7
Veronica
“I’ve made reservations at seven different restaurants, bought movie tickets for two different movies, and bribed a guy down at the winter fair to keep the Ferris Wheel on until late.”
“Wow. I don’t think we’ll have time to do all of that tonight.” I try biting back my smirk, but I’m not sure if it works.
“You’re funny.” It sounds more like a revelation than an accusation. He’s surprised to find me messing with him.
“Yes, that was a joke.” I grab my coat and purse from the sideboard and lock the door behind me. With no idea where we were going or what we would be doing, I dressed accordingly. A silver glittery top, tight - stretchy - jeans, and ballet flats. Not over the top, comfortable and yet, I still feel pretty.
It’s all about balance.
Not to mention my brand-new sparkly purse - got to have somewhere to store all this confidence.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like. I just wanted tonight to go well, and I didn’t want to chance anything going wrong.”
Aww.
Instead of cooing at his sweetness, I smile. It’s been such a long time since a guy’s put any thought at all into our date, and here’s Hayden aiming for perfection.
At the curb, he opens the passenger side door for me and I slide in feeling like I’m in a Disney princess movie. As he rounds the front of the car, I scan him - slyly checking him out while I have the chance. He looks nice, really nice. His jeans and knitted sweater give me some comfort that we’re not going anywhere too extravagant.
“What are the choices for tonight?”
He slips in, shuts the door, and moves across the console in seconds. His lips press softly against mine in a welcome greeting.
Well, hello.
“You look amazing.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” So good in fact that I’m considering asking to skip the date and head straight back to his place. But he wanted to spend time getting to know me, not just my body. I predict that we’ll be doing both tonight.
I press another chaste kiss to his lips before pulling back entirely. “So, where to?”
“We have a table at Spartan House, Chili’s, Shanghai Garden, Su-”
“Oh, yes. Shanghai Garden. I love that place.”
“Shanghai Garden, it is.”
* * *
Dinner was amazing,as it always is at the Shanghai Garden. The restaurant setting alone would be enough to salvage any date, there are both indoor and outdoor seating areas. As we walk back to the car, full and a lot more relaxed than before, I’m sad the date is coming to a close.
It was one heck of a date. We’ve spent hours talking about anything, and everything under the sun. I learned all about his family, his seemingly boring job, and how, at the age of nine, Hayden had been so obsessed with the Flash that he used to sleep in his costume. After that confession, all bets were off. I even admitted that I had been a cheerleader in high school - and I don’t ever tell anyone that.
“No way.”
“Way.”
“How’s that possible? You do not seem like the cheerleading type, no offense.”
“None taken.
“I still don’t know if I believe you, I would’ve noticed you.” We’re taking our time as we wander back to the car. I don’t think either of us are really ready to end the night.
Stopping at the car, Hayden makes no move to actually get in.
