Innocence

I want to crawl over to him, straddle his legs, and kiss him. Crap. My mind is being a total traitor right now, causing my libido to make a surprise appearance this evening. What is wrong with me?

“So, what happens when I want to see you after tonight?” he asks.

“After tonight?”

What started as an accident has now turned into a potential second date. When he laughs at me again, I realize that he’s caught on to when I’m flustered since I just keep repeating what he says. Damn it. Luckily, he gives me a minute to redeem myself.

“I guess we can set up something to meet again,” I say.

“Whatever works for you, Alli. How many dates do you think it will take until you feel comfortable enough to tell me your full name?”

Part of me wants to be honest and say now, but keeping my last name a secret seems to keep a barrier between us. I don’t want to get engulfed in the tidal wave I’m sure Damien can create. Plus, giving him my last name now would put me in the insane category since I just said we should stay on a first-name basis.

Hell, I have no idea how to respond. It’s Sunday, and I consider the fact that I’m leaving on Wednesday. “How about three dates?” The likelihood that he’ll still be interested by that time is slim, and if he is crazy, I can just disappear back to Georgia.

“Does tonight count as date one?” He takes a sip of his beer as he waits for my response.

“Sure.”

He nods as if he is solidifying something in his head. “I’m looking forward to the third date.”

When he takes a bite of his sandwich, I watch in awe as his strongly defined chin moves as he chews.

“So, besides trying to get my attention for a dinner date, what were you doing out on the beach this evening?”

I just shake my head and raise my eyebrow. Finally, I respond, “A waiter told me about the sunsets. I love photography, so I came down, hoping to freeze a moment from this trip to remember it always. What were you doing down there before I practically ran you over?”

“Just enjoying an evening stroll on the beach while unwinding from a busy day. Are you a photographer for a living?”

That makes sense. He seems like the business type. “No, I just finished my junior year in college. Photography is really just a hobby at this point.” I shrug as I take another bite. My mind wanders to the interview I have scheduled shortly after my return. It’s with the same magazine that was interested in me prior to my parents’ death.

“Well, I would like to spend some time together tomorrow. Would you be opposed to riding in a car with me?”

We have finished our meals, and we’re both sitting back in our seats, sipping on our drinks.

I check my creepy meter, and I’m still not getting anything. “I know this is going to sound a little crazy and a lot naive, but you’re a normal guy, right? I mean, not some—”

He cuts me off before I have a chance to continue. He looks at me seriously and honestly as he speaks, “Alli, what do you need to feel safe? I just want to get to know you. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, I swear we’ll leave, and I’ll take you wherever you want to go. Just give me a chance.”

His words strike me hard as he lays it all out there. I know I shouldn’t, but I really do feel safe with this stranger.

“What do you have in mind?” I ask.

“I thought lunch and the beach would be good. How does eleven sound? I can pick you up here if it’s not too far for you or just let me know where I can meet you.”

The intimate way his blue eyes are penetrating me makes me feel as if he can see deep inside me.

“Here at eleven will work. Is there something I should wear or bring?”

The waiter comes and delivers the bill.

“Dress casual and bring a swimsuit. I’ll take care of everything else. It will be about a thirty-minute drive if that’s okay with you.” He pulls out some cash and pays for our dinner and drinks.

I’m momentarily distracted as I watch him put his wallet back in his pants, and then I realize I’ve taken longer than necessary to respond. “Sounds great. Thank you for dinner. However, I should be the one buying since I rudely ran you over.”

As he stands, he grabs my bag off the floor and then reaches for my hand, and I oblige.

“Alli, it’s been my pleasure.” He looks like he is about to ask me something else, but he seems to change his mind at the last second.