Page 64 of Falling for You

“Don’t get shy on me now,” I tease.

“Not shy,” she assures me. “Just… not used to hearing that from anyone.”

“Well, get used to it, gorgeous.”

Once we’re both settled in my pickup, I place my hand on the back of her seat, reverse out of her driveway and turn in the direction toward the burger joint.

The floral scent of her perfume drifts through the small cab, surrounding me and making it hard to concentrate on driving.

“How was your day?”

Before answering, I glance in her direction, wanting to stare at her rather than pay attention to where I’m going. “Good. Though, it’s better now.” I add in a wink and she snorts out a laugh.

“That was so cheesy.”

I give her my best wounded expression. “Cheesy? You’re saying the truth is cheesy? I’m hurt.”

Another snort of laughter.

She’s right. It was cheesy. But it’s also not a lie.

“How was yours?”

“Better now.”

“I’ll take it, rather than make fun of you like you did me.” I throw a wink her way. “Hey… you know Penny, who I work with at The Goat?”

“You’ve mentioned her, yeah.”

As much as I’ve hated not physically seeing her over the past few days, it’s been fun to get to know each other over the phone, too. We never had a lull in conversation, both of us eager to learn as much as we can about the other. About our individual lives. I learned that one day she’d like to have a couple kids and never had pets growing up until she adopted her cat Malcom. She’s a stomach sleeper and hates fluffy pillows. Prefers to drink cold drinks with a straw, even if it’s in a can or bottle. Her first boyfriend was more of a friend than boyfriend, but he did kiss her beneath the bleachers at the local high school football game.

“I worked for a few hours this afternoon and she was there. Pretty sure she’s seeing two guys at once.”

“Uh oh.”

“Oh no. They know it. They’re bartenders for The Goat. Today she kissed them both right in front of me.”

She laughs, filling the cab of my pickup with the tinkling sound of her voice. “No way.”

“Yeah. It was something. She’s wild, but in a good way. I have no idea if they’re a… threesome — is that what it’s called if three people are dating? — or just fooling around.”

“Wow.”

“Right? I mean, I’m not judging, I was just surprised.”

“I bet.”

It doesn’t take us long before we’re pulling into the parking lot. Even for a Friday night, it’s not too crowded, which I’m grateful for. I’d much rather not have dinner take too long. That makes me sound like I’m in this only for whatever happens after, but it’s not that. I just don’t like the idea of having to share her with the world yet.

Before I can do it myself, she’s already opening her door and sliding out. I come around and meet her at the door. “I would have opened that for you.”

“How very chivalrous of you. But I can manage.”

“Ruining my game.”

We get seated immediately once inside. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a little crazy with neon green painted walls and red accents and black and white pictures of zombies. The burgers they serve here have some of the most unique ingredients but the milk shakes are impossible to pass up.

“Want to order a couple and share?”

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