“Agreed.” There would be no better time to ask what had been on her mind since their first date. “So, while we’re on the subject, I have to ask... What do you think he’d think of this? Of our going out like this?”
Josh chuckled. “He’d be wondering what in the world you could possibly be thinking.”
She gave a mock scowl. “He would not. He always said I lit up around you.”
Josh’s brow jumped. “He did?”
“And he was right. You bring out a different side of me.”
“Is that good or bad?”
She liked the way she felt with Josh. She liked who she was with him. And she really liked the way he made her feel these days. The way her stomach fluttered at his nearness. The way tension seemed to crackle between them sometimes. She loved the gentle way he touched her and the way his eyes softened when he gazed at her.
Like now. “It’s a very good thing.”
“So the other day Dad decided they should take the public bus across Athens to save money, and he and Mom squeezed onto this crowded bus. It’s like a hundred degrees and no air-conditioning. The windows are down, blowing hot air around. It’s standing room only, but Mom got an aisle seat. There’s this guy in a tank top crushed right up against her. He’s holding on to a ceiling strap, so she’s got this sweaty, hairy armpit in her face. And she keeps leaning away, but the more she leans away, the more he leans into her space.”
Maggie chuckled at the scene he painted. He’d always told a good tale.
“Dad was watching from down the aisle. You should’ve heard him telling the story. He was laughing so hard I could hardly make out his words. And Mom was just sitting there, her mouth all pinched, saying, “It was the foulest stench I’ve ever smelled! And he kept encroaching on my space!”
Maggie laughed, her eyes tearing up. “Your parents are a trip. They’re having such a great time.”
“Hairy armpit notwithstanding.”
They were resting on a pier bench overlooking the Cape Fear River, Josh’s arm draped over the back. The sun had dropped low behind a bank of clouds and now glowed golden, turning the clouds a vibrant shade of orange. A slight breeze drifted across the water, cool and refreshing.
After the picnic—her favorite foods from Dilly’s Deli—they’d taken a short walk through the woods. The sandy path, strewn with pine needles and protruding roots, made her glad she’d worn tennis shoes. They chatted easily the whole way and returned in time to enjoy the stellar sunset.
She’d caught him up on the swim lessons. Word of her coaching had spread throughout Erin’s circle, and she’d added two more summer clients to her schedule. She’d had breakfast at Erin’s this morning, where Maggie was careful not to mention her upcoming date with Josh. “So how long do you think we should hide this from your family?”
“Hide? Is that what it feels like to you? I guess I was thinking we were being discreet.”
“Okay, that’s fair. It’s just that I tell Erin pretty much everything, so it feels as if I’m holding something back.”
He cupped her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You should do whatever you’re comfortable with. Just remember my family has an opinion on everything and is quick to offer it.”
How would Erin feel about Maggie dating Josh? She wasn’t sure. Anyway, there was nothing to tell yet, really. They were only on their second date.
And what if their relationship was short-lived? Why cause needless tension or concern in the family? Better just to give the relationship time and space to see if it grew into anything. “You’re right. We should use a little discretion for now.”
He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I’ve never sneaked around with anyone before.”
“We are not sneaking around. We’re usingdiscretion—your word.”
“Sneaking sounds more fun.”
Their gazes met, locking together. It was that beautiful time of evening when everything took on a lovely rosy glow, and the sight of him stole her breath.
The hint of humor fell from his expression as his eyes grew more serious. “I had a wonderful time tonight.”
“Is it over already?”
“I didn’t want to forget to tell you.” His focus dropped to her mouth.
Her lips tingled with want, even though a week ago she’d cautioned him to take it slow. Nevertheless, she could’ve cheered when he leaned closer and brushed her lips with his. So soft. So reverent. So delicious.
And already over. He withdrew a bit, his warm breath still a whisper on her lips. “Slow enough?”
