Page 13 of Declan
Elise cleared her throat. “So, who is watching Jenny tonight?”
“A neighbor’s teenage daughter.”
“Does Jenny like her?” Elise picked up her glass of wine and took a sip.
“Jenny likes everyone,” he said with a shrug. “Hey, want to go to a movie after dinner?”
“Uh, sure—”
“Or we could go to Dewey’s.”
“What’s Dewey’s?”
“Some call it a cowboy bar.” He shrugged.
“Cowboy bar? Seriously? You’re not a cowboy,” she said, teasing him.
“It’s just a bar, Elise,” he snapped. “Forget it. We’ll go to a movie.”
She nodded, but didn’t say anything, but continued to eat her shrimp, though her appetite was about gone now. She jerked when he touched her hand, and she looked at him.
“I’m sorry. I’ve had a rough day. I had planned to do nothing today but ended up showing four houses and I’m just beat. I sincerely apologize for snapping at you. That was not my intention.”
Elise smiled and gave him the benefit of the doubt. “It’s okay. We’ll see a movie.”
When he grinned, she wanted to believe he was truly sorry and would see how the night went.
After the movie, he stopped his car at the metal stairs and looked at her. “I’ll walk you up.” Then he opened the door, climbed out and stood beside the car, waiting for her to get out.
“What the hell?” she muttered. “No manners, whatsoever.”
“What?” he asked.
“Just muttering about how my feet hurt, so I’m more than ready to get inside and relax.”
“Well, maybe you shouldn’t wear shoes like that.” He nodded for her to go up the stairs and he stayed right behind her.
At the door, she unlocked it, then turned to look at him. “Dinner was wonderful.”
“You didn’t care for the movie though, did you?” he asked with a grin.
Elise couldn’t help but laugh. “Gory movies are not my thing. I like scary ones, but not bloody.”
“Maybe next time, then. And I would like there to be a next time, Elise. I know tonight could have been better and I promise the next one will be if you’ll give me another chance.”
She stared into his eyes, and they looked a little glassy, but she smiled and nodded.
“Sure, we can try again. Goodnight.” She turned to open the door.
“No goodnight kiss?”
“Not this time. Let’s see how the next date goes. Be careful going home, Stephen.”
“What the hell does that mean?”
Elise frowned. “I was just being nice. What is wrong with you?”
He blew out a sigh. “Nothing. Like I said, I’m tired. Goodnight.” He turned and ran down the stairs.
