Page 54 of Perfect Date
“I would think it’s obvious.”
“Actually, it’s not.”
“Justin. Our last date…”
“Was great. I thought you liked the food and stimulating conversation. And come on, I know you enjoyed the kiss.”
The way he says it, his voice getting softer like he’s sharing a secret, makes me smile shyly.
“That part was nice.”
“That’s the only part that matters. Now come on, we are going to go do something. The weekend is almost over, and I’ve been trying to reach you.”
“I don’t want to go do anything,” I confess shaking my head.
“Why not?”
“Because… because I need to order groceries and prepare for the week. And continue to be fumigated.”
“Fumigated?” And then he laughs slightly, cautious to see my response.
And for the first time in days, my mouth forms a slight grin.
“Yes, I feel like I still must be smelly. The smell never departs. So, yes, fumigating.”
He grabs me, gives a deep sniff right in the crease of my neck, then sets me back down while shaking his head. He has no idea that he’s just made me break out in goosebumps. “Nope, just you, sweetheart. Now, how about we go to the store together?”
I can’t help but smile. And feel a little bit…a smidgen…better. And relieved. “You want to go to the grocery store?”
“Sure, why not?”
“That’s not exactly exciting.”
“Says who? I quite enjoy picking out ripe avocados or a juicy watermelon.”
His smirk and wink that follows his statement makes me giggle. Then the other truth confronts me yet again.
“I don’t think I can go out in public,” I hesitate.
“Why not?” He raises a brow.
“Come on, you know why! This is a stupid, small town, with an active gossip mill, and everyone is going to know what happened at the park.”
“Who cares?” he shrugs.
“I do, obviously!”
“Hey, it’s not your fault. It isn’t like you went in to use it and fell in or something. Kids ran it over. You’re lucky you weren’t seriously hurt. We’re lucky. This isn’t your fault.”
“I guess.” I mean, what he says does sound logical. I need to think on this a minute for it to take hold and alter the way I’ve been feeling.
“I know. Now, as much as this pains me to say, go get dressed, and let’s get going.”
“Hmm. Okay,” I smile and head to my room to do just that.
I keep it simple, throwing my hair back in a ponytail, yoga pants, a t-shirt and tennis shoes. I’m blessed with good skin, so I keep the makeup minimal - besides he’s seen me look much, much worse and he’s still here, so…
Once I reappear Justin smiles widely at me, “Ready already?”
