Me: I finished going through the house. All I lack is the attic. The shelter is coming by in the morning to take all the donations so far. There’s a lot. Sounds like you had a hectic day.
I settled into my covers and watched the screen in anticipation. My phone vibrated and I let out a little squeal.
Gael: It was, but I had the memory of the park this afternoon to make it better. Does 1pm work tomorrow?
My heart skipped a beat with the reference to this afternoon. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about our time together. With fingers hovering above the phone keys, I tried to decide how to respond. I would go for subtle, but let him know I agreed.
Me: It was a great afternoon. One works perfectly. Do I get any hints on where we are going?
Gael: Will you read the next part of the journal to me?
My face instantly heated thinking about reading about Sophia and Daniel having sex aloud. There was no way I could do that. I wanted to know what he had planned—but not that bad.
Me: I think I’ll wait for the surprise. Good things come to those who wait.
Gael: That they do. Will you still bring the journal?
Me: You’re not talking me into reading it to you.
Gael: I promise you won’t have to read it.
I didn’t know what the journal had to do with anything, but there was no harm in bringing it if I wasn’t going to have to read.
Me: Sure. I can bring it. You’ve piqued my curiosity as to why you want me to, though.
Gael: Good things come to those who wait. Night, Ashlin. I’ll be counting down the seconds until I see you.
Typing a response, I looked at the message for a few seconds, wondering if I should admit I felt the same way. Closing my eyes, I went with it and hit Send.
Me: Night. Same here. Turning in for the night.
Turning my phone to silent, I laid in bed and stared at the ceiling, unable to get Gael out of my mind. He was easy going, funny, and normal. Finally, I closed my eyes and focused on the exhaustion my body felt to aid me in falling asleep.
It was fifteen till one and I was a frazzled mess. Outfits were strewn across my bed in an attempt to find something to wear. I wanted to look pretty, but not over the top. I chose leggings, a teal sweater, and tall boots. My hair was in a messy pony tail. A few golden locks escaped to frame my face. I kept my makeup natural and neutral looking. Stepping back, my turquoise eyes popped with the outfit. This would have to do. My body was consumed with nervous jitters again as I glanced at the clock. It changed to one and the doorbell rang.
I bounded down the stairs and remembered myself about ten feet from the door. Stopping momentarily to pick up my purse, I took a deep breath, then calmly continued.
Opening the door, Gael stood on the other side. He had on jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt, looking sinful as his tousled hair blew in the breeze.
I will not make a fool out of myself. Nope. I will not stay fixated on the slight stubble on his face. Nope. And I will definitely not think about what he would look like without a shirt on. Nope.
“Hey, there. Are you ready for your adventure?”
I nodded enthusiastically. Calm down, Ashlin. “I am. I’ve been trying to think of where it could be. Let me lock up.”
“You’ll never guess.” His voice was confident as I twisted the key and heard the lock click into place.
We walked toward his black Land Rover. I nudged him. “You do know I grew up here. There is a high probability that I’ve been there.”
Gael opened my car door. “Shall we wager?”
I started to get in the vehicle, but stopped and turned. Gael was within inches of me. His manly scent invaded my senses causing me to lose focus—again. Maintaining my outer calm decorum, I asked, “What would the stakes be?”
“Dinner with me.”
“Okay.” Oh, I wanted to slap myself for agreeing as quickly as I did. I sounded desperate. All of my mental prep talks were not working. Gael slipped through all of my well-built facades I’d spent months perfecting.
Gael’s responding expression of delight helped smooth my embarrassment. “Good. I know the perfect place.”