Chloe and Gina were already preparing the s’mores outside on the porch, so we had a few stolen moments together before we left.
She pressed her hands against my chest and deepened the kiss. When she broke it she said, “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
I went with a simple white button-down shirt, no tie, and a jacket. As the nights were cooler, I wanted the opportunity to offer it to Jess when the time came.
“Shall we?” I asked. “Our car is waiting.”
“Our car?” she asked.
I smirked. “I want us both to feel comfortable if we want a drink or two.”
She kissed my lips again, lingering there. I had to stop the kiss before I took her right there on the kitchen table.
“Thank you,” she said.
I lifted the bouquet of flowers that I had delivered while she was in the shower. “You’re welcome.”
She smiled down at them in her arms. “These are beautiful.”
I kissed her cheek and took her arm in mine, leading her to the front door.
After Gina insisted on gushing over Jess’s dress, we were off. I rented a black sedan for the night to drive us around to where ever Jess wanted.
The driver already stood at the door waiting for us. He greeted us, and we got into the car. The leather seats squeaked under us, and the interior had that new car smell.
“Where are we going?” Jess asked.
“Water’s Edge Trattoria,” I said.
“What?”
“Water—”
“No, I heard you. How did you know about that place?”
“Your mom?” I was confused as to why she was so surprised. Was it not a good place to go? “We can go somewhere else.”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s just—it’s one of the more expensive places in Mona Vale.”
“She said the view was beautiful,” I said.
Jess snorted. “She’s never been there.”
“Well, the name says it all.”
“Okay,” she said, sitting back in her seat. She buckled her seatbelt and faced forward.
“Is that okay?” I asked.
She sighed. “It’s fine. I feel a little underdressed though.”
“You look stunning. And if they require jackets, you can always wear mine.”
She cracked a smile. “I’m sure I’ll be okay. Growing up, it was always the place for wealthy tourists to frequent. It surprised me at first, but I guess we are tourists.”
“And rich,” I said, smiling.
She agreed. “Well, you are.”