Ryder calls out, “Hey, Frank! We’re heading out. Thanks for today.”
Frank appears from a back room connected to the arcade. “Glad you came by. Don’t be a stranger. That includes you too, Elizabeth. It was nice meeting you.”
“You have a great place. I had a lot of fun.” Frank smiles at me and slaps Ryder on the back. I wave bye to Frank, and Ryder pushes the door open for me so we can leave.
We spend the rest of our afternoon at the diner talking over greasy burgers and unlimited refills of soda. We talk about nothing and everything, but I enjoy every minute of Ryder’s company. Once the sun sets and dusk arrives, Ryder drives me back to campus so he can get his car.
“That was such a great idea. Thank you for today. I had fun,” I tell him, leaning back against the passenger side of my car which is parked beside his.
“Me, too. I’ve missed hanging out with you. It was almost like old times. Do you want me to follow you home?” This guy. So freaking nice.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve got it.”
“Okay.”
“Okay.”
Neither one of us makes a move to leave.
“Ryder?”
“Yeah?”
“Can we do that again?”
“Of course,” he says easily. He unlocks his car door and turns back around to face me. “Text me when you get home.”
“I can do that.”
We look at one another, my green eyes melting into his brown ones. I can’t take the charged tension between us much longer because I’ll wind up doing something stupid like trying to climb him like a jungle gym.
“Okay. Goodnight, then,” I tell him, and pop up quickly to place a kiss on his cheek before I can stop myself. I get inside my car and drive off, heart pounding and palms sweaty. I crank the air conditioning up to help cool my overheated skin. Oh, Elizabeth, you are in trouble, I think. You are so falling for that man.
Me: Home now. Thanks again for today.
Hellcat: My pleasure.
Me: Are you busy tomorrow?
Hellcat: Nothing I can’t get out of. Why?
Me: Have any more fun times to share?
Why did I send that? It sounds like I’m propositioning him. Maybe I am.
Hellcat: I can think of a few things.
Why my mind instantly goes to dirty thoughts of his hands running over my naked body, I can’t tell you.
Hellcat: Want me to teach you how to surf?
Hell, yes, I do. That sounds awesome.
Me: Did I know how to before?
Hellcat: A little. Building sandcastles and taking long walks along the beach were more your style.
Me: Surfing sounds great. Do I need a special suit or something?
