as I happily bit into one. “Love it, thank you.”
For the rest of the day, we stayed in bed, enjoying each other’s company as we channel surfed. Our conversations were nothing life changing. It wasn’t anything heavy that involved our past and our feelings towards one another. Anything and everything came up but those subjects. In some ways, I was happy we hadn’t opened the emotional box, but at the same time, there was a part of me that would always question, would always wonder about the “what ifs.” I guessed it was going to be my normal, and I had to learn how to live with that.
Later on that evening, after he practically carried me out in bed, arguing we needed some fresh air and were in dire need of a quiet walk on the beach, it was rather unexpected when he went all out to take me out on our first, “official” date as he called it.
It began as a simple trek on the sandy shore, but before we reached a secluded alcove that few people visited since it was quite a walk, I was in for a treat.
Unbeknownst to me, he had set up the spot prior to taking me outside. It was elaborate, cozy, and purely romantic. He had placed a great deal of effort and thought into it.
There was a lemon-yellow, linen blanket on the sand with a tiny bonfire to the side of it, making everything glow in a dreamy fashion as the sound of the nearby waves hitting the shore drifted to our spot in a hush. Then there was the rustic, tiny, café two-seater table with some fresh made pasta, antipasto, wine, and some amazing, fresh-made garlic bread that melted in my mouth with each delicious bite.
“Man, you’re really trying to impress me,” I observed, grinning from ear to ear because this idiot had taken the time to do something out of the ordinary. Who would have considered this guy a romantic at heart? This is what I have been missing out on for all these years, I thought as my eyes feasted on the beautiful set up before me.
“Hey, this might be the first and last, so I have to make sure you’re never going to forget it,” he said as he stood right beside me.
Not wanting to ruin the amazing vibe this evening, I went back to feasting with my eyes before I strolled towards the table, ready to taste tonight’s dinner.
“How in the world did you manage to get all of this done when you practically haven’t let my side all afternoon?” I wondered out loud, still beaming like an idiot.
Striding towards me, he matched my idiotic grin. “Cooper had to help me out, or this wouldn’t have come as a surprise.” He pulled a chair out for me.
Once I was happily seated, he then sat opposite from me.
“Really? That’s sweet of him.” Still beaming from the rush of his sweet surprise, I couldn’t help feeling the butterflies somersault in my stomach, reminding me how helplessly in love I was with the man.
“Not really. The bastard kept teasing me until it drove me nuts. Other than that, I was grateful he was willing to lend a hand.”
After pouring us both a glass of wine, he plucked his off the table then raised it. “Here’s to us. May we have the most extraordinary sex affair that will rival no man, and you’ll forever be mine. Amen.”
I had to take a moment, blinking as I stared back at him, not sure if I should drink or throw the wine in his face. Why did he have to make tacky references about our situation? We had an agreement, and I didn’t want that to be slapped on me whenever possible. Instead of choosing the latter, I opted to compose myself before making a tight smile.
“Let’s eat, shall we?” I said.
My apparent rebuke of his toast didn’t even faze him, though.
“Let’s, because I can’t wait until it’s time for dessert and all that comes with it once I have you happily sated underneath me,” he stated with a disarming grin that indicated what he had in store for me once all of this sweetness was over and done with.
He sure did know how to keep me interested and wanting. I knew what I was up against when it came to him, but with myself, I wasn’t so sure or secure. Sometimes, the battle I had with myself was pointless. After all, in the