Sanctuary of Mine by S. Pratt, Emily Dawson Read Free Book Online

meet a friend, but do you think we have time to stop for a quick bite at McDonalds?’ Dimples are already assaulting me. I have no desire for food, but a little extra time with Tyler Redding? I feel myself wanting to cave into his request. I check my watch. There’s time, but do I really want to put myself into a social situation where Tyler gets to experience my non-existent eating habits first hand? Don’t be such a baby and get over yourself!
    ‘Ah, sure.’
    ‘Great!’ The smile has flipped to full wattage and I wonder absently how a guy this good looking doesn’t have a steady girlfriend.
     
    The entry way for the fast food outlet looms and Tyler breaks to pull into the parking lot. He turns the engine off, leaving us in silence in the absence of music. I’m hesitant. This seems a lot like a date. Impromptu and a first, but still, me alone with a handsome boy – it’s unheard of.
     
    ‘Let’s go.’ Tyler grabs the car keys and gets out of the car. Taking a steadying breath, I follow suit. He walks with confidence, his jeans hugging his arse just so. I find it hard not to let my eyes linger on his rear end as he walks. I’m sure I have reached a point in my life where I am completely out of my depth. But I’m not going anywhere. It’s too late to chicken out now.
     
    Inside the air conditioning is set to freezing, and it always amazes me that the people who run fast food joints, cinemas and shopping centres never seem to be able to get the temperatures right. Goosebumps spring up on my skinny arms and I rub them to try and bring some warmth back.
     
    Tyler already has his wallet out, his focus on the front cashier with a perky brunette waiting to take the next customer’s order. I remind myself that Tyler is definitely not here on a date with me, and that there are probably a million young women lining up to keep him company on a Friday night. A flush of heat reaches my cheeks, embarrassed at the sudden pang of jealousy that assaults me. He’s not mine and I have no right to feel this way. Shuffling off to find a table, I leave him to go and order on his own.
     
    Pretending to absorb myself in the paper that was left on the table, I can’t help but steal glances as he interacts with the girl who is serving him. He’s confident, self-assured and goddamn fucking hot. It’s hard to find fault with someone when they’re so good looking. He seems to be acting very charming, offering up a smile, although he doesn’t come across as sleazy in the slightest. It seems more like he feels that each individual he interacts with deserves his full attention.
     
    He walks back to me with a tray laden full of food: two drinks, bacon and egg muffins, hash browns and a bag of sliced apples (because McDonalds is apparently healthy now). He slides into the booth across from me and appraises me before sliding a soft drink cup towards me and the bag of sliced apples. The large chocolate shake and the rest of the food remain in front of him. Our eyes are trying to communicate what is not yet spoken. He doesn’t seem keen to say anything further, his offering untouched as yet in front of me.
     
    ‘I’m sorry you went to the trouble, but I didn’t want anything.’ At least my manners remained intact, even though my senses are fuzzy from the excitement of being here with him. He contemplates this for a moment before responding.
    ‘Plain milk and apples right? That’s what you like to eat?’ What’s he been doing, stalking me?
    ‘Ah, sure. Sometimes.’ He nods, but says nothing more as he starts to tuck into his own food laden with grease. While I’m still contemplating the food, he seems oblivious to my indecision. Relaxing just a little, I open the bag of apples and place a slice in my mouth.
     
    We eat in happy silence. Him big mouthfuls for every one of my nibbles. I manage to finish the lot, and the milk too, but I don’t make mention of the apple I already had in my bag. For some reason, this is the