Page 89 of Axe-ing for Trouble
He kissed the top of my head, a sweet gesture that only made our circumstances harder to stomach. “I’d date the shit out of you.”
“I’m not even sure I know how normal dating works. I’ve never actually done it.”
“I have. I’d teach you. We’d drink coffee, take Ripley for hikes, watch my niece Merry play soccer, probably swing by my mom’s for Sunday dinners.”
He pulled me closer, kissing along my jaw and earlobe.
“I’d take you out for date nights. Maybe a concert in Portland. A weekend down in Kennebunkport.”
“Tell me about a date night. What would you do?” I closed my eyes so I could envision what that kind of normalcy would look like.
“Depends. There’s a restaurant in Bangor my brothers love. Farm-to-table stuff. I’d dress up and—”
“A suit?”
“No. I own one suit. It’s ten years old, and I wear it to funerals. I’d wear a sport coat with jeans. And my nice leather boots.”
My stomach fluttered at the image I’d conjured. “Okay. I’m into that.”
“And I’d bring you a plant, not flowers.”
“Because flowers die?”
“No. Because I love plants. They’re complex and beautiful. Like you. And every time you tend to it, I’ll be on your mind. You can’t forget about me if you’re constantly watering the ficus I gave you. Helps my chances of scoring another date.”
“Is this a good time to tell you I can’t keep plants alive?”
“You’d keep my plant alive.” He bit down gently on my earlobe.
“Yes. The hypothetical lumbersnack ficus. Okay, go on.”
“I’d impress you by ordering good wine, and then we’d eat. I’d share with you because you’d struggle to pick just one item. Am I right? You’re the type who’s eager to try new things, aren’t you?”
I hid my grin in my pillow. “Guilty.”
“See? I told you I’m a good date. We’d drink the wine and leisurely sample delicious food. Then at dessert time, I’d order one of each, and we’d try them all. You’re a sugar addict. There’s no way you wouldn’t want a little of everything.”
I frowned up at him. “But you don’t like dessert.”
“For you, I’d try them all. That way, we could debate the merits of each one.”
My heart thumped heavily. It was a bit scary how well he knew me already.
“On the way home, we’d take a little detour.”
“Where?”
“A scenic point off 95 between Lovewell and Heartsborough. There’s a small area to park there, and the view of the valley is incredible. We’d sit on my tailgate, wrapped in the blanket I’d thoughtfully packed, and look at the stars. Since I’m not a huge talker, a beautiful night sky will do some of the work for me.”
“I think you’re pretty good at conversation.”
He shrugged. “You’re easy to talk to.” With a sigh, he continued on. “Then I’d take you home and walk you to your front door.”
“Anything else?”
“If the vibe was good, I’d give you a good-night kiss.”
A tingle zipped up my spine. “Peck or full kiss?”
