Shit, I should’ve told her to wear flats. I would feel like shit if she hurt herself. I tug her to me and lift her in my arms.
I set her on the tailgate. Then I bend to take off her shoes, unfastening the straps around her ankles. Placing the shoes aside, I then reach to take her blindfold off.
I hold my breath as I watch her take her surroundings in. She turns to look behind her and then looks back at me. Her eyes fill with tears, causing me to start to freak out.
“Bentley, this is so beautiful,” she chokes out.
“You like it?”
“Duh, is this a movie projector? How do we get inside? Something smells delicious.”
I lift her up and walk to the side of the truck, where I help her to climb in. Once she’s settled, I kick off my shoes and climb in behind her. I can’t help staring at her as she looks at me with sparkling eyes as she nibbles on a fry from one of the trays.
“Are you comfortable?” I ask, fussing with the pillows.
“Yeah. Seriously, Bent. This is amazing.”
I lean in and capture her lips, then pull away to place the tray across her lap. As she starts to tear into her favorite lemon pepper wings and fries, I get the movie started on the projector. For her, I’m willing to sit through16 Candlesfor the millionth time.
“Awww, this is so sweet. I love it,” she coos as the movie starts to play.
“We have snacks when you’re ready. Popcorn and fruit snacks. I also have a few of your other favorites.”
“Thank you, Bentley. This is the best date I could have asked for.”
My chest swells. I actually got it right. With the realization, I finally breathe easy. I’m able to tuck into my own food on my tray.
In no time, I’ve scoffed down my burger and fries. Zah is totally focused on the movie, and her food is gone as well. I dig into my backpack and pull out two bags of popcorn, handing her one.
“Thanks,” she says softly.
The date continues to go smoothly as we watch the movie and enjoy each other’s company. At some point, we end up holding hands. Zah has snuggled closer to me and is tucked into my side. We’re on our second movie and the stars have come out.
“Shit,” I mutter when I realize I didn’t roll out the tent, and the sky is beginning to look like it might rain.
“What happened?” she asks.
“I think it’s going to rain.”
“Oh no. I don’t want this to end.”
“It doesn’t have to. Corey added a tent. I just forgot to roll it out. It will cover us up and keep us safe. We can still stargaze through its viewing panel too.”
“That sounds perfect. Is it too late to roll it out? I can help.”
I kiss her lips. “I’ve got it. I’ll collect our trash and set it up.”
CHAPTER 11
Old and Gray
Zahirah
“Hurry, hurry,”I squeal as the sky opens up just as Bentley gets the tent in place.
He’s getting soaked out there. I feel so bad. We should have packed up and gone home. Bent climbs back into the truck bed quickly.
“That came out of nowhere,” he laughs and pushes his wet hair from his face.
