"We'll have to take your car. I rode with two other doctors, and they have already gone. I told them I would catch another flight home tomorrow."
"I don't want to put you out. If you need to go, we can have dinner the next time you are in town." She schooled her face, tryingto make sure it did not reflect the disappointment she would feel if he decided to back out now.
Greer put his hands on her shoulders and said, "No, it's fine. I want to stay. I don't want to wait for another time. It's no big deal. I have already changed my ticket. What do you say we get out of here and take a walk through South Beach?"
Smiling up at him shyly, Taylor said, "I think that is a wonderful idea."
For the next three hours, Taylor and Greer enjoyed walking around and looking at the Art Deco buildings. As they walked, Greer took Taylor's hand. She almost jumped out of her skin when he did that, but she didn't draw her hand back. She thought to herself, a little hand-holding could not be that wrong.
Around 7:00, they wandered into a little street café that served Cuban food. They talked all afternoon about everything and nothing at the same time. Once they sat down at the table, the conversation became much more serious. When the waiter came to take their drink orders, Greer ordered a bottle of white wine, but Taylor declined the alcohol and asked for a glass of sparkling water.
This made Greer suspicious, and he said, "Can I ask you something?"
“Sure," replied Taylor.
"Are you drinking water for any particular reason?"
Taylor thought that was an odd question and asked, "No particular reason. Other than what I told you earlier. Last time, I drank way too much and have not quite gotten over it. Why?"
"Oh, I don't know. Call me crazy, but in the movies, whenever a woman drinks water, it is because she's" Greer hesitated, "pregnant."
"Well, I can assure you that I am not." Laughing at such a ridiculous idea, Taylor said, "Remember I told you that is impossible. I am just parched and want some water."
"Stranger things have happened, you know."
"Not that didn't involve a miracle."
"Yeah, but we didn't use anything. We were both clean, and you said it was fine. But I just wanted you to know I would be there for you if something happened."
"First of all, I appreciate that. Second, there is a lot about that night that I still don't remember. That last bit of information would have been helpful about two months ago. I could have avoided a very awkward moment at the doctor's office. That was my first and last trip to be tested for STDs. And, lastly, I am not now or will I ever be pregnant. So you don't have to worry about this anymore. It's all good."
Nodding, Greer said, "No baby, got it. It sounds like there is a story there."
"Yes, there is one that I am happy to share, but maybe not today. But soon, I promise."
Greer reached over, took her hand, looked into her eyes, and said, "I want to know everything you are comfortable sharing. I hope you feel this thing between us too. We rushed the beginning. I want to see where this might go. I am willing to go as slowly as you want. Just always be honest with me. Whatever you tell me, I won't judge you. But, I want to know your truth. I want to know what brought you to that rat hole of a bar that night. And I want to know what made you run the next day. I won't hurt you. We'll go at whatever pace you want." Rubbing his hand up and down her arm, he added, "I won't lie. I still have a powerful hunger for you. Seeing you today was like a rocket going off in my gut. I haven't been able to think about anything else but being with you since. I want to…" As he said this, he leaned into her, his lips just inches from hers. His words were little more than whispers.
Taylor wanted nothing more than to close the distance between them and kiss him with all of the fiery passion that was threateningto erupt from her at any moment. But, she had promised herself that she would not break her marriage vows again. She realized she was married in name only, and Bennett was likely already in an intimate relationship with Poppy, but two wrongs did not make a right.
Pulling back slightly to give herself room to breathe, she cut Greer off mid-sentence. "I can't do this. I really want to. I can't believe how much I want to. But it is just not who I am. I am still married and will be until after the election."
Greer let out a low groan and then dropped his hand, which had worked its way up to Taylor's neck, and said, "Okay, I get it. I am momentarily in the friend zone. But tell me the truth, you feel this, right?" He asked as he took her hands in his. "I have never felt anything like this before. Tell me you feel it, too. It can't just be me. If it is, I will walk away right now."
Shaking her head, Taylor replied, "No, I feel it too."
At that, Greer leaned forward and gave Taylor a quick kiss on the forehead before pulling back.
Giving her his most sexy smile, he said, "Okay, buddy, let's eat. If I can't feed one hunger, I guess I will just have to gorge myself on Ropa Vieja with Arraz y Frijoles Negros."
"Um, that sounds horrible. What is that?"
"Beef steak cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a bunch of spices served with rice and beans. I promise you will love it."
At that moment, the waiter brought the drinks and took their dinner orders. Greer ordered for them, and it was incredible.
After dinner, they went to a patio bar where a salsa band played Latin music. Greer ordered a beer and got Taylor water. The band played for about an hour. When the music ended, Greer and Taylor ordered another round and sat enjoying the breeze off the ocean. After a few minutes, Greer reached across the table, picked upTaylor's hand, and asked, "Can I ask you another question? I hate to pry, but I just got to know something."
Smiling at him, Taylor replied, "Yes, of course. Ask away."
