You & Me

Chapter 7

Surprisingly, the dinner wasn't as awkward as I imagined it was going to be. It allowed me to learn a lot about Declan. He started his business way before he finished getting his degree in college. Everything he had saved, he used to start his company up right out of his apartment.

I already knew a little about the company from Xavier and Luca, but I knew nothing about the history of it. King Corporation is a company that deals with technology in gaming. Apparently, Declan was a gaming nerd growing up and has always wanted to create his own. Thus creating King Corp.

As the night progressed, I learned that Declan is British, which explains his accent, and he is 26 years old. He's very passionate about kids and loves spending time with his nieces and nephews. The more I learned about Declan, the more I wanted to get to know him. He would be the first guy who has piqued my interest since Ace. On top of things, Everleigh seems to like him as well.

No one brought up the mall incident, and I was relieved. Finding out if Declan was already married, had me a nervous wreck. There was no ring on his finger so that has to say something, right? If he did, in fact, have a family, all the flirting would seize. I refuse to go through that again, and I will not be the wedge between them. I'm no homewrecker.

What's odd is neither of the guys has mentioned Declan being married, they always thought he was single.

Maybe he just has a girlfriend who has kids. That's a red flag if he does.

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Everleigh wanted to stay the night with Beckett, so that left me alone tonight. Xavier and Luca made sure she had her own dresser with clothes for nights like these. I told them it wasn't a problem to head next door to grab some clothes, but they insisted she had her own space. They spoil her as if she is theirs. They are the father figures in her life that she needs. 

While the guys took care of the kids, Declan and I cleared the table. He was easy to talk to, and I did not fail to miss his flirting. 

As I was heading into the kitchen with the dirty dishes, I came to a halt by Declan's words. 

"Would you like to get breakfast with me tomorrow morning?"

What was I supposed to say? Do I say yes and go? Should I make an excuse not to go? I wasn't able to use Everleigh now that she was staying with the guys. Then again, even if I had Ever with me, he'd ask for her to come along.

I was more scared than anything to say yes, but before I could find a reason to say no, I was already answering him.

"Yeah, I'd love to go." 

Oh god, what did I just do? 

Wait, am I blushing? Why am I blushing? I am not supposed to get attached to this man, but here I am, agreeing to go to breakfast, and blushing. Okay, this is bad, this is really bad. Was it too late to change my mind? 

"Great! Would you like me to pick you up, or do you feel better meeting me there?"

Can this guy get any sweeter? He was willing to let me meet him there. 

"You can pick me up if you'd like."

With the biggest smile on his face, he said, "Great! I will pick you up at eight. Unless that's too early?"

"No, eight is perfect."

Returning his smile, I headed into the kitchen to place the dishes in the dishwasher. 

What mess did I get myself in too? What about the people he was with at the mall? I will not be able to handle the outcome later on. 

The least we can become is friends maybe, or just better aquatinted with each other. We were bound to see each other often, being friends with the guys.

But you want more with him.

I did want more with Declan, but at the same time, I'm content where things are with Everleigh and me. 

Was I even ready to bring a guy into our lives? Was Everleigh ready for someone else in our lives?

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By morning, I was exhausted. I had barely slept. My mind was a mess and wouldn't allow me to relax. I couldn't stop thinking bout this breakfast date with Declan. 

Was it even a date?

It was currently six in the morning. I still had two hours before Declan's picking me up. My bed was currently a mess of various outfits. I wanted to look cute and comfy, instead of a look that screamed you're trying too hard. As I said, I wasn't sure if this was a date or just a friendly thing, but he was picking me up, so maybe it is a date. 

Is that how that goes? When a guy picks you up, it's considered a date? I've been out of the dating scene for far too long, I'm not sure what the rules are anymore.

I settled on wearing a pair of leggings paired with a long sleeve, off the shoulder top, and my converse. My face was bare of makeup, and my hair, I threw up into a messy bun. Like I said, I wasn't going for a look that said I was trying too hard.

Sending a text to the guys seeing how Everleigh's doing, I headed downstairs to wait for Declan. 

My nerves were starting to get to me, and I wanted to call this whole thing off. 

No, that'll make you seem like a b***h. You agreed to this so you can go through with it.

After my little peep talk, I heard the doorbell go off. With a deep breath, I went and answered the door. Declan stood there looking just as good as he did the first time I ran into him. 

He was wearing black joggers with a white gaming shirt. Guess we had the same idea about our clothing choice. 

"Hi."

"Hey, are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, just let me grab my bag"

Turning around I grabbed my bag off the table and shut the door behind me.