Taming Blade (Kings Reapers MC Book 5), Nicola Jane [books for 7th graders TXT] 📗

anything,” I add. Then I inwardly groan. Why am I telling him that?

“They’re not good news. Just in case you were thinking of becoming friendly.”

“Thanks, but I’m not. They aren’t the kind of guys who have friends.” I instantly feel guilty for saying it. I don’t know why I feel some kind of loyalty to the Kings, I hardly know them, but saying we’re nothing makes me feel bad.

“I’m not a cop,” he eventually admits, and I sag with relief. Not that I’d mind, because I’m a law-abiding citizen, but I have a feeling it would definitely put an end to mine and Blade’s new friendship, and I’m not ready to let him go completely.

“Why didn’t you just come into the shop and ask me out on a date?” I ask.

“I’ve always been a romantic at heart,” he says, adding a smile. “It’s a dying art, romance and mystery.”

“You’re not kidding. I couldn’t tell you the last time I got flowers before you sent them.”

“You look like a woman who needs to be treated right,” he says and I smile. He’s not wrong. “So you’re free and single,” he states rather than questions. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

“Free and single,” I confirm.

“How long?”

“A couple of weeks. Sort of.” I shake my head and sigh. “Argh, I know you shouldn’t talk about past relationships on a first date, but I was seeing a guy. It wasn’t officially a relationship. I was exclusive, he wasn’t. Turns out, he has a girlfriend and a kid. I didn’t know, but I still feel really guilty about the whole thing.”

“What an ass,” he says. “If we’re sharing, I split with my girlfriend six months ago. She cheated on me.”

“Oh crap, I’m so sorry. How long were you together?”

“A few years,” he mutters. “I’m glad I saw her for who she was before I married her.”

“You were really serious about her?” I ask.

“Yeah. I was waiting for our three-year anniversary so I could propose. I caught her in bed with another guy the night before the anniversary.” My eyes widen and my heart aches for him. I get lost in his sad green eyes for a moment. “Anyway,” he says, clearing his throat, “you have to dust yourself off and carry on.”

I finish my lemonade. “Do you want another?” I ask, grabbing my purse.

He shakes his head. “I have work first thing. Can I call you to arrange a second date?”

I smile. He’s good-looking, kind, and so far, he’s nice. What have I got to lose? So, I nod and he grins wide. “I’ll make it special.”

“He was so hot,” says Sara, pulling herself up to sit on the counter.

“Those eyes,” I say wistfully.

“Those strong arms,” says Sara, and we both giggle like school girls. The shop door jingles as a customer enters and we both turn in unison. Blade stares at us, then smiles.

“Tillie went on a date,” Sara blurts out and I shoot her a ‘what the hell’ look.

“With the psycho?” he asks, letting the shop door slam closed behind him.

“He isn’t a psycho,” I answer with a laugh.

“And if he is, he’s a fucking hot one,” butts in Sara.

“So it doesn’t matter if he murders you, as long as he’s good looking?” snaps Blade.

I narrow my eyes. “What crawled up your ass?”

“What’s the difference between me and him?” I can’t help the grin that escapes me. Blade is jealous.

“You wanted a one-night stand, he wants a second date and maybe a third or fourth,” I explain.

“I can date,” says Blade, defensively. “I could totally do that.”

“Then ask her on a date,” pushes Sara.

Blade narrows his eyes. “Not if she’s already dating the psycho.”

“Your loss,” Sara responds with a shrug.

The door opens again and Lake pops his head in. “What the fuck’s taking so long?” he snaps.

“Blade wants to ask Tillie on a date,” says Sara.

Lake steps in the shop, his expression amused. “Really?”

“No, I don’t. She’s already dating,” says Blade. “Now, get me the damn liquorice.”

I take down the jar and open a paper bag. “It’s fine. I know you don’t date,” I say. “It’s completely beyond you. And he really isn’t a psycho. He was actually really nice.” I hand over the bag of red liquorice twists.

“That’s what all killers want you to think before they slit your throat. I’ll take you out on a date,” he mutters quietly, glancing over at Lake and Sara, who are deep in conversation. “Where do yah wanna go?”

He’s totally out of his comfort zone and it’s cute to watch. “You’re supposed to think of that. I just have to turn up looking pretty.”

He nods. “Fine. I’ll pick you up at eight tonight.”

I smile to myself as he leaves. I’ve gone from one, commitment-phobe, cheating ass, to two hot men showing an interest.

“Aren’t you setting your expectations a little low by wearing that outfit?” asks Sara from her spot on my bed. I glance down at the blue jeans and soft pink jumper. “You don’t think he’ll make an effort and take you somewhere nice?”

“You think I should change?” I ask. “Blade isn’t the type of man to book a posh restaurant.”

“Give him some credit. He might surprise you.”

I sigh heavily and open my wardrobe. I don’t have many nice dresses because I like to wear trousers or jeans, but I do own a couple that would pass as date night wear. I go with a short, tight-fitting, black dress that comes just below my ass. “Much better,” Sara says approvingly.

Blade arrives just as I’m checking myself in the hall mirror one last time. Sara swings the door open and smiles wide. “Five minutes early. That earns you some brownie points.”

I grab my bag and Sara steps to the side. Blade looks handsome in his usual jeans and T-shirt, with his leather jacket firmly in place. I wonder if he ever takes that thing off?

He grips the door frame, leaning forward slightly to take me in. “Fuck, you look hot!” he says, his eyes