Page 23 of Gwen's Delta
“First date? Shit. What were you thinking?” Destiny asked Zip. “Maybe we should go.”
“No, it’s really okay. It is great to meet Luke’s friends. And technically, it’s our second date. Our first was over coffee, right?” Gwen asked as she winked at him.
She had surprised him again. He should have known she’d be okay, and she’d met Destiny before at the bookstore. But his over-protectiveness could be an issue if he didn’t dial it back.
Watching her interact with Destiny and Zip gave him more insight into her personality. She was witty and genuine, and her animated chatter and giggles helped soothe his irritation at the interruption. He’d wanted to get to know her better, and he was, just not the way he’d planned. They’d have time for that. Just being around her warmed a cold place in his heart he hadn’t realized was there.
While she and Destiny were chatting about traveling, Zip leaned over and said, “I’m sorry. It seemed like a perfect idea initially. I wanted to meet the woman who had your boxers in a twist. It was so out of character. I wanted to make sure she wouldn’t hurt you.”
“So hijacking my date was the answer?” Merlin shook his head. But he understood—mostly. They were like brothers and looked out for each other. He didn’t date, not really. Just scratched his itch when it got too bad. If he looked at it from Zip’s perspective, it made sense. But he still didn’t like it.
Merlin asked, “How the hell did you know where I’d be?”
“That was easy. This is your favorite place. Where else would you have taken her?”
Damn.Was he really that easy to figure out? They’d been at Ft. Hood for less than a year, and he hadn’t had a lot of time to settle in with all of their missions. But maybe he needed to change up his routine a bit. It was never good to be predictable.
Merlin relaxed. He was still with Gwen, and now she’d met Zip and Destiny. If he didn’t scare her away, they’d have a lot more dates, and eventually, she’d meet the rest of the team.
Destiny knew they were Delta, Gwen didn’t—yet. Eventually, she’d either figure it out, or he’d be able to tell her if their relationship progressed. But did he really want it to? He’d avoided exactly this for so long. Was it fair to subject her to his life?
As they ate, Zip and Destiny shared stories from when they were kids. Their laughter had people at other tables giving them looks, but they didn’t care. It was more fun than Merlin had expected. The stories Destiny told from some of her flights were hysterical.
By the time they’d finished eating and ordered Turkish coffee and shared some kunefe, a sweet Turkish cheese pastry, it had been over two hours.
“I can’t believe I ate so much. But it was delicious.” Gwen gave Merlin a sweet smile. “We definitely need to come here again.”
Did she realize she’d just said they would have another date? He couldn’t have been happier, even if she hadn’t meant to say it. He’d take her anywhere she wanted to go.
“So I picked well?” Merlin asked as he finished his coffee.
“Yes, definitely. It was an excellent choice.”
“I told you, you’d like it,” Destiny said with a smile. “Maybe next time I’m in town, we can get together for lunch or dinner?”
“I’d like that. Or you can come by the bookstore on your way here.”
“That would be great. Let me give you my number,” Destiny said as she reached for her phone.
Merlin paid the bill while the women exchanged numbers. Destiny hugged Gwen as they said goodbye. Then he walked Gwen to her car. Lunch had been a success as far as he could see, but would she want to be alone with him in his home? That was the million-dollar question.
“Lunch was fun. I know it wasn’t what you planned, but it was great meeting Zip and Destiny.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Would you like to stop by my house and see my book collection?” Merlin couldn’t believe how awkward he’d felt, asking her. Or how much he hoped she’d say yes.
As she gazed up at him, he could almost see her going back and forth on her answer.
“Actually, I’d love to see your books. I might even have to borrow one or two if your collection is as good as you say.” Gwen winked as she leaned against the side of her car.
“Excellent answer,” Merlin said. His huge smile was half-triggered by relief that she’d said yes. It was obvious she was more at ease with him now.
“Oh, yeah? We’ll see.”
“Yes, we will. We can take my car, and then, I’ll bring you back later.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll follow you. Why drive back here when you don’t have to?”
Merlin nodded. “It’s not far. When we get to the house, you can pull into the driveway.”
