.
    “Miss Woods, are you okay?” Drake asked with a concerned look as he held me close to him. Why is he so close to my face? Walk away… walk away….
    “I’m fine, thank you Mr. Stagliano. Just… c lumsy,” I mumbled. Why am I so nervous? Ugh, that was embarrassing.
    “You need to be more car eful. Especially if you’re going to be drinking,” he scolded. I rolled my eyes as I turned my head and continue walking to the cab that was impatiently waiting.
    “Yes, I will. Thanks again.” I could feel the heat coming off him. It was so intense that I felt intimidated just being near him. Hold it together, Molly.
    He leaned forward just barely grazing me and grabbed the door handle gesturing me in to the cab. I nodded graciously and sat on the far side of the seat. I was expecting him to close the door, but instead he got in and sat down beside me.
    What the hell?
    He noticed my puzzled expression as he told the cab driver where to go. “I hope you don’t mind since we’re heading in the same direction after all,” he snickered, edging closer to me.
    “Sure,” was all I was able to say practically holding my breath. We continued sitting in silence before my phone rang out in a tantrum.
    “Hey baby, I’ll be home soon, ok? Tell Michael to save me some dinner. Love you too.” I hung up