“That’s a surprise, too.”
Fuck, I love this girl. I can’t believe I thought I didn’t want a girlfriend in order to focus, because being with her proved me wrong again and again. She grounds me, makes my focus sharper than ever.
Boston at night is beautiful. The city overflows with a sense of history in every brick and cobblestone. We walk aimlessly, taking in the sights hand in hand.
“This is a nice part of the city,” she says when we’re passing through a spot with cool apartments.
“Yeah. Look at that one.”
“I like it, too. I always thought I’d end up in Boston when I was growing up. Maybe we’ll get a place like that if you end up playing here.”
We.
The side of my mouth kicks up and I squeeze her hand. “I love the way you think.”
She grants me a brilliant smile. The wind moves through her hair. I stop in my tracks, then step into her, tucking her hair back in place. With a smile that forms slowly, I kiss her.
“Where are we heading? I thought maybe you made reservations or something since you’re dressed up.”
I trace the dip in her waist. She peers up through her lashes, moving closer.
“I thought about it. Then I decided I didn’t want to have a table or anything else separating us so we could be free to do this as much as we want.”
She grasps my lapels and draws me into another kiss. I take my time, pouring everything I want to say without words into it.
When we part, her hazel eyes gleam. “I have a better idea than fancy dinner.”
“Yeah?”
She takes my hand with a delighted sound. Two blocks later, we find a place to get chicken nuggets.
We stroll and eat, sharing them between us. I let her have most of them, knowing the gravity of keeping my girl fed.
“Let’s sit down here.”
My arm drapes behind her on the bench while we people watch. She looks beautiful—not because her hair and makeup are done and she’s wearing a nice outfit, but because she’s here for me. Because she’s mine.
It gives me the strong urge to get down on one knee right here and now to ask her something important. I don’t have a ring or a plan, but I do have my heart to give her over and over again.
“What are you thinking about?”
I stroke the soft material of her coat with a muted hum. “I’m thinking about doing something a little crazy.”
“Hold that thought.” She shows me a list of nearby places on the map on her phone. “There’s a gourmet donut shop around the corner. Can we go?”
“Don’t you know by now?”
Her eyes bounce between mine, shining radiantly. “What?”
I take her hand. “I’ll always go anywhere you ask.”
We run down the block, our laughter echoing into the night. The donut shop is minutes from closing when we reach it, and I buy up four of the remaining ones in the display case.
She samples them first, then feeds me a bite.
“This one, oh my god. Try this.”
I open my mouth, lips dragging against her fingertips when she pops the piece in my mouth. It’s good, but I’m not paying much attention to the flavors.
