“See you in a bit,” Stacy says, winking at Michelle.
We watch them walk up a path toward the street and once they’re out of sight, I turn to Michelle.
“And next for today’s entertainment?”
Michelle laughs.
“Let’s decide how we want to spend the next hour before meeting them later.” I wiggle my brows at Michelle, earning another laugh.
“I can think of a few things to pass the time.”
“Just a few, eh?” When she nods and grins, I prod her. “Care to share?”
We reach the sidewalk, and Michelle slips back on her shoes while scanning up and down the street.
“Something I can help you find, because the bar’s that way.” I hook my thumb over my shoulder indicating the direction needed to return to the bar. But more importantly, the apartment located right next to it.
“I know which way the bar is, silly. No, I’m looking for… ah-ha! This way.” She snags my hand and leads me directly west instead of going south toward the bar. After several blocks and half a gallon of sweat later, we arrive at an ice cream shop.
I look up at the storefront then back to her, seeing the delight in her eyes. Laughing, I grab the door handle and open the door, ushering her inside as I follow. As much as I love the sun andheat, the air conditioning is a blessed relief. I scan the interior while we step in line, which isn’t too long.
“What’s your favorite flavor?” Michelle asks from my side as she looks up at the choices on the board.
“Depends on my mood. Sometimes it’s straight up vanilla, other times I like a berry blend.”
She swings her gaze to me. “No chocolate?”
“Eh,” I shrug, looking her way. “I can take it or leave it.”
“Blaspheme!” She teases, causing me to laugh. Turning her body toward mine, she snuggles close, resting her hand on my chest as she peers up at me with those luminous eyes, mischief dancing in them. “So, what are you in the mood for?”
I slide a hand around her waist while brushing back her wavy hair as I answer softly so only she hears. “I was in the mood for a double scoop of Michelle Surprise. It’s a flavor I recently discovered and now I’m completely addicted.”
“Oh really? And what does this addictive flavor taste like?”
“Like heaven, full of sunshine and ripe peaches.”
Michelle throws her head back and laughs, making my heart quicken as the other patrons ahead of us turn their heads in our direction. Not that I care. Let them see how marvelous she is and how crazy I am for her.
When she settles and meets my gaze, she crooks her finger, beckoning me closer. I lean down and she frames my face, giving me a noisy kiss. She pulls away just as we hear the gal behind the counter ask us what we’d like. Michelle spins causing her hair and skirt to flutter before she steps forward, ordering one scoop each of vanilla and peach ice cream in a waffle cone for both of us. While it’s being dished up, Michelle turns her head around to me and winks. I chuckle as I step to her, nestling against her backside. When the cones are ready, I fish out money from my wallet to hand to the clerk before relieving Michelle of a conefor myself. We each take a few licks while eyeing one another, grinning.
I hear a throat clearing behind me, so I turn just as Michelle peeks around me. She smiles and straightens, stepping to my side.
“Oh, hi, Priscilla, Henrik. How are you? Looks like we all have the same idea about cooling off in this heat.” She tips her cone their way before swiping her tongue across the cool treat.
The couple, appearing to be in their mid-60s maybe, remain silent while their stares bounce back and forth between Michelle and me. Priscilla looks like she just licked a lemon with her squinty eyes and pursed lips, while Henrik’s face is unreadable.
Michelle looks up at me with raised brows before turning back to the couple. “Let me introduce Xan–"
“That won’t be necessary,” Priscilla says, her voice already grating with just a few words.
I recognize her demeanor, and it reeks of snobbery as she gives me another look that says volumes about her disapproval.
Michelle tries again. “We were—”
“It’s very clear what you were doing.” Her words are berating and hushed, as if she can’t stand to have someone else overhear. As if they’ll change whatever Michelle and I were doing that has her appalled.
Who the fuck is this woman?
