Page 40 of Unexpected Adventures

“Good, because I don’t play cards.”

“Good to know.” We continue to stare at one another for a moment when he leans down for another kiss. It’s sweet and simple, yet very stirring.

Shaun breaks away, saying we’d better get going.

“Okay,” I sigh. “Thank you again.”

“You’re very welcome, again.” He gathers the blanket and leads me to the passenger side, opening the door for me. Once we’re both settled, we head back down toward Mountain View.

Only question is, am I’m headed back to Sherri’s with Shaun, or do I play it safe and have him drop me off at Denise’s? No sooner did I think that when my phone chimes with a text from my sis. I open it up and read that she’s staying at Jim’s, winking smiley emoji added, and that she’ll see me in the morning.

I only respond with ‘K’ … keeping it short and sweet.

“Everything okay?” Shaun asks.

“Sure. That was just Denise telling me her plans for the night.”

“Is she expecting you back at her place?”

“Um, not really…” I hesitate, not sure if I want to say more.

“Uh, oh. Decision time, ladies and gentlemen,” Shaun teases.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re putting too much pressure on yourself, wondering where the night’s going to lead.”

“Can you blame me? You’ve made it clear you’d like it to go further, and––”

“And you’re not sure if you’re ready? Abby, there’s no pressure. I can drop you off at your sister’s or I can take you back to get your car. Although it’ll be really late, and I’d hate for you to drive down from Sherri’s, seeing as you’re not familiar with the roads.”

“Mr. Chivalrous.”

He chuckles. “Yep, that’s me.”

“Thank you, Shaun.”

“For what?”

“For being a great guy.”

“Is that what I am?”

“Yes, I think so. Aren’t you?”

“If you think so, then I am.”

We continue along, winding down the mountain road, telling each other little things about our lives, our jobs, family and friends. I learn his parents are happily retired and travelling the world.

“Wait, did you say Drake has a motorcycle with a side car?”

Drake, I was informed, is a co-worker of Shaun’s who’s a motorcycle enthusiast, and happens to have a hog with a side car.

“Yes, for times when his wife just feels like kicking back and being his passenger.”

I’m silent, thoughtful. More conversation with Sylvia filters through my mind including her exclamation about skydiving. A rush of excitement like no other, she told me.

I realize Shaun is asking me a question.

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