“That’s sweet.”
“Family helps each other out.”
“My brother and I aren’t as close as you and your siblings. Mostly because they’re living in Austin.”
“Yeah, the distance makes it hard. You have a nieces and nephews?”
“One of each; Charlotte’s five and Greg is seven. They’re cute as hell, but so much work. My hats off to Amanda an
d Aren for all they do on a daily basis.”
“I agree to that.” We finish with the rays and move over to the handwashing station. “Shark train and then we’ll call it for the day?”
“Perfect.”
Ten minutes later we’re boarded onto the train that takes you through the tunnels of the aquarium. It’s the closest you can get to being in the ocean without getting wet.
“Look at the sea turtle,” she exclaims, waving at the gigantic, yet chill creature floating merrily along in the cerulean depths.
“I’m not sure if it’s Finding Nemo or the way the sea turtles look and move that makes them appear so freaking chill.”
“A combination of both.” She turns into me with sparkling eyes and I lean forward to rest my forehead against hers as I run my fingers down her arm. Having the right to touch her like this has me handsy. Her skin is soft and warm from the evening heat that refuses to let go of its hold on the city. As the train reaches its final destination and we exit, I can’t help but feel a little bummed. I don’t want the day to end yet, but I don’t want to push for more either. We had a huge leap today. I don’t want a backslide.
“Can I walk you to your car?”
“I’d like that a lot.”
We amble toward the parking structure, and I search my brain for the right things to say.
“I had a really good time with you today.”
“I did, too.”
“I want to see you tomorrow before our week starts and the insanity begins, if you’re up to it.”
“Yes.”
“We can lay low, movies and dinner at my place?” I ask.
She arches a brow.
“No Netflix and chill, actual movie watching and dinner,” I reassure her.
She laughs. “In that case, yes. What are we eating?”
“I’ll cook you a traditional Gilborn meal.”
“Hmmm.”
“Hey, I can cook well, thank you very much,” I say.
She giggles. “We’ll see.” We reach her car, and she unlocks the door. “I’m a bit of a foodie, so you have your work cut out for you.”
“Oh, throwing down the gauntlet early?” I ask.
“I’ll tell you what. Next week, dinner will be on me.”
“Done. Now you’re going to make me bring my A-game and hit up a Mexican market on the way home.”