hand but, sadly, there’s no kiss this time. The fire deep
inside roars a little stronger.
After just laying on
the beach, with no kisses and hardly any conversation for about thirty minutes,
I'm ready to go back in the truck. I'm pretty hungry. “Drew?”
“Hmmm?”
“I'm ready to go eat, I
think. Maybe afterwards we can come back here, unless you have something else
planned.”
“Okay. Let's go.” We
gather up our belongings and he shakes the sand out of the blanket, careful not
to sling any in my direction. He's learned something about me, at least. I grin
at him and he returns one to me.
As we trek back through
the sand to the Hummer, I hear the engine start. I need to get me one of
those remote starter thingies , I think to myself. He throws the sandy
blanket into the back of the truck and comes to open my door. Always the
gentleman.
After we hop inside,
we're on our way to our next destination. I hope it's not a fancy place, or
even a mildly fancy place because I probably smell and I'm not dressed for
anything other than a dive. Oh, I forgot that I brought a dressier blouse.
That's why I brought the sandals. Not such a dumbass, after all. Just
forgetful.
I'm sure my hair is a
disaster, too. The place can't be too nice if he's in gym shorts, though. I
relax a little at that thought.
“There's a little café
just up the road overlooking the ocean. It's quaint and the food is great.”
“I'm starving so I'm
sure it will be fine no matter what.”
Five
The little café we
arrive at is cute. It looks like an old shanty with white-washed wood
everywhere. I immediately think of a shipwreck for some reason. This is my kind
of joint. Seems like a place where the locals go and everybody knows everybody.
Drew snags us a booth
in the back corner next to a window that looks out over the ocean. We're pretty
high up on a cliff and the view is spectacular. A house with a view like this
would be amazing. “This view is absolutely stunning,” I tell him. “Just
gorgeous.”
“It's definitely a
stunning view. Almost as stunning as you.” I feel my cheeks redden.
“Thank you, but I'm
sure I look and smell awful.”
“Nonsense. You are
beautiful and you smell just fine.”
“I'm sure I'd smell
better after a hot shower. I feel like I sweat like a man.” I chuckle.
When the waitress comes
over and takes our drink order, I notice her eyes are fixed on Drew. Hmmph .
The nerve of her. Doesn't she see that he is here with a woman? We could be
married and she doesn't even seem to care. Tramp . I guess I really can't
blame her, though. He is as gorgeous as they come. I bring myself back to
reality.
I open the menu, a bit
roughly, as the waitress goes off to retrieve our drinks. “What's good here?” I
ask.
“I'm not really sure.
It's been a while since I've been here.”
I look over my menu at
him. “Been a while since you've been on a date?”
“Rebecca, I told you, I
don't date.”
“You mean you've never
dated? Ever?”
“Well, not never, but
not since I was young.” I feel a crease form between my eyes and my forehead
wrinkles in disbelief.
“So you haven't had a
relationship in over ten years?” He shakes his head. “What have you been doing
for your...? Wait. I hold up a hand to stop him from answering, “I don't think
I want to know the answer to that.”
He smiles. “Probably
not. We all have a past, though. I'm not particularly proud of mine, but it is
what it is. A past.”
I nod. “True.”
The waitress comes back
to take our order and he sends her away, letting her know that we need a few
more minutes. He didn't even look at her. That makes me feel good.
“I think I will play it
safe and get a salad, and a turkey and swiss sandwich.” He nods, acknowledging
what I've said. “I'm going to go to the ladies' room and freshen up a little.
Will you order for me? Honey mustard salad dressing, and mayo and mustard on
the side for my