Read Indelible for Free Online Page B

bed.”
    “Thanks so much for watching her.”
    “Anytime, Sam. How’s the date?”
    “It’s going a lot better than I expected it to.”
    “Yay! Well, I’ll let you get back to it. See you later.”
    I smiled to myself as I hung up the phone.
    I was really lucky to have the friends I did. After my text to James last night, she had shown up at my house this morning and threw a plastic shopping bag at me.
    “What’s this?” I asked as she walked past me into the house.
    “After your sorry-assed text last night, I figured you needed a little pick-me-up for your hot date.”
    I opened the bag and pulled out a pretty blouse.
    “You bought me a shirt?”
    “You said you didn’t have anything to wear,” James replied with a shrug.
    I grinned and pulled her into a big hug. She struggled in my arms, like I knew she would, but her arms came around me briefly to hug me back.
    “Thanks,” I said sincerely. “You’re the best.”
    “It’s just from the Goodwill. It’s not like I spent hundreds on it.”
    “It’s the thought that counts. I really appreciate it.”
    “Alright, alright,” James replied as she walked back to the door. “Don’t let Judd take advantage.”
    With those parting words she’d walked out of the house.
    Now I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the cut and style. I felt good in what I was wearing.
    Once I reapplied my lip gloss and smoothed my hair, I exited the bathroom to meet Judd.
    He was leaning against the wall with a drink in his hand. He wasn’t looking my way, but was watching a monitor playing previews. This allowed me to study him as I approached.
    His face was undeniably handsome and his body was to die for. I found my hands itching to feel his hair as I got closer.
    Judd turned as I neared and smiled.
    “Ready?”
    “Yup.”
    We walked down to our theater and found a seat just as the lights began to dim. Judd took my hand in his as the previews began to play.
    The movie was hilarious and had us both laughing out loud. I’d never felt so comfortable with a guy, yet so completely aware of him next to me. I kept stealing glances at him throughout the movie. I swear, by the time the closing credits ran, I was ready to crawl into his lap.
    The lights came up and we were still sitting in our seats holding hands. I looked over at him and smiled.
    “That was a good movie.”
    “Yeah, I thought the chick that played the sister was hilarious.”
    I laughed and nodded my agreement before I looked around us at the rapidly emptying theater.
    “Ready?”
    “I guess,” he responded, causing heat to rush through me at his gaze.
    I cleared my throat and stood, tugging his hand a bit to get him to stand up as well.
    We walked out and he asked, “Do you want me to give you a ride back to the restaurant or to your house?”
    “Just the restaurant,” I responded, and I thought I noticed his face fall a bit. I knew he must be confused by how secretive I was being, but I was in no way ready to discuss Karrie with him.
    The last time I’d told a date about her, the response had been less than favorable. He seemed to think the fact that I had a kid made me damaged goods or something. Maybe it was just too much for him to handle. I mean, it’s not like I’m looking for a husband, or even a father for Karrie, but as soon as a guy heard I was a single mom he assumed that was the case.
    I really liked Judd, and was afraid that he would react in the same way. For once, I’d like to be like a normal twenty-two year old, and just enjoy getting to know a man.
    “Alright,” he replied.
    The ride back to the restaurant was over way too soon. I could have held onto Judd all night.
    I got off the bike and Judd stayed seated. I walked up to him and handed him his helmet, then watched as he put it on. It was funny. As unsure as I was to go on the date in the first place, I sure wasn’t ready for it to end.
    Judd looked up at me, eyes serious, and pulled me closer to him.
    “I had a really