And we’re wrapping it up with this date.
I breathe out a sigh as Wes looks up, his eyes catching mine and expression shifting to pure awe. No one has ever looked at me like that before.
It’s butterfly inducing.
“Hey, I think you dropped your jaw on the floor.” Parker snorts. “You might want to get that checked out.”
“Ha ha.” Weston never looks away from me and stands to his feet as I make it to the ground level. “You look incredible,” he says, his voice low as he extends a hand for me to take.
“Aw…” Amy coos from behind me. “This is literally the cutest thing I’ve seen all weekend.”
“Okay, well, you two have fun,” Parker quips, shooing us out the door with his hands. “I don’t want Amy to keep going on about how cute my best friend and little sister look together. It kind of gives me the ick.” Despite his words, there’s a ghost of a smile on his face.
And that’s enough for me.
“Thank you,” I tell him, grabbing his arm and pulling him into a hug. He seems startled by it at first, but then leans in.
“Have fun, Brit. You deserve it.”
I pull away, giving him one last smile before stepping out with Wes. He leads the way to the car, opening up the passenger door for me.
“Look at you, being a total gentleman.” I giggle.
“Well, just because I live in New York City doesn’t mean I don’t have manners.” He winks at me, then closes the door, jogging around to the driver’s side. I take in the sight of him in a pair of jeans and a dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. Women would be crazy not to drool over him.
But lucky for me, I’m the one on the date.
I feel like I’ve won the lottery as we make our way out of town, and fifteen minutes later, we’re pulling into one of the nicest wineries in New York. However, the place is seemingly …empty.
“I think they might be closed,” I say, turning to him.
He chuckles, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Nah, I don’t think so.” He pushes open the door, then comes around to open mine as well. I take his extended hand, and he intertwines his fingers with mine, not letting go of me as we head toward the winery.
“This place is beautiful,” I comment, taking in a deep breath and the scent of crisp air, tinged with something that reminds me of food.
“I’m glad you’re happy with it so far.” Weston gives my hand a light squeeze as we make our way up the steps. As we reach the front door, it opens, the hostess greeting us with a smile.
“Mr. Shaw.” She gives him a nod. “We have your table ready.”
“Perfect.” He gives her a cool smile, and I start to feel more and more giddy as we’re led inside the upscale winery and restaurant. The hostess leads us through to the back patio, where a two-person table sitting along the stone wall is decked out to the max—complete with red roses, candles, and petals scattered about.
I swallow the emotions building in my throat. “This is incredible.”
Weston just smiles, pulling out my chair for me to take a seat. “My lady,” he says in a goofy voice, gesturing for me to sit down. “You know,” he continues as he takes a seat across from me, “today is National Fried Chicken Day, and I almost went that direction, but … that seemed like a good way for you to never want to go out with me again.”
I giggle, shaking my head. “That’s not the only holiday that’s today.”
“Oh?” He arches a brow at me as a waiter sets down two glasses of water. “What else is happening?”
“International Kissing Day,” I say, feeling the heat grow in my cheeks. “I think we can celebrate that one.”
He nearly chokes on his water. “Absolutely. I’m good for the celebration of that day. Way better than fried chicken.”
“Some might disagree with that.” I giggle. “Some peoplereallylove fried chicken. I mean, it’s like the American thing to eat.”
“Is it?” Weston chuckles, shaking his head at me. “Maybe we should see if they’ll make us some fried chicken for the occasion instead of the steaks I already ordered.”
“I think I’ll just stick to the steak,” I say.
