“A few weeks. As I can work anywhere, I can go where I want,” Jess replied.
“Fancy a sail tomorrow, search for Nessie?” Mitch teased.
Jess tensed slightly before relaxing, and Mitch wondered why.
“Sure, why not. The village was abuzz about the news she’d been sighted.”
Mitch squirmed, and Jess looked at him quizzically before asking, “What is it?”
“Do you believe in Nessie?” he inquired and waited.
Jess took a few moments to consider the question. “I don’t know. I think there’s a possibility, but a plesiosaur? Seems a stretch. Then again, caves and tunnels exist that haven’t been mapped. Nessie could be lurking there.”
Jess
Mitch was hiding something. He looked shifty. Had he figured out she was Nessie? How could he have?
“Last night,” Mitch began hesitantly.
“Yes?” Jess encouraged.
“I saw Nessie. She was on the shore near Drumnadrochit, entering the water. I thought I was seeing things and chased her. Nessie dived under the surface, but I spotted the ripples and followed them. If not for Nessie, I wouldn’t have found you,” Mitch admitted reluctantly. “And now you probably think I’m crazy.”
“No. Numerous people have witnessed something. Most sightings can be explained, but the ones that can’t? There aretoo many. I’d love to see her myself,” Jess said and prayed for forgiveness for the lie.
Mitch seemed to relax. “Is that why you purchased a cottage on the loch shore?”
“You got me! Actually, no, I bought it because it was pretty and gave me the peace and quiet I wanted. The view is inspiring.”
“So, if I haven’t scared you away, how about that date tomorrow?” Mitch asked,
Jess pursed her lips. Mitch seemed genuine and the real deal, but so had many others. She was unsure whether his admission of seeing Nessie was a trap to lure her in or if he was being honest.
“Sure,” she said against her better judgement and instantly wanted to kick herself. Jess made a mental note to tell Mary Worth where she was going, since Mary would send a rescue party if needed.
“I’ll pick you up at ten? We’ll take Diar’s yacht out,” Mitch suggested, looking delighted.
“Wonderful, do you want me to bring anything?”
“Just yourself and a smile. You’ve a pretty smile, Jess,” Mitch said and grinned.
“That will be fine.”
“I’d best make a move; it’s getting late, and I don’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Jess nodded. Mitch had just casually tested if she wanted him to stay overnight. She didn’t. Casual sex didn’t do much for her, and she preferred to be at least a little close to someone before putting out. Sex on the first date, or second or third, for that matter, didn’t happen with Jess.
“I’ll walk you out,” she said and saw disappointment flash in Mitch’s eyes, but relief followed it, which she found strange. Mitch was turning into a complicated man!
He rose, and Jess led him to the door. He opened it and stepped outside.
“It’s better to ask forgiveness,” Mitch muttered and reached out and pulled her gently to him. His lips descended against hers, and a rush of warmth swept through her as he kissed her. Mitch held her close but loosely, so if Jess wanted to pull away, she could.
Instead, Jess pressed closer, relishing the feel of his body against hers and allowed Mitch to deepen the kiss. When they finished kissing, Jess knew she wanted more, but her head was screaming warnings. Mitch smiled against her lips and pulled back.
“Tomorrow,” Mitch promised and walked down the path to his vehicle.
Mitch
