Robbie nodded. "That's a perfect name; and I think Avery will approve."
I took another step backward, making the distance between us grow and hoping that the extra space would make it easier to leave him. It didn't, but I knew I couldn't stay. I turned and started to walk back down the pier, my fingers going to my lips to feel the passion still surging within them.
"Hey, Sam?" Robbie called out. I turned, ready to run back down and into his arms if he asked. "I'd like to see you again. Can I take you out to dinner tomorrow?"
I beamed at him. "Yes. I get off of work at four."
"Excellent. I'll be at your house at five then. Dress fancy." His smile lit up the dock brighter than the sun. I nodded enthusiastically and then forced myself to hurry away so I could get to Avery by the time school got out.
Chapter 9
The coastal town of Winchester was not that big. It was a really nice tourist town, with a big, beautiful marina, three restaurants, and a bar that is more local than tourist. Technically, Grace and I didn't even live within the town's limits, but the sheriff still looked after us like we did.
New York City was about an hour away by train, so if any of the small town's inhabitants wanted to treat someone or have a night out, most of them usually hopped on the train. Unless, of course, they happen to be the son of a billionaire.
It was just before five, and Robbie was right on time. I peeked out the window and nearly didn't recognize the man walking up. I still saw him in my mind as the gangly, awkward twelve-year-old boy who liked wearing basketball shorts and t-shirts. I had only ever seen him in sailing gear or khakis since we became adults, and I was surprised to find he even owned a suit.
Where I was expecting a sailor, a prince stood on my front porch. He had tamed his wild sandy hair into something that could grace the cover of a men's magazine, and his normally scruffy chin was clean-shaven. A black suit jacket hung perfectly across his broad shoulders, and a dark green shirt underneath it made his green eyes pop. A tie was never his style, so I wasn't surprised not to see one, but even without it, he looked ready to go to dinner with a movie star.
I gulped and let the curtain fall. I felt almost too casual in my dark blue dress, but it was the nicest thing I had. I knew it looked good, but it was my go-to dress for weddings, banquets, award ceremonies, and anything that needed me to wear something fancier than jeans. Seeing Robbie looking like the billionaire he was, my dress suddenly felt a little shabby. I smoothed the front and made sure my hair was still pulled back. Grace and Avery had enjoyed teasing it into curls and doing my makeup. Even if my dress was a little plain, my hair and face more than made up for it.
"I GOT IT!" screamed Avery as the doorbell chimed. She tore down the hallway, her princess dress flowing behind her, and threw open the door before I even had a chance to move. She loved answering the door.
"Hi," Robbie greeted her, bending down and resting on his heels to be at her eye level. "I am supposed to take a princess to dinner tonight. You look ready to go."
Avery beamed up at him, twirling her iridescent princess skirt at her feet. It was supposed to be her Halloween costume, but she refused to wear anything else. It was a struggle in the mornings to convince her to wear her school uniform, and she only changed when Grace promised she could wear her princess costume as soon as she got home. Halloween was still over a month away, but she wasn't showing any signs of getting bored with it.
"Aunt Sam, there's a man at the door for you," Avery called out, her eyes never leaving Robbie. I could tell she was smitten, and given how handsome he looked in that suit, I couldn't blame her.
"Thank you, Avery," I said, walking over to the open door. Robbie's jaw dropped slightly.
"Wow... you look amazing..."
Heat flared through my cheeks, and I put my hands on Avery's shoulders just so they had something to do. "Thank you."
"Avery, come here and let your aunt get out the door," Grace's soft voice came from inside the house. She stepped into the hallway with a disapproving look. I wasn't sure if it was meant for Avery or Robbie.
"Grace, it's always nice to see you." Robbie nodded politely at my older sister. "You and your mom have a nice night, okay, Princess?"
Avery grinned up at him, and slowly turned back toward her mother. I picked up my purse by the door, and stepped out into the cooling evening air. I waved to Avery and shut the door firmly behind me. Robbie's hand reached for mine as soon as I released the handle. His skin was warm and rough with calluses, but it fit in mine like it had been designed to go there.
"Did I mention you look amazing?" Robbie asked, guiding me out of the driveway and toward the park near our house. I realized that there wasn't a car parked nearby, but I let him lead the way.
"Yes, thank you. You look pretty good yourself." I squeezed his hand, and he chuckled.
"I wanted to make this evening special. I wanted to look my best for you," he said, turning to glance at me. His green eyes caught the light and sparkled. His smile was beaming and meant only for me. The butterflies in my stomach flapped harder as he smiled at me, and I felt like giggling. The leaves rustled gently, as the moon started her graceful rise. The oncoming night hummed with magic, the dancing leaves and the glow of the moon promising an evening to remember.
"Where are we going? Did you bring a car?" I asked, glancing around. We were almost to the end of our short block, but there wasn't a car in sight.
Robbie laughed and tugged gently on my hand. "We're almost there."
He led confidently as we rounded the corner, heading toward the small park that Avery liked to play in. As we turned, I could see a helicopter waiting in the middle of the soccer fie
ld. I had a sneaking suspicion that we weren't taking the train.
"Is that yours?" I asked as we came closer.
"No, it's my brother's, but he said I could use it for the night." He laughed when I gave him a doubting look. "No, I really did ask! It's all ours for the evening."