I've never laughed with a man so much. It's exhilarating.
By the time we get to Kingsville, I've learned that his company is doing so well that he's a little embarrassed to talk about it. Something about the foundation of his software debugging code being picked up by dozens of other companies for other uses…I think. I don't really understand it, but from his hesitation, I gather that he's ridiculously wealthy but is too polite to get into it.
I, of all people, am not about to pry.
I also learn that his musical taste is extremely diverse, and activity-specific. Techno music when he's coding. Light jazz when he's doing business work. Classic rock and country while driving.
"I get it," I share. "The one and only time I almost got a speeding ticket, I was listening to AC/DC."
Ansel pulls into a parking lot, grinning from ear to ear. "You're a Problem Child. Doing Dirty Deeds. Only question is, are they Done Dirt Cheap?"
I laugh while he runs around the truck to help me down. It's a pretty big work vehicle, and I appreciate his help, but I know it's more than about manners. He wants the excuse to touch me, to have us close together.
He pauses, brushing his lips across my forehead. "Honestly, you make me feel like a Live Wire, gorgeous."
My mouth opens to make a joke about being High Voltage, then I feel a surge of bravery.
I reach out to stroke his beard, tipping my lips close to his. "I really like the way I feel when I'm around you," I whisper. "It's terrifying, but it also feels…I can't explain it. It feels important, like it's something that is supposed to be happening."
His eyes light up as if I've just given him the greatest gift in the world. Placing my hand over his heart, he smiles warmly. "See? You can tell me anything, gorgeous. And I feel the same way. Like we already know this is meant to be."
His mouth moves toward mine so gradually I barely get nervous. His hands move to my lower back, stroking slowly and gently as we kiss. It's soft and warm and blurry, making me feel like time has stopped.
He pulls away far too soon. "You've been working all day. I need to make sure you're fed. It's part of the official protocol."
"Right. Gotta keep things official."
I look up to see the bright sign of Ray's Diner as we walk in and are transported to a modern version of the fifties. Ansel takes us directly to a booth in the corner wrapped in teal vinyl. I love that he wants us to have a little privacy, and also to sit on a bench seat next to each other. It's innocently romantic, which makes me tingle.
We're barely seated for a minute when a waitress sashays over with menus. Her dark ponytail swishes behind her as her head bobs, bright eyes analyzing us.
"Evening, folks. I'm Claudia, and I'll be your purveyor of food and drink this evening. Today's special is Scotty's Lasagna, which is weird for a diner if we're keeping with the whole fifties theme." Her hand presses to the table as she leans closer conspiratorially. "But seriously, it's his mom's recipe and it's divine."
She stands back and looks at me appraisingly. "I'm going to guess…either ginger ale or a cup of tea?"
"Tea, please."
Her gaze swivels to Ansel. "I've seen you have a beer here before, but tonight I'm guessing coffee?"
"Perfect, thanks."
She sashays away again. I have to admire her serving style.
Looking around the diner, I nod appreciatively. "Delicious-smelling food, mellow, relaxed atmosphere. Good choice."
Ansel slides a little closer. "Plus, Claudia is a great waitress."
"When I'm Queen of the World, I'll be outspoken and sassy like her."
He raises an eyebrow. "Queen of the World?"
I cover my grin with the menu. "Just something I always say."
"I love it. I also love that you have a saucy side, even if it's hidden for now."
We both order the lasagna, and Claudia only permits us to get a side of onion rings if we promise we're actually going to eat the salad that comes with the main course.
During the meal, Ansel and I chat about everything under the sun. The stress of his role as male head of the family, now that his father's gone. My annoyance at the way my sister is too loud, too bossy, and way too ready to share every thought that flies through her head. Our mutual love of long walks to clear our minds. The way we're both not glued to our phones, and prefer paper books to reading on a tablet.
