“Well, I’m off,” the pastor said. “Emily is waiting for me to take her out for dinner. It’s our date night.”
“Have a nice time,” Amelia said, then they watched as the pastor headed down the hallway to the side door.
“What really brings you by?” Amelia asked once it was just the two of them.
“I wanted to ask you to come to the lake with me.”
“The lake?”
“Yep. I’ve got a boat at the marina, and I’d like to go out on the water tonight.”
“And you want me to come with you?”
“I’d like that very much,” Ben said. “I’m not planning to swim or anything. Just go out on the water. Have something to eat. Watch the sunset.”
“Who all is going?”
Ben hesitated, not knowing which answer would help her to decide to go with him. However, it wasn’t like he could lie to her. She’d find out soon enough that it was just going to be them, and of course, Luca.
“Just me and Luca,” he said. “And hopefully, you.”
“And no swimming?”
“Nope.”
Ben held his breath as he waited for her to give him her answer. He had the whole evening planned out. He just needed her to say yes.
“I’d have to go home first.”
“Of course,” Ben said quickly. “We can drive over to your place, then take the SUV to the marina.”
Her expression didn’t reveal any of her internal debate, but Ben had no doubt that she was having one.
“Okay.”
He wanted to punch the air in celebration but settled for a smile. “Perfect. It’s supposed to be a beautiful evening, and I think there’s no better place to enjoy it than on the water.”
Amelia picked up her purse and phone. “Do I need to bring anything for supper?”
Ben shook his head. “It’s all taken care of.”
They left the office together, with Amelia pausing to turn off the lights, and then setting the alarm as they left through the side door.
Once they reached her car, Ben again offered to drive, while Luca drove the SUV.
The trip to Amelia's apartment was quiet, with just the soft hum of the radio between them.
Ben glanced over at her profile, noticing how she gazed out the window, lost in her thoughts. Her hair caught the late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window, highlighting the golden strands mixed with the darker blonde.
When they reached her building, he parked and turned to her. "I'll wait here while you change."
"I won't be long," she promised before getting out of the car.
Ben watched her walk to the building entrance, her steps measured but steady as she disappeared into the building.
He leaned back against the headrest, a small smile tugging at his lips. The fact that she'd said yes to spending the evening with him felt like a tiny victory.
Luca tapped on the window, startling Ben from his thoughts.
