The fact he wasn’t fussy went a long way.
Not like his parents who only drank fizzy water, drank espressos, and wouldn’t be seen wearing a backpack or riding a bike unless it was on the beaches of some exotic island.
Even then, they might both want someone else pedaling while they rode in a carriage in the back.
“This is light for me.”
He laughed. “Okay then. I’m not sure I remembered that about you.”
He pulled off the ferry and followed the navigation system to the public parking, paid for a day pass, and they got out.
“I’ve got a change of clothes in the other bag,” she said.
Now things were getting interesting though he was positive the change of clothing wasn’t for tomorrow morning. “Because you plan on falling into a puddle?”
“No,” she said sarcastically and his grin widened. “But it might rain, or we could get dirty. The last thing I want to do is have wet feet after hiking, so I’ve got socks and another pair of shoes.”
He squinted one eye, pursed his nose and lips.
That was a high probability he hadn’t thought of.
“I’m sure we’ll both stay dry today,” he said. “I checked the weather forecast. Does that count for planning?”
“It does,” she said.
“Do you want to rent bikes first?” he asked. “I think we might ride by where the hiking trails are and then we’ll see if it’s wet or not.”
“We can do whatever you want,” she said. “This is your date.”
Hmm. Not what he wanted her to say.
“How about it’s our date?”
“Well, that too,” she said. “Can I ask why you wanted to go on a date with me?”
“Because I wanted to ask you years ago.”
“You never did. Why?”
“Because you would have said no,” he said. “No man wants to be shot down. My ego was fragile back then.”
She laughed, her hair lifting in the light breeze, brown eyes sparkling. Her mouth opened wide with the sound, even her tongue peeking out slightly, carefree and completely unguarded.
She was letting go quicker than he thought she would.
“And it’s not so frail now?”
“Nah,” he said. “But I also knew you’d say yes this time.”
“You’re not cocky in the least,” she said.
“I’m very cocky.”
“That was a joke.”
“I know. Just wanted to state a fact. I knew you’d appreciate it.”
“I appreciate honesty.”
