Page 20 of The Summer Dare
Oh, that little brat. The heated look in her eyes as they trace my lips, then back to mine. She knows good and well, what I mean.
Clearing my throat, I lean forward with my arms on the table. “If I wasn’t clear last night, I’ll rectify that now.” I pause and wait for her full attention. “I like you, Lanie. I want to see more of you. I love hanging out with you, but I want to take you on aproperdate—you know one where webothget waited on. One where you relax and are spoiled as well.”
Shrugging, she grabs a steak fry and plops it in her mouth. “This is still a date. It doesn’t matter who brings out the food.”
Shaking my head, I mutter, “Not the point.”
She raises a brow in challenge. “Doyouconsider this a date?”
“Any time I spend with you is considered a date,” I admit. “The point I clearly didn’t make, is that I want you to know I’m not being lazy and actually put effort into planning our time together.”
Rolling her eyes, she chomps on another fry. “Okay… but for the record, I don’t need grandiose plans or anything fancy. In fact, I prefer low-key dates with quality time to extravagant outings.”
“Same. But that doesn’t mean I won’t take you places where you can be spoiled, too. Heck, if you’re lucky, I may even cook for you.”
“Oh, now that’s something I can’t wait to see.”
Grabbing a fry of my own, I tease, “Be careful what you wish for.”
I’m a decent cook. In fact, I think I’m pretty good. I have to be if I want anything other than takeout or microwaved meals. But I don’t want her expectations higher than I can meet.
As we finish our burger and fries, she tellsme about her day, and I fill her in on the progress of her home. I truly don’t think I’ve enjoyed spending time with anyone like this in forever. She makes me laugh and I feel so at ease with her.
When another waitress stops in to check on us, I order two pieces of pie to go. As soon as she leaves, Lanie asks, “Do you have a secret pie addiction or something?”
“Nope. I just know what I like, so why settle for less? Besides, last night I shared it with this amazing girl on our first date. It brought me luck and I’m not about to change things up.”
This earns me another laugh. “Hmmm…. So many things can be taken from that statement.”
Replaying my words in my head I realize there are so many truths. Unapologetically, I smirk with a challenge, “Take it as you wish.”
This guy…from the moment he arrived at Pop’s, he’s kept me on my toes. Sometimes he’s a bit cocky, other times completely humble. One thing is certain, I’m really starting to like him. He makes me feel like I’m the only one in the room and when he smiles… I feel it deep in my core.
Right now, at this very moment, he’s waiting patiently for me to take a quick shower and change. I had someone spill their drink on me early in my shift and I’ve felt sticky all day. We’ve decided to come back to my place to watch a movie. But now as I stare at myself in the mirror, I’m left with a major dilemma… look cute or get comfy?
I’ve already taken off what little makeup I wear, and I won’t be refreshing it—especially if it means I keep him waiting longer. But do I put on leggings? Or stick with shorts and a t-shirt?
He did say this was a date, so maybe I should put some effort into things.
Okay… shorts it is.
Quickly, I slide them up my legs and throw on a t-shirt. My hair’s still wet, but that will just have to do. It’s not like we’re going anywhere. I take the few necessary minutes to run a brush through my hair, then rush downstairs.
When I approach, I’m happy to see he’s made himself at home. He took his shoes off at the door, so his large feet are propped up on the ottoman and his head is resting against the back of the couch. He’s got the TV on and he’s completely immersed in the recap of a baseball game from earlier this evening.
The moment he spots me, he mutes the television and sits forward. “Feel better?”
“Much.” I sigh in relief. “Are you hungry? Do you want any snacks for the movie?”
Patting the seat beside him, he says, “I’m stuffed. Here, come put your feet up. You’ve had a long day and I’m sure you could use the rest.”
“I’m gonna grab myself some iced tea, want some? I have that, wine, or water. I need to make a trip to Costco before my sisters come to stock up on things.”
Standing to join me in the kitchen he asks, “When do they get here?”
“The twins will be here this weekend. Then next Thursday we leave for Lizzy’s graduation in Tacoma. That reminds me—that Sunday. We should be able to host a partyhere, right? Dad wants me to make sure we’ll have access to the deck for the grad party.”
Nodding in understanding, Ryan smiles. “I can make that happen. I’m not sure where we’ll be with the siding or the roof, but now that we’ve been warned, we’ll do our best to make it functional for you.”
