Page 33 of Wonderland Asylum
Taking a deep breath, I smile, not allowing my fear to show. Clearly, I'm allowing my imagination to run wild. There is no need to panic until he actually gives me a reason to. "Leo, can we go eat now? I'm starving."
Like Hyde turns quickly back to Jekyll, Leo's personality veers back to the charming guy from California. "Yes, I can't have you hungry."
I try to conceal the relief in my voice, but there's no pulling that off. "Do you have any clue how we get there?"
He nods. "I think so, come on."
In hopes that small talk will return the easy comfort I felt in his presence, I ask him a question. "How many dates have you gone on through Twisted?"
He grunts. "I've been ghosted twice by the same girl, so you're the first. It's good to know not everybody is AI."
"With your stunning looks, I would have figured you'd be a spokesperson for the app bynow." I tease.
Throwing back his head he laughs. "It feels so good to be seen. How many dates have you lined up?"
I chuckle. "You're the first, and two more coming."
Reaching for my hand, he laces our fingers together. It's not like holding hands with Kai, but it's a close second. "Well, you never forget your first."
"That’s what they say. In honor of twenty questions first date edition, do you come from a big family?"
He nods. "Yeah, I'm number six of seven. How about you?"
"Damn. Six of seven? That would be a dream for me. My bio dad has two kids but I'm the black sheep so I don't really know them well. Until my stepbrothers showed up, it was only me."
We walk past the last dune, and he stops us in front of the steps to the restaurant. "What is something you can't live without?"
The Donovan's."You promise not to judge me?"
"Never." He admits.
"I guess there's no time like the present to admit that I'm a computer nerd. I need my computer to survive."
"Okay, I'm totally judging you." He laughs.
"No take backs!" I slap his arm.
Biting his lip, he smiles. "You ready?"
His smile is infectious. "I didn't even think to ask you if you liked seafood. Is this restaurant okay?"
"You have nothing to worry about, it's perfect. I’m from the coast."
This place has been a favorite of mine since moving to the island. While it's not a five star establishment it's not a hole in the wall either. The only light in the dining room is what's given off by the candlelight at each table.
Those same tabletops are lined with black tablecloths, andVictorian black candelabras that give off gothic vibes within the already romantic setting.
At Leo's request our hostess shows us to a booth by a big window in the back. Not only is he good looking he's got good taste. Like spiders crawling up my arms, goosebumps rise on my flesh. There's movement in my peripheral vision, but as soon as I turn my head to investigate whatever has caused it, it has vanished.
My imagination is fucked tonight. So, I try to turn it down a notch or two and just enjoy the evening. Leo's a perfect gentleman, he holds my hand and truly listens when I talk. Our meal is filled with laughter and amazing food, and when Leo pays our check I'm disappointed that this night is about to end.
"Let me walk you to your car. I'd love to do this again." He whispers in my ear.
"I'd love that." Taking his hand in mine, I let him lead us toward the parking lot.
FIFTEEN
Trouble
