She stands, but I stop her, pulling her into my arms. “You look fine.” My eyes roam over her body clad in leggings and a loose tank top.
“You might look fine, but I need to change.”
I drop a soft kiss on her lips. “Whatever you want to do.”
Twenty minutes later, Reagan and I are sitting on the ferry. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
The wind is whipping Reagan’s hair across her face. Her smile is bright as she stares up at me. Damn. This woman is something else.
“No.”
“No? That’s it? No?”
“It’s a surprise. I promise. It’ll be an experience worthy of Reagan’s year abroad.”
She claps, a giddiness spreading over her. “Well then, I best enjoy the ride.” She wraps her arms around me as the ferry speeds through the water. Reagan’s hand settles on my stomach, playing with the buttons on my shirt.
The simple touch lights me up in a way I’ve never experienced. I would never consider bringing a woman here on a date, but I want to give her everything.
“We are now approaching the Taronga Zoo. Please remain seated until the boat docks, and enjoy your day.”
Reagan pulls out of my hold, her face even more excited. “The zoo?”
I shrug my shoulder, as if it’s no big deal. “I know you wanted to see the animals of Australia. So I figured I could bring you to them.”
She grabs my cheeks and lays one on me, her lips soft against mine. “Thank you, Leo. This is perfect.”
“Top of the Oz bucket list?”
She taps her finger to her lips. “We’ll see if the animals can sell this place or not.”
The boat comes to a stop, and families push towards the front. Reagan sits next to me, in no rush to leave until we’re the last ones on the boat. The noises of the animals greet us as we depart the dock. The city and its chaos are behind us.
“Let’s get moving. I’d hate for you to miss a minute of this.” She pulls me up as we make our way towards the entrance.
“Mr. Scott?” A woman with short blonde hair is awaiting us.
“That’s me. Leo. And this is Reagan.” I extend my arm to the woman holding my hand. I never used to like holding hands. But I like her small, warm hand wrapped in mine.
“I’m Megan. I’ll be leading you on your private tour of the zoo today.”
I don’t have to see Rae’s eyes to know how big they are. “A private tour?”
Megan grins at Reagan’s excitement. “We’ll take you behind the scenes and through our kangaroo and koala exhibits. I assure you, you’ll love it.”
Rae is biting her lip, trying to contain her enthusiasm. “I can’t wait. Lead the way.”
Megan takes off in front of us, telling us the history of the zoo. “I can’t believe you did this, Leo.”
“I know your Oz bucket list took a hit, but there are still some things worth doing.” I peer down at her, not paying attention to where we’re walking. Reagan has a way of making me lose focus. Something that should concern me more than it does.
“Thank you.”
“Are you ready to see some kangaroos?”
“Absolutely.” Megan opens a gate, before enclosing us in and opening another.
Kangaroos are lying in the shade as Rae grabs my arm. “I can’t believe how close we are to them.” She’s whispering at my side, holding on tight.
