“You’ve been incredible about all of this, you know? Not once have you gotten upset or frustrated,” I say softly.
His head spins my way, and his gorgeous eyes are wide with surprise. “Why wouldn’t I be? I get to have you, Charlie. You’re not asking for anything out of the way or anything that I’m not okay with.”
For the first time since we started seeing each other, I lean across the console and press my lips to his cheek, lingering there for a few heartbeats before pulling away.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
As Keaton drives, I watch the world blur past, his thumb tracing lazy circles over my hand. It’s a touch I’m starting to crave. After so long without contact, I expected silence to feel awkward, but instead it’s peaceful. Sometimes, silence lets us communicate what words can’t. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Keaton pulls up to one of Granite Bay's older parks. It’s always been one of my favorite places to go in the city.
I turn to him with a smile. “You brought me to the park?”
He winks at me, grabbing an enormous basket from the back seat. “I have.”
While I wait for him to come around, I can’t help but wiggle in my seat, excitement buzzing through me. Keaton opens my doorand offers his hand, pulling me out so fast I stumble straight into his chest. I gasp, feeling the solid warmth of him, and when I look up, his eyes are smoldering.
Oh, man. Oh, crap. Will he kiss me? Do I want him to? Yes. No. Crap. I don’t know.
Bad idea.
Maybe not.
I lean in, the heat of his breath ghosting across my skin.
Then, Keaton closes his eyes, tightens his fingers at my hip, and moves his mouth to drop a quick kiss to my forehead.
I exhale a shaky breath and let him lead me, curiosity tugging me along to whatever he has planned.
As tempting as a kiss sounded, I’m grateful he pulled away. My heart isn’t ready yet, no matter what my body craves.
He stops beside the pond, sets the basket down, and lets go of my hand. He kneels, opens the basket, pulls out a blanket, and shakes it out before spreading it on the grass. One by one, he arranges our picnic across the soft fabric.
A picnic at the park.
Be still, my fucking heart.
It’s absolutely perfect.
“Keaton,” I breathe, watching him lay out all my favorites.
Chocolate-covered strawberries. Little finger sub sandwiches. Freaking chicken strips with buffalo dipping sauce. Wine.
He remembered every single thing.
He shrugs and gives me a sheepish smile. “I figured you’d want something simple, but would want it meaningful. Since this is one of your favorite places, I thought I would pair it with your favorite foods. I have a few other things planned while we’re here, but I wanted to feed you first.”
He helps me sit down, then turns on some music at a low volume from his phone. He makes me a plate and passes it to me, along with a glass of wine.
“How are your mom and dad?” he asks before taking a bite of his sandwich.
I finish my chicken tender and take a sip of wine before answering. “They’re great. Still working and being their usual smoochie selves. How are yours?”
“They’re really great. They miss you,” he admits softly.
I sigh, set my plate aside, and lean back on my hands. “I miss them too. Mom and Dad don’t talk about you much, but I know they miss you.” I bite my cheek, then offer, “Why don’t you go see them? I think they’d like that.”
His eyes widen and water a little. “Really? Are you sure? I’d love to see them too.”
