“Out.”
“But—”
“Look, if we stay here, we both know how we’re going to end up spending the time,” he said flatly. “If we go for a drive or a burger or something, at least we can talk some.”
She wasn’t sure what unnerved her more—the thought of staying in with him or going out with him. But she let him help her into her coat and followed him out.
Though Evan drove a dual-cab pickup truck for practical business reasons, it was a nice vehicle with cushy seats and a beautifully appointed dashboard. It suited him. “Jingle Bells” played from his radio when he started the engine. His smile a little embarrassed, he turned down the volume. “Guess I got carried away with the season. Normally, you’d be hearing something suitably edgy and masculine in my truck, I assure you.”
She laughed and fastened her seat belt.
This was beginning to feel very much like a date, she realized abruptly, her laughter fading. Some people might say it was about time, considering everything—but now she was suddenly nervous. Silly, maybe, but true—and it was that exciting kind of nervous that made her fingers tingle, her skin warm, her toes curl in her shoes. He slanted a smile at her and her breath caught. Yes, this was nice—and terrifying.
“Um...” She pushed her voice through her tight throat. “Where, exactly, are we going?”
“We have a few choices. We could go to a restaurant. We could see a movie. We could go bowling. We could drop in on a party one of my friends is hosting tonight. I have an open invitation.”
“Bowling?” she asked with a smile.
“Is that your choice?”
“No, it’s a question. Are you a bowler?”
“I think the last time I bowled was in college. It just popped into my head. But I’m game if you are.”
Renae laughed. “Let’s eat—I’m hungry.”
They decided on a quiet Japanese restaurant Evan recommended. The lights were almost a little too dim, but the atmosphere was peaceful and the food was excellent. Because of their public setting, they kept the conversation light and casual, and their easy discussion of books, movies and current events only reinforced the date-night feeling.
Those more troubling issues between them were still there, of course, simmering just below the surface of their comfortable prattle. But for that leisurely hour, Renae allowed herself to enjoy the novelty of sitting across a candlelit table from a handsome man, enjoying grown-up conversation. They shared a sinfully rich chocolate mousse cake for dessert, leaning toward the center of the little table so that their heads were close together, laughing softly as they scooped up bites with their spoons.
After dinner, he drove her around town to admire some of the light displays Price-Daugherty had been commissioned to design while holiday music played softly in the cab of the truck. He seemed in no hurry to return to his apartment. All too aware of passing time, Renae tried not to think too far ahead but instead appreciate each moment of this very pleasant outing.
They had to head back eventually, of course. A silence fell between them as he drove across the I-30 bridge spanning the Arkansas River. His apartment building lay just ahead and she studied it somberly, trying to pick out his windows. He parked, then turned to study her in the pale security lighting.
“Do you have a little more time?”
The dashboard clock informed her that it was just before eight. They’d eaten early and hadn’t been out all that long. She could send a quick text to Lucy that she’d be a little later tonight. But still...
“Maybe I’d better go,” she said softly, giving him an unguarded look. “I’m afraid if I come up, I’ll be tempted to stay too long.”
He reached out to toy with her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “You wouldn’t see me rushing you out.”
“That doesn’t help,” she chided, though she couldn’t resist rubbing her cheek against his hand.
He turned his hand so he was cradling her face in his palm. “I’m not ready for you to go home.”
“I’ve had a very nice time,” she admitted.
“I’ve enjoyed it, too.” Evan leaned closer to brush a kiss across her mouth.
She clutched the collar of his shirt, her lips responding to his. His kisses were familiar now, but each still thrilled. She knew his taste, his feel, his scent, and still she wanted more.
Several long, heated kisses later, he lifted his head with a groan, shifting his weight to ease a cramped leg. “I’m too old for making out in the parking lot.”
Renae was surprised to hear a giggle escape her. “Apparently not.”
A smile flashed across his face in the shadowy truck cab. “Oh, well, if any of my neighbors saw, I probably just gained a few extra stud points.”