Her eyebrows rose slightly at his not entirely truthful statement. “Okay,” he amended. “How about we don’t break the important rules? Let’s just say the rules can bebenta tiny bit now and again for special occasions.”
“Is this a special occasion?”
“Our first date is averyspecial occasion.”
Her brows lowered and her smile grew. “So where will you take me on this clandestine rendezvous date and special occasion away from the basement facility.”
“You don’t want to be surprised?”
“It’s not that, I just don’t want to seem foolish going off to parts unknown with a stranger.”
“We aren’t strangers. We’ve danced.”And kissed. I liked the kissing best.
“Still, I feel like I should assess the risks beforebendingthe rules here.”
“Good point. Okay. What would you think about going to a small pond surrounded by lots of trees?” Axel watched as her eyes lit up. Her whole being lit up as though she’d wanted to do what he suggested for the whole of her life and was now finally afforded the opportunity.
“That sounds incredible. I’ve heard there’s lots of water and very tall trees on Earth. Is that true?”
“Yes. That is true. There’s lots of water, lots of tall trees and actually lots of interesting things to see.” There was a hidden swimming hole about ten minutes down the highway headed toward Doraydo. He could take her there and be back within the hour without grief.
“Okay.” Her eyes lifted as if she considered water and tall trees the very definition of her heart’s desire. “I wouldn’t mind seeing some tall trees or a nice body of water, as long as it’s close. We can bend the rules a little.”
“Yes. It’s very close. I know the perfect spot.”
“Are you sure we have time?”
“Yes, I promise I won’t make you late.”
Unless youwantme to make you late, so you can be let go from your position with the prestigious Duvall family and move to Earth to spend the rest of your life with me.
Chapter Five
Lucy made her purchases and had them sent directly to her family’s private quarters while Axel waited. He then purchased two cold bottles from the clear case next to the register along with a small bag of something labeled M&M’s.
She wanted to go with Axel more than anything she had ever wanted to do in her life. She had told him she only had an hour, but she had two. She built in a buffer so she wouldn’t be late for the special dinner her parents had planned.
They always had a fancy family meal in their quarters on the first night of their arrival at a way station before traveling back home. It was a tradition of sorts. Lucy figured it gave them another excuse to dress up, but it wasn’t her favorite family tradition.
These dinners were always catered by the luxury liner with specially acquired foods not served to the masses on the ship. It would be very elaborate. Lucy would take the time to fix her hair, put on makeup and change her clothing. Evensheneeded the better part of an hour to exhibit the very basics expected.
For now, she would enjoy sneaking out of the facility, only bending the rules for the opportunity to see big trees and an abundance of water, with an intriguing man.
Axel led her out of the basement facility, through several long hallways with lots and lots of doors, and finally through a large metal door.
Once outside in the sunny day with the light blue sky overhead, Lucy followed Axel to what looked like a parking lot filled with strange Earther vehicles. She had seen pictures and videos, but the real thing was so much different. So real. She suppressed the urge to squeal in delight.
Being a little bit bad felt very good.
Axel took her hand and led her toward a large Earther truck in the corner of the lot. It was big. It was black. It was very shiny. It was a tall truck with what looked like a back seat, and four-doors. She couldn’t wait to ride in it.
“Where are you taking me again? The woods and water, right?” She sounded breathless to her own ears.
“Yes. It’s a little place hidden away not far from here. The locals know it’s there, but not many others. We call it a swimming hole.”
“A swimming hole?” A place filled with enough water that she could swim in it? Amazing. She couldn’t wait to see it.
