Page 19 of The Frock Up
Oh, Millie. What have you gotten yourself into?
Chapter Nine
Ash
Millie let out a moan, her eyes drifting shut. "Oh God," she muttered her expression pure bliss. "This is incredible."
And now I'm jealous of a beef patty.
I swallowed my own bite of burger, shoving away the jealousy.
"Pier Pressure does the best burgers this side of the lake."
Millie nodded, wiping at her lips with a napkin. "I believe it."
We'd hiked around one of the tracks, taking in the breathtaking views as I learned everything I could about this intriguing woman.
Millie was an only child of only children but desperately wanted a big family—and was completely enamored with the idea of mine. She loved her friends, hated pumpkin, normally tried to go hiking once a month but loved swimming more than walking so tended to go to the beach during the warmer months. She smelled like oranges, and her laugh made me hard every single time.
She sighed, leaning back against the picnic table as we ate our meal, her gaze glued to the lake.
"What are you thinking?" I asked, selfishly wanting to know all her thoughts.
"Just that this has been a perfect date." She flushed, her head ducking. "That is—I mean—"
I reached out, capturing one of her hands and giving it a squeeze. "I have to agree."
She peeked up at me through her fringe, her expression hopeful. "Really?"
I nodded. "One hundred percent this is the best date I've ever been on."
Her smile was instantaneous and stunning. "Thank you, Ash. That means a lot."
As we finished off our burger's the humidity began to roll in.
"There'll be a storm tonight, I think."
Millie nodded; wisps of hair that had escaped her ponytail bobbed in agreement.
I stood, collecting our rubbish. "Shall we swim?"
"I didn't bring a swimsuit."
I grinned. "Neither did I. But I know a place. We could skinny dip—"
She blushed, her face reddening at my teasing.
"—or just wear our underwear."
For a moment she hesitated, her face scarlet.
"This place, is it private?"
I nodded, separating the rubbish into organics and recyclables ready for disposal. "It's only a few minutes away."
"Alright."
We waved to the grumpy restaurant owner as we passed, exchanging an amused grin when he ignored us.
