find out. Leo pulled into the ferry terminal and parked in the lot rather than getting in line to drive aboard.
A smile cropped up, so broad it hurt my cheeks. “We’re going on a ferry?”
“Mm-hmm.” His smile was at least as big as mine. “To Friday Harbor. Have you been?”
I shook my head. I remembered a day trip to the Olympic Peninsula with my mother and being disappointed when we failed to encounter any vampires or werewolves. But, despite the easy access to the ferry terminal, that was the only time we’d taken one.
“Good.” He pulled a stack of twenties from his wallet and held them out to me. “I need to make a couple of calls. Go inside and buy our walk-on tickets and any food you want to hold you over until lunch. Or, there’s also a snack bar on board.”
I stared at the cash. “I have money.”
Leo pressed the twenties into my hand. “And there’s no way I’m letting you spend any of it on a date with me.”
“So, this is a date?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “We’re alone, and we’re out in public, doing something fun. Doesn’t that count as a date?”
I leaned over to press a kiss to his bristled cheek. His freshly showered scent tickled my nose, and I knew I would never get tired of that smell. Or him. “Thank you.”
His soft smile let me know he realized I wasn’t talking about the money. I was thanking him for getting me out of the house. For wanting to change his player ways for me. For being so thoughtful when I wasn’t even sure I deserved it.
Once I’d purchased the tickets and a few snacks for both of us, we only had to wait about twenty minutes for our departure. We stood along the railing as the ferry slowly took off from the terminal. I shivered as the movement made the wind pick up, and Leo moved to my back, wrapping his arms tightly around me.
I sank into him, warmer in more ways than one. This moment didn’t feel real. Like it couldn’t possibly be my life.
The blue waters of the Puget Sound glistening in the sunlight. The stretches of emerald land, the trees so thick they made up their own sea of color and texture. The birds circling overhead. I wanted to draw it all, adding in every detail so I would never forget it.
Even if Vincent managed to drive me away, at least I would be able to cling to the memories of this day. The memories of Leo, star quarterback and king of Harbor U turned trustworthy friend and considerate boyfriend.
I didn’t know how much time passed, but when my teeth began chattering, Leo led me inside to a booth next to a large window. I started to sit, but he beat me to it, pulling me into his lap.
I saw a tween girl’s eyes widen as she caught sight of us, and I hissed, “We’re in public.”
“I’m not going to grope you,” he murmured against my neck, making me shiver once more. But, this time, it wasn’t from the cold.
The need coursing through me made me wish we were alone. Then again, maybe I didn’t wish for that right now. Because I’d never done this before. Never pushed the boundaries of public displays of affection with my boyfriend. Never gone on a spur of the moment adventure. Never imagined a future different than the bleak existence I’d resigned myself to for so many years.
And I wanted to soak up every second of it.
“This is already my best date ever,” Leo said lowly, brushing his lips against my earlobe.
“Oh? And how many actual dates have you been on?”
He chuckled. “Not many. But it doesn’t matter. Even if I’d been on hundreds, this would be still my favorite.”
I sank deeper into his lap and allowed myself to relax. “And why’s that?”
“Because it’s with you.”
“Sweet talker.” Yet, I found myself smiling. He could sweet-talk me day and night, and I still wouldn’t get tired of it.
“Maybe, but it’s true. I’ve never felt like this, Thea.” He pressed his lips against the back of my neck. “And it’s not just because I want your sexy body. And, damn, do I want your sexy body.” He sighed, tickling my skin with his breath. “I like spending time with you more than I’ve ever liked spending time with anyone.”
At that, I twisted in his arms so I could see his face. His eyes were as warm as