Not Your Hero by Anna Brooks Read Free Book Online

book or something.”
    “‘Kay.” His tongue is stuck out in concentration, and Mona pushes me to the door.
    I nod at her and open it. Kevin stands with a single rose and a goofy grin. I knew he was really cute because of the pictures Mona showed me from her Facebook. With my heels on, we’re the same height, and his blond hair parts to the side. I think his eyes are blue, but it’s hard to tell in the dim light of the porch. But the suit jacket, khaki pants, and loafers make him look . . . boring.
    “Hi. Here. This is for you.” He hands me the flower and I thank him. “I thought we could check out that new Italian restaurant downtown.”
    “That’d be great.”
    He opens the door for me to his sporty red car and I almost gag at the overuse of cologne. He gets in and smiles before driving away.
    “I’m really glad you agreed to this. Mona had wonderful things to say about you.”
    “Yeah. You, too.” He talks about his job, and I try to act interested. I nod and smile at the right times and breathe a sigh of relief when we pull up to the restaurant.
    Getting out of the car before I choke on fumes, I meet him around the front, where he takes hold of my elbow and directs me inside. Once we’re seated, the waiter brings us each a glass of the house wine, and I have to force myself not to slam it.
    “So, tell me about yourself. Mona says you have a son.”
    A genuine smile forms. “Yes. His name is Ben. He’s five.”
    “So is he in school?”
    “Just started kindergarten this year.”
    He smiles but doesn’t ask any more questions, and we continue looking at the menu.
    The waiter walks over and asks, “Are you two ready to order?”
    “I am. Are you?” Kevin asks.
    “Yes. I’ll have the chicken parmesan, please.”
    “Certainly. And you, sir?”
    “I think I’ll go with the lasagna. Thanks.”
    “It’ll be right out.”
    The waiter takes our menus, and I quickly empty my glass then lift it. “And I’ll be right back with a refill for you, ma’am.”
    “Thank you.”
    The rest of the date continues awkwardly. I don’t think Kevin notices, though. He talks animatedly about his love of hunting. Shows me pictures of dead pheasants and ducks. I try my best to fake interest, I really do. He sounded so much more interesting on the phone. It’s not poor Kevin’s fault that I compare him to another man. Sam would have ordered a beer, Sam would have gotten a steak, Sam would have said something to the waiter when he was blatantly checking out my chest.
    The worst part is that I don’t even know if it’s true or not. I don’t know Sam. I have no idea the kind of man he would be on a date. I’m only guessing because, in a perfect world, my perfect man would have done those things. And apparently, Sam is the perfect man. Even though he treated me like a whore, I see the little glimpses in his eyes, the sincerity. And after his comments last week, I should hate him. But I don’t. In a sick way, it makes me want him more.
    “Ready?” Kevin stands and pulls my chair out.
    When we get to the car, I take a lungful of fresh air before being encased in what can only be described as a gas chamber made of cologne.
    He reaches over and holds my hand, causing me to cringe. This isn’t going to work out. He’s really a nice guy, but I don’t feel it. There are ten thousand different emotions rushing through my veins right now, but an attraction to Kevin isn’t one of them.
    “Well, thank you for a great dinner. I had a good time.” I lean toward my front door, hoping he’ll take the hint.
    “I did, too. I really like you, Courtney. Can I take you out again?” He has a boyish grin on his face, and almost seems shy to ask . . . it’s cute.
    Nope. He didn’t get the hint. I’m about to tell him that I’ll call him, with the intention of letting him down gently, when Sam pulls up. He waits on his side for a trashy looking skank. She gives a slight wave before disappearing into the house with Sam.