Free Inconsolable by Amanda Lanclos Page B

here?” 
    “Well, if I was going to be honest, I’d have to say I drove two hours just to take you to lunch.  If I was going to lie, I’d say I drove here to check on Jameson.”  He gives me a crooked smile and starts the car.  “Now, where would you like to go for lunch, Sunshine?”
    “Sunshine?”
    “Mmm hmm, it’s because you brighten my darkest days.” 
    Well, if I wasn’t already into him that was totally swoon worthy; like straight out of a romance novel. This is why I have waited for the right guy. None were Blake Johnson. I blush a little and he grabs my hand thenkisses my knuckles.  Thank God I decided to wear my cute top today.
    “Well, I don’t really know how to answer that. I’m glad I do thoughbecause I really like you too.” 
    “Good because I wasn’t gonna take no for an answer.” 
    Lord help me.  This man is going to ruin me, so I hope he’s in it for the long hall.  I look out the window and smile when we pull up to Chili’s.  It’s one of my favorite restaurants.I love their baked potato soup. 
    “So Blake, tell me more about you.”  I look up at him as he helps me out of the vehicle. 
    “Well, I’m twenty about to be twenty-one on March 8 th .  I was Valedictorian of my graduating class.  I am an only child.  My father is Malcolm Johnson, the attorney in all the commercials.  My mother is Lydia Johnson and is so worried about what other people think about her perfect family.” 
    Wow, I think I hear a little resentment, but I don’t comment on it.  I love my momma and I try to help her as much as I can.  He takes my hand and as he does I feel a shock of electrical current run through me.  I have never experienced that before but I feel like my whole body is heating and it’s going straight to my core.  My body is warming and I can feel the blush covering me.  He gives me a Cheshire cat grin, one that says he knows exactly what he’s doing. 
    “What about you?”
    “Well, I don’t really have much to tell. I have lived here in Hickory all my lifeand grew up with Jameson.  I was always the quiet, shy little girl that was picked on most of the time.  I’m sure you know because you have red hair too.  Red hair and freckles seemed to be the easiest target.” 
    “Yea, don’t I know all about that. I picked up running as a hobby. At first it was to make sure my ass didn’t get beat,” he says with a chuckle at the end of his statement. I really am captivated by him.
    “So, what do you do as far as working, Blake?” 
    “I just started working at my Dad’s office this week. I am really not doing the lawyer side, but I am pretty good with the computer parts of it. So I kind of do the technology while Dad handles everything else.”
    “Oh, well that seems interesting.  You must be pretty smart.” 
    He chuckles and lets out a snort as I order some nachos.  I watch him as he orders the country fried steak and then takes a sip of his water.
    “You could say that.” 
    “Hmm… soBlake,tell me, why did you asking me out?”
    “Really? You’re cute, you’re smart. You have this aura about youthat makes anyone crazy if they don’t want to be around you. There is only one thing I could say I don’t like,” he responds as he wrinkles up his nose as if disgusted.
    “Oh?”  I sit up straight in my chair, my curiosity escalating. 
    “Yeah, your crazy,best friend.” 
    “Oh, well, I can’t defend her,but I can say you don’t know everything she has gone through.”  He starts to interrupt, but I put my hand up and continue.  “Let me finish,” I respond as he nods his head.  “What Mary-Beth did to Jameson was downright cold-hearted. In her defense, she has always run from situations that another person might fight for. That’s just who she isand will always be,” I shrug my shoulders as he just shakes his head. 
    The waitress places our food on the table and we both eat in a companionable silence. I normally don’t have this