Page 50 of Embers in the Dark

“Um, I think you’re going to the wrong floor,” I mention.

“Nope, we’re going the right way, Firefly,” he says, winking at me.

“Okay...” I give him a quizzical expression.

The doors open and he pulls me to a hallway that looks much like the floor we live on. There’s a door at the end and once we reach it, he pulls it open.

I realize I haven’t explored this building very much since I moved in. The top floor is a rooftop garden, and it is beautifully maintained. Being summer, the sun hasn’t set yet and Tucker must have come up here before I came home from my classes. He has laid down a blanket and brought food up here already. There’s even a cooler with drinks.

“Tucker, this is amazing.” I walk ahead of him, taking in the space.

“I know you aren’t one for all the glitz and glamour of the fancy restaurants, but I thought you’d enjoy something like this.” He reaches his arms around my middle, resting his chin on top of my head.

I lift my head to capture his lips with mine. I immediately deepen the kiss, finding it hard to stop once I start when it comes to Tucker’s lips anywhere near me. He pulls away, looking into my eyes.

“Baylee, I promised myself we would at least have one decent date together. Come on, let me do this for you. Please.” He gives me a peck on the lips.

“Fine. But then I’m going to have my way with you.” I pout.

“So bossy.” He smacks my ass and moves us toward the blanket.

We take a seat, and he grabs some drinks.

“I didn’t know what you’d want, so I have a few options. There’s water, wine, beer, sparkling water, soda.” He’s looking at the contents of the cooler.

“You really thought of everything.” I laugh.

“Well, I wanted to make sure you had options.” He looks over at me.

“I appreciate that. I think a sparkling water works for now, thanks.”

He hands me the can and grabs one for himself. “I kept dinner options simple too. I picked up sandwiches. I hope that’s okay. I wanted something I could put up here earlier today in the cooler, so the set-up was easy while you were in class.” He looks a bit nervous with this confession.

“Of course it’s okay,” I tell him.

“I got turkey for you.” He grabs one for me.

“Did you?—”

“Yes, I made sure they held the mayo and I confirmed there are tomato and provolone cheese instead of cheddar.” He winks in my direction.

“Thanks.” I smile at him.

“I know what you like,” he tells me.

“I appreciate it.” I forget Tucker knows so much about me that I don’t have to explain these little pieces of myself to him. It’s just known to him, much like I’m aware of his preferences like the back of my hand.

We eat in comfortable silence for a little while together, taking in the evening sky. As the sun starts to set, I look over at him and I can’t help but comment how perfect tonight has been.

“This is really nice, Tucker. Thanks for doing all this.” I wave at the picnic area he set up. “I’m surprised how romantic this is.”

“Well, it’s not like I haven’t taken a girl on a date before, Baylee.” He scoffs.

“I know, but still... it’s me. I never saw myself being on a date with you.”

“Is it weird for you? Being on a date with me?” he asks. It seems like, for the first time, a little bit of vulnerability is creeping in.

“No. I’ve dreamed of me being the girl on a date with you for as long as I knew what a date was.” I crumple my paper from my sandwich and place it beside me. “But don’t forget, I’ve always watched from the sidelines. I never thought you’d take me on a date.”

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