Page 30 of Once Upon A Player
Katie groans. “You don’t do that. You just let me know where you’ll be one night, and I’ll casually turn up to check him out for you.”
“Yes, but we don’tgoout like that.” A terrible thought slams into me. “You’re not thinking of crashing the picnic, are you?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll leave and your pork pies in peace. I’m working Wednesday, anyway.”
I let out a relieved breath.Watch out, fling. Here I come.
Chapter Ten
Violet
I clearly didn’t think this through.
I heave the massive wicker picnic hamper that Mum’s had for about ten years out of the car, and by the time I arrive at the park, I’m already limp with the heat. Not quite the impression I’d been planning. I didn’t want it to rain today, but it’s so humid, and I wipe my hair back from my damp face as I make my way across the expanse of grass, in the general direction of the duck pond.
Even though it’s almost midday, the park isn’t too crowded, mainly because the kids haven’t broken up from school yet. I collapse in the shade of an ancient tree and text Lucas directions.
I’m near the humpback bridge
He replies within about five seconds.
Be right there!
Before I unload the hamper, I check my reflection in my makeup mirror. My cheeks are flushed, and not in a good way, and patting them with tissues doesn’t exactly help. It’s hardly the sexy look I want to present when all I can think about is taking things with Lucas to the next level.
I’m not even sure how to ask him. With Geoff it was different. He kept the pressure up right from the first time we dated, although it was a few months until things just kind of escalated one night.
Too late to worry about it now. I can always practice my rusty seduction technique on him another time, when I’m not wilting.
At least my mascara hasn’t melted and given me the raccoon look.
…
Lucas
Violet’s sitting on a blanket in the shade of an oak, with a big floppy hat on her head and cut off shorts showing off her gorgeous legs. It’s only been a few days since we last saw each other, but it’s crazy how much I’ve missed her. Even the partying at Hydra couldn’t shift her from my mind.
I’m almost by her side before she swings around and sees me.
“Oh, hi.” Her voice is breathless—or is that my imagination? I can’t see her eyes as she’s wearing huge shades, but her cheeks are pink and lips glossy.Get your mind out of the gutter, Carter.“I thought you’d be coming from the other end of the park.”
“I didn’t bring the car. I walked.” Parking is a nightmare round here, and it’s only a twenty-minute stroll from home.
She curls her legs under her, and I catch sight of the monster-size picnic basket next to her. “You should’ve got me to meet you at your car. I would’ve carried that.”
“This is my treat, remember? Anyway, it’s not as heavy as it looks.” She smooths a few nonexistent wrinkles on the blanket with her hand. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“You bet.” I sit next to her, although not as close as I’d like. “I brought something to drink.” I place the bag with a bottle of pink sparkling wine and a couple of outdoor glasses between us.
She peeks into the bag. “You didn’t have to do that, but thanks. I made fruit slushies, but this looks better.”
“I like the sound of the fruit slushies.”
She smiles at me before kneeling and opening the basket. “I wasn’t sure if you’d think this was a dumb idea.”
I take the plates and napkins from her and place them on the blanket. “This is great. I’ve not been on a picnic in years.”
“Me, neither. I thought it’d be a bit different. Something to remember.”
