“You know…” I gestured my hand about like the movement was enough explanation on its own.
Dakota shook his head, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Not catching your drift.”
I sucked my teeth, disappointed my vague musings weren’t enough to get my point across. Hopefully, he wouldn’t take my observations in the wrong way. If I was anything, I liked to be honest, no matter the consequence.
“You seem like the type of person who runs to, not away from chaos.”
He chuckled. “Really?”
“Yeah.” I nodded and pointed at my chest. “Exhibit A. Me. Last year.”
“Right, okay. I can see your logic.” He sobered a little at my mentioning last year, but he still had a bit of residual laughter in his voice.
I smiled. “Am I wrong?”
“No, I definitely like stepping up to the plate. But I think you might have gotten the impression that I’m more of a go-getter than I actually am.”
“So, no horseback riding unless it’s a dire situation?” I teased.
“Horseback riding?” He raised a brow.
“Oh, you know, for your knight in shining armor thing. Picking up people and taking them to their destinations safely.”
“I couldn’t ride a horse to save my life.” He looked amused at the thought.
“A shiny golf cart will do,” I assured.
“This is it!” One of the girls declared, and they both ran ahead of us to a small fountain with a statue of a stone cat in the middle.
“Alright, it should take a few of these to do it.” Dakota unloaded three bottles from his pack.
I read the plaque on the front while they pour in a hefty amount of green dye into the water.
“This one’s dedicated to his cat.” I looked closer at the statue. “His name was Sir Gawain.”
“How cute and on-brand for our color,” one of the girls said and bowed to the cat. We all laughed and bowed too. Dakota pulled his phone out to snap a photo once the dye spread halfway around the pool.
“One down.” He picked up his walkie and changed the channel. “First one secured. How are we looking, guys?”
Dakota motioned me closer as we waited for a response. I moved in front of him, smiling when he made a face at the sudden sound of static on the other end. He pulled the walkie away from our ears at the loud noise. The person on the other end confirmed they had their target on lock.
“Perfect,” Dakota said into the walkie. “Phase two is a go. Over.”
“Very official,” I noted, impressed by his serious approach.
“Don’t like doing things halfway.”
“Except when it comes to your cleaning jobs?” I gestured towards his head. The gauze I’d taped on his forehead was still there, meaning he hadn’t cleaned it for a day.
“I didn’t want to waste a job well done.” He brushed his fingers across the gauze. We started walking again, this time taking a backseat so the girls could lead the way.
“I don’t mind doing it again for you. Like I said, I’m the medic for the team.”
“Definitely would have asked you…if I had your number.” He gave me a grin.
I think I imagined a flirting glint in his eyes, mainly because I wanted it to be there. Both of us had all but said out loud, we’re not interested in one another on a romantic plane. Regardless, I liked to flirt and be flirted with. Maybe I could bend a few rules in order to have a bit of fun with him.
“What’s a number when you know where I live?”
