After we split a slice of first peach, then chocolate raspberry pie (because Claudia insists it's impossible to choose between them and why not have both because life is too short), Ansel pulls his phone from his pocket. "I'm really sorry, I have to call my brother back. I'll be quick."
He presses a quick kiss to my forehead before darting outside.
When Claudia heads my way, I remember my new vow of not being as shy. "I'm a server myself, in a café," I say as she gathers up the plates. "And I really admire your style. The sassiness is a great complement to the food."
She looks around dramatically, whipping her ponytail from side to side before leaning in and whispering. "I used to be pretty quiet. But I developed this kind of alter ego when I'm at work. I imagine the kind of energy people will react well to, and channel it."
"Wow. Thanks – I'll have to work on that myself."
She nods to the window, where Ansel is on the phone, pacing slowly across the parking lot. "I hope you're working on him. He's one tall drink of water."
I can feel my cheeks burning. She leans in again, her eyes dancing. "Is this a first date?"
"Yes."
"I knew it!" She beams, showing off perfect white teeth. "Well, I've been reading your body language all night. He is incredibly into you. I mean, you obviously like him as well, but you're nervous."
"Everything is so brand new. And his family is really important in town. It's a lot to take in."
She waves at me dismissively. "Don't worry about that. Just let him fall hard for you, and everything else will sort itself out." She flashes me a giant grin, then flounces away to top up the coffee mugs of the row of older men at the soda counter.
Can it really be that easy? Can I just be open minded, and let things fall into place?
Maybe. I really want things to work with Ansel. More than anyone I've ever met.
When he returns to the table, his smile seems a little forced. Placing a tentative hand on his knee, I murmur, "Is everything okay?"
His arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer than I would expect for a public restaurant. "Family trouble, that's all. My Uncle Lloyd is a raving asshole, and he's stirring things up again. Enough said."
"He hasn't come into Acorns in a while, which we're all happy about, if a little surprised."
"He's been banned. I'll explain another time. Ready to go?"
On the way back to Oakton we list our favorite movies. Then we make an extensive list of classic movies that we feel weshouldhave seen, but haven't gotten around to watching yet.
By the time he pulls up in front of my place, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life. Much less with a strange man that I only met this morning while not quite dressed.
He walks me to the door, then wraps his thick arms around me, pulling me against his chest as he strokes my hair. "Everything about you feels right, Lynn." He tips my chin upwith his finger, gazing into my eyes for so long my breath becomes uneven. "I'm already falling for you. Hard. Am I allowed to say that?"
My natural instinct is to run inside, because this conversation is way too intense. "The fire is chasing the squirrels again," I blurt.
He steps back, holding my hands in his. "Breathe." We take a long, slow breath together. Looking into his hazel eyes, I am lost in how wonderful he is.
"Official business. I believe that things went well, and I hope that I deserve your number?"
"Of course." He pulls his phone from his pocket, and I enter it carefully.
"Excellent." He slips the phone away, then glides his hand up my back, between my shoulder blades. "Now, I'm going to kiss you good night," he says gently. "I want you to think of my touch as a cool breeze that blows out the squirrel-chasing fire. Okay?"
I'm smiling too hard as he begins to kiss me, making us both laugh. Then our mouths soften and open together, the urge to kiss suddenly much stronger than the need to giggle.
And wow, can Ansel kiss. He knows exactly how to pull me close, tilt my head, devour me slowly and gently until I feel like I might float away on a cloud. He begins to pull away, but my fingers tighten in the back of his hair, holding him against me for another minute. Finally we part for air, stepping back.
He looks just as dazzled as I feel. "That was magical."
"Thank you for the best first date I could possibly imagine," I say, releasing him as I dig for my keys.
"That was my best date ever," he says slowly, leaning in to kiss my forehead one last time. "Sleep well, Lynn. I'll text you tomorrow."
