Finding Our Forever: (A Defining Moments Novel) by Andee Michelle Read Free Book Online

seven, Sara comes through the front door, and I feel my pants tighten immediately. She’s dressed in those jeans that appear to be painted on, a fitted black T-shirt, and hot pink Chucks. Her hair lays straight over her shoulders, and I immediately want to run my hands through it. I was wrong. She’s not just “girl next door,” she’s beautiful.
    I stand when she starts my way, a small smile on her face.
    “You look amazing,” I tell her as I pull her chair out for her.
    “Thanks. You look presentable,” she says with a wink, and I immediately feel at ease with her.
    “Well, I aim to please,” I retort with a smirk. She chuckles and ducks her head to look at the menu.
    The waitress brings us each water, asking if we’re ready to order. Sara orders enchiladas and a Corona, and then I order too. When the waitress cards Sara, it brings up the first set of questions.
    “Okay, so I know you’re at least twenty-one since you were just served alcohol. How old are you exactly? I mean, I know my Mama said I’m never supposed to ask a woman her age, but I think it’s a good place to start.”
    She laughs before responding. “Well, your mom is a smart woman. You shouldn’t ask a lady her age, unless she’s only twenty-three, because it’s not like twenty-three is old.”
    I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s older than me. I mean, she’s an RN, which means she has a bachelor’s degree. I would’ve guessed twenty-one, but twenty-three isn’t so bad.
    “Now, Mr. Harper, answer your own question,” she states before bringing the Corona bottle to her lips. I’ve never envied an inanimate object before this moment. I watch her take a gulp of the beer, closing her eyes briefly like she’s savoring it. A girl who enjoys beer. Another point for Sara.
    “First, let me ask you if you’ve ever dated a younger man?” I lift my eyebrow at her in question, and I catch just the tiniest bit of concern on her face.
    “Oh God. Please tell me you’re over eighteen, or I’m going to have to cut this date short,” she jokes.
    “Smartass. I’m twenty,” and I watch as surprise lights up her face. “But I’ll be twenty-one later this year.”
    “Wow, I’m officially robbing the cradle with this date.” She snorts. She actually snorted, and it was freaking adorable.
    What the hell is wrong with me?
    “I wouldn’t go that far. It’s not like you’re a cougar or something,” I retort, which makes her full on belly laugh.
    “Well, thank God for small favors.” She grins before bringing the bottle to her lips again. I can’t help but stare at her mouth. She stops mid gulp and I lift my eyes to see that she is watching me as I ogle her lips. She swallows and then smiles.
    “What’s the matter, Eli? Never seen a woman drink a beer before?” she asks me with a little bit of that sassy attitude I’m beginning to become addicted to.
    “Oh, I’ve seen it before, but it’s never been as sexy.” She smiles her tiny smile, and I watch as her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink. I embarrassed her.
    “So, Eli Harper, what do you do? Are you a student, do you work, or do you live in your parents’ basement and play video games all day?”
    I let my face fall and look down at my hands. Let’s see how she gets out of this one. I hear her gasp and then watch as she fumbles with her silverware and napkin.
    “Oh shit. I’m sorry, Eli. There is nothing wrong with still living with your parents. I mean, you’re only twenty. I was just trying to be funny,” she quickly blurts out.
    I laugh and look up, only to be given the dirtiest look ever from that gorgeous face, which makes me laugh harder.
    “That was cruel, you ass! I thought I just broke your poor little heart.”
    “That’s what you get for assuming I’m not a twenty-year-old freeloading gamer who lives in his parents’ basement.”
    We are both laughing when the waitress stops by again to bring out our order.
    “In all seriousness, I’m a