Page 70 of Bullet
“I thought we would have an evening boat ride with a picnic. If that’s okay with you.”
“I see how you are. You didn’t want anyone to see you with me,” I tease.
He turns, pulling me into his chest. “I will load your ass right back onto that bike and drive you right into the middle of the Strip, proclaiming to everyone who will hear who you belong to, if that is what would make you happy, but I know you, Angel. You don’t like crowds or the flashy lights. You like quiet. Intimate. So I’m giving you what your soul needs to be happy.”
I’m left speechless because he is right. I wouldn’t mind going on a date in Vegas, but I prefer the slower life in Nye County.It’s why I try to avoid Vegas as much as I can. Too many people, lights, and noise.
I like the quiet.
I lean in and press my lips to his instead of responding. I don’t need to say anything because Bullet knows me. He knows me better than I even know myself, it seems.
That feels good. To know that he will always be there pushing me to be better, but also giving me what I need along the way.
He’s perfect for me. It’s as if he were made for me.
Pulling away, I turn and look at the boats. “So which one is ours, captain?”
He smiles. “Let me show you.”
I follow him like I would follow him into the gates of hell if he asked me to, because there is one thing I’m certain of.
I am in love with him.
She looks beautiful, even in her simple T-shirt that reads “I’m not a bitch, you’re just a crybaby.” The jeans she is wearing should be illegal. The way they cling to her curves has had my mind roaming ever since I picked her up. I couldn’t help but touch her the entire ride here.
It’s like I finally gave myself permission to want her. To touch her. Now the dam has broken free, and I can’t stop myself.
She doesn’t seem to mind as she holds onto my arm as we head down to the docks. I lead her past a few luxurious boats down to my simple one. It’s nothing special, but it will do what we need tonight.
“Wow. It’s pretty,” she mumbles as I help her on board.
It’s a blue and white cabin cruiser that is meant for intimate settings like this or small day trips on the lake. I do make sure it is well taken care of, though. Even if I don’t get to take it out as much as I would want.
“I’m glad you like it. It will be our vessel for the night. I figured you can help me drive it out to the location I have picked out then we can feast under the stars. What do you say?” I ask her, pulling her into me.
She looks up to me with nothing but joy in her eyes. It looks good on her. It’s been a long time since I have seen her look so happy. It fills my chest with pride to know that I am the one who put that look on her face.
“I would love nothing more than to be stuck on a boat with you tonight…Jacob.” She whispers my name after a brief pause, making my heart hammer in my chest.
I like hearing my name on her lips. I hope to hear it a lot more in the coming future.
I lead her to the helm of the ship and give her brief instructions on what I need her to do. Then I untie us from the dock before making my way back to her. With her between my arms, I show her how to maneuver out of the marina and onto the open water of the lake.
I planned it perfectly. The sun is just now setting. Many boaters are coming in for the night. The water is calm and peaceful. It is as if someone up in Heaven is looking down on us and helping us have the perfect first date.
Thank you, Eleanor.
It doesn’t take us long to get to the spot I have picked out. Only about ten minutes or so, but when we get there, you can see the mountains and the sun setting, but no sign of another boat in sight, nor of the city I know we would find if we traveled closer to the Hoover Dam.
I quickly anchor us before I grab the cushions I brought and lay them on the floor. I toss a blanket over top of them before I grab a second blanket to use for us. Then I grab the picnic food and set it out beside the makeshift bed on the deck.
Harlee stares at me in wonder when I’m finished.
“You did all of this for me?”
I smile, pulling her into me. “Angel, this is the bare minimum. I would do so much more for you, but I figured tattooing your name on my body would be a bit much for a first date.”
She laughs, but I mean it. I plan to have her name on my body one day.
