Erica’s POV
Saturday rolled around the corner pretty quickly. The entire week I was on edge and it wasn’t just me. Lorenzo seemed more unhinged than usual and Dante’s calls came in so frequently that I had to make the painful decision of blocking him.
I had to focus on this date. I was determined to make it up to Lorenzo for not being there for him when he needed me.
I exhaled as I stood in front of the dressing mirror putting on earrings. Lorenzo had gotten me a new dress for the occasion. It was a beautiful dress that was just perfect for a summer evening. Not too casual and not too flashy.
However, something about his gifts didn’t sit well with me. They made me uncomfortable and put my wolf I’ll at ease.
For days she sat in my head, moping and moody. I still couldn’t get her to see reason. We couldn’t be with Dante.
I was finally able to get my earrings on. I was about to fasten my necklace around my neck when I felt someone behind me.
I turned around and gasped in surprise.
“Lorenzo?”
He looked very handsome, dressed in his more-than-casual-less-than-formal shirt and jeans.
I had always seen him as handsome but my heart never dwelled on it, and in an instant, it all disappeared and all I could see before me was the same old Lorenzo that I had always known.
“Let me help you with that.”
His voice was soft as he took the necklace from me and helped me fasten it around my neck. I tried not to shudder as his hands brushed my skin.
His touch still made my skin crawl. It took sheer willpower to not let it show. It made me feel disappointed in myself.
Why would I reject the touch of the man who showed me something close to real love but accept the man who treated me like filth when I needed him the most?
It made me question the Goddess and her choice of mating. Why was I still tethered to a man who cast me away when I needed him the most?
Sometimes I would blame all this confusion on her but in truth, it was all my fault.
“All done.”
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and adored the necklace that graced my neck. It looked beautiful.
I saw Lorenzo’s reflection in the mirror as well. His brown eyes seemed to stare at me with hate and scorn.
I gasped silently and looked harder.
It was gone and he had a smile on his face. I was confused. Had…had I imagined it?
“You look beautiful, Erica.”
I smiled weakly. His compliment had no effect on me. The smile that I gave was forced. I hated that I had to pretend.
I only hoped that this date would change something. At least it would give me something else to think about. At least I could be happy for someone else’s love life and get my mind off my own failed one.
I looked at my watch. It was almost time to go.
Knock! Knock!
“That must be the babysitter.”
I hurried downstairs to the door. I opened it and a beautiful young blonde lady with almond-shaped eyes and irises almost a blazing orange stepped inside. She was among the few werewolf sitters that I could find. I found her appearance very…interesting. Her eyes seemed like a furnace. A fiery yet kind furnace.
“Good evening Miss Erica. Forgive me for coming late.”
I smiled at her warmly. Her voice was powerful yet lovely.
“It’s alright, Miss Savannah. You are quite on time. I’ll get the kids.”
I led her inside and called the kids downstairs.
They hurdled down but stopped in their tracks as soon as they saw the strange lady.
Ethan and Elma clung to me but Elsa looked at the lady in awe.
“You have beautiful eyes,” she said softly.
Miss Savannah giggled.
“I must say that your green ones are amazing as well.”
I smiled. She was so kind. I was certain that they were going to get along just fine.
“Kids, this the new sitter, Miss Savannah. She will be here for the evening. Lorenzo and I will be going out so be on your best behavior with her till we get back.”
Elsa was already intrigued by her personality and soon, Ethan and Elsa began to approach her as well.
I smiled. Soon, Lorenzo came downstairs.
He smiled at Miss Savannah and asked me if we were ready to leave.
His face seemed reluctant to go. I sighed. Maybe he was frustrated that I was wasting time.
“I’m ready. Let’s go.”
He walked towards the door and I followed him. No romantic gestures, no arms looped together, no opening the doors for me like a gentleman.
I sighed. I only hoped the date would be better.
We got into my car and he started the ignition. In a few minutes, we were zooming down the street in the bright lit-up evening.
The air was crisp and fresh and my hair was whipped around me. Something about all this reminded me of the night I went to the party that Dante invited me to.
My insides churned and my pussy throbbed pleasurably as I remembered the time we spent in his car.
I moved and groaned slightly.
“Are you alright?”
My cheeks fanned with color. Lorenzo noticed.
“I…I fine. Just a little stomach ache. I should probably have had a snack instead of saving my appetite for dinner.”
I gave him a light smile and he returned it but it was short-lived and soon he was back to focusing on the road.
It took a while and soon we were at the restaurant that Clarissa’s boyfriend had picked out.
I felt intimidated. It was very classy and expensive. I wished I had known it a little better. I would have worn something more sophisticated.
I was lost in awe and I wasn’t even aware that Lorenzo had gotten out.
It was when the door slammed shut that my attention was drawn to the fact that I was the only person in the car.
I got out as well and we stood in front of the building. The lights were blinding white and the aroma of rich foot wafted all over. I could feel my mouth watering. It all smelled so good.
I took Lorenzo’s hand and he seemed to jerk a little, like he was startled.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Uhmm…yeah. I was just startled. Been thinking about a lot.”
I was silent. His palms were sweaty but I was scared to let go. What was bothering him? What was he nervous about?
We walked inside and a waiter walked up to us.
“Miss Erica? Mr. Lorenzo?”
I nodded.
“Good evening. Right this way. A table was reserved for both of you.”
We were shown to a table and handed the menu to look through.
The chairs were so soft and comfortable and the aroma of the food was enticing. I was getting hungrier by the minute. Clarissa’s boyfriend had taste. This was an amazing place.
I looked through my menu but every now and then, I stole glances at Lorenzo. He looked confused and distant. His gaze was vague and he hadn’t even picked up his menu.
I wanted to ask him what was wrong but I held my tongue. Maybe it was personal and he didn’t want to talk to me about it.
My heart was pounding in my chest. I was looking around the room as well, waiting to see Clarissa and her boyfriend walk in.
I wondered what he looked like and who he was.
The anticipation was the only thing keeping me on my toes. That and the hunger I felt biting away at my stomach.
“Good evening again Miss Erica, Mr. Lorenzo, have you placed your orders yet?”
I smiled.
“Uhmm…we are actually waiting for…”
“Good evening.”
I heard a familiar light voice behind me.
I turned around with a smile but as soon as I did, my smile disappeared.
Clarissa was behind me and a man with bright golden eyes was holding her waist affectionately.
I froze and my hands began to shake.
“Erica? I didn’t think to see you here.”
My emotions were a crazy cocktail. What was going on here?
“Javier?!…”