FRIDAY'S GIRL ·ϿʘϾ·

Chapter 33

Music filled the spacious terrace, where gas heaters kept the temperature pleasantly warm. The red umbrellas were open to retain the heat, giving the space a nearly magical appearance, surrounded by greenery.

"I love this place. It smells like magnolias," I said to break the silence, pulling Brad out of his thoughts.

"I knew you'd like it."

He looked very handsome in a white shirt and a black leather jacket. He had that bad-boy vibe that would make any girl's knees weak, including mine. It was something unusual for him, as what I liked most about his personality was how calm and attentive he usually was. I had seen him help others selflessly more than once, without making a big deal out of it.

"What are you going to have?" I asked, blushing slightly, feeling uncomfortable. Anxiety was pushing me to fill the silence somehow.

"A kiss from your lips," he said mischievously, looking at me in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

"Shut up, Owens!"

"Why? I love seeing you blush." His smile took my breath away.

I hated feeling that way, like I had a mental fog or was hypnotized by a cruel magician who could make me cluck like a chicken at any moment. The thought of making a fool of myself terrified me.

"If you keep going down that path, you're going to see my five fingers printed on your face." I looked at him seriously, blinking several times with a cocky attitude.

"You're a tough girl," he replied sarcastically, adjusting his position on the chair, making him look even more attractive. Jesus Christ! I must be ovulating or something; it wasn't normal for all my thoughts to go in the same direction.

"You don't know the half of it. When I was little, I used to fight during recess to defend my friends from the older boys. I'd always come home disheveled, with bruises and the occasional bite mark. So, consider yourself warned." My hands were damp with nerves. How could someone provoke so many sensations in me with just a look?

"I spent hours building sandcastles and playing ball," he replied, completely relaxed. "Back then, I wanted to be a doctor or an architect."

"Really?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening. "What a responsible kid. I wanted to be Santa Claus's helper so I could be the first to try out the toys."

"You must have always had a fascination with flashy uniforms." Brad gritted his teeth to stifle a laugh. He was obviously drawing a parallel to the multicolored clown outfit I wore at the hospital.

"Absolutely. Red, green, and white suit me perfectly. Plus, I love sweets, so I'd be very dedicated to my profession." I raised an eyebrow cynically as he leaned a little closer to me.

"I'd die to see you dressed in an elf skirt..."

"You're pushing your luck, Owens."

The waiter interrupted us at that moment, and proceeded to take our orders. We both chose soft drinks and pasta for dinner.

"I guess that's why you have so many Lego models in your room," I said, picking up the conversation.

"Yeah, it was the only way my dad found to keep me from breaking things. He used to say I was a walking disaster." Brad shook his head with a slight smile on his lips. "He was always following behind me, fixing everything I broke. You know you can build a little house with glass cups, but it's not advisable to let your pet live in it."

"Don't tell me you actually did that?" I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, acting more feminine than usual. Even I didn't understand what was happening to me.