Page 59 of Hearty

The emotions of the past few weeks cloud my mind until all I can see is August beneath me, connected to me, staying right here in this moment with me. The frenzy comes to a head, my hips pistoning as she meets me for every down stroke.

We come together on mangled cries; the ecstasy wrapping around both of us as we give every feeling back as good as we get.

I’m not sure how I’ll let her go. But if that’s the choice she makes, then I’ll have to support it. All she has to do is ask.

28

EVAN

Begging off of Sunday night family dinner is something I’d usually be crucified for, but it’s safe to say that everyone was more than happy to have me skip it tonight.

When I went to Warren to ask for his permission to date August, he slapped me on the back and told me he’d kill me if I hurt her. I didn’t need his blessing, but it felt like the right thing to do, and now I have no remaining qualms about taking her out.

My family is just as much hers as they are mine, a fact I used to be jealous of but now feel like an idiot for taking for granted. The fact that my family loves her so much only adds to our strong connection, and why I want to be with her. It’s rare for someone to get along so well with your family, and I am lucky that August cherishes mine.

The whole crew, knowing that I’m taking August on a date, only led to warnings, wolf whistles, and ideas thrown at me that I don’t need because I already knew where to take her.

To take her mind off the craziness of the week and the big decisions she still has to make, I decided to bring her to a place with delicious food and incredible views. After all, what’s the best way to convince her to stay after all the debt is gone? Well, knock her off her feet so she can’t leave, that’s how.

The Oleander is a hotel on the river set back off the winding road through a thick forest of trees. You can barely make out the large five-story brick building when you’re driving here, but once you get onto the property of the restored historic mansion, it’s like you’re transported back in time. From its traditional English gardens to the antique bikes you can rent to ride down their private part of the canal, the experience of staying here is one of a kind, so I’m told.

I’ve only ever eaten here, but that’s an experience within itself. Their restaurant is known for its gastropub fare, and it’s uncomplicated but to die for. Local beers, an in-house piano player, and the best view on the Delaware … yeah, I knew it was where I wanted to take August.

When she walked down the stairs—the perk of being roommates is we could leave together—I nearly had the wind knocked out of me. Her burnt orange sundress and strappy sandals made my mouth water. Plus, the way all of those blond waves were floating around her shoulders made me want to tangle my hands up in them.

As we rode the elevator up to the roof of The Oleander, August was buzzing with excitement about having dinner at a place she only ever dreamed about. Me? I’d been buzzing with excitement about going on a date with a woman I never thought would give us a real shot.

Now, here we sit on the edge of the room, the nighttime view of the river below us.

The roof of The Oleander is encased in glass, along with the walls. We’re essentially in a see-through room, seated at the top of the beautiful red-brick hotel on the rushing river. In the dark, you can make out the ripples of the water but little else, with nothing but the moon to aid your eyes.

The best view is right across from me, though.

“This is the best Prosecco I’ve ever had.” She grins, taking a sip.

I join her, letting the bubbles chase away my nerves. “It is pretty good. It’ll pair nicely with the oysters.”

“Can’t believe you made us order them.” She makes a face like the delicacy is gross.

“I promise, by the time I dress it up for you, you’ll love it. Put a little hot sauce and a little horseradish, and voilà.” I kiss my fingers.

August raises one eyebrow. “I’m choosing to trust you, but if it’s slimy and disgusting, I’ll never forgive you.”

My hand goes to my heart. “You wound me. But having you trust me when it comes to food is definitely a turn on.”

She rolls her eyes. “Everything turns you on.”

“Only when it comes to you.” Ain’t that the truth.

A blush creeps onto her cheeks, and she clears her throat. “How is your dad doing? I haven’t been over there in the last few days.”

I smirk. “I take you on our first date and you want to talk about my dad?”

August studies me. “Well, I was using it as a segue to ask you how you’re doing about the whole thing, but you always make me show my cards way too soon. There is no subtlety with you, Evan Ashton.”

My heart warms that she wants to know how his recovery has been affecting me. Being from a large family, I often get lost in the mix. August is one of the first people who focuses solely on me.

“I kind of like it that way. Kind of how I like your honesty. But I’m doing okay. You know, it freaked me the fuck out. I’ve always thought of my dad as this impenetrable force, so to see him like that? It shook me. Even now, I’m afraid something else will happen to him. He seems okay, on the mend, but it … makes me question what I’m doing in my own life. We don’t have all the time in the world, and Dad told me in the hospital that I shouldn’t waste a second of it doing anything I don’t want to be doing. He said I should spend it with the people who matter most.”

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