“Yes, really.”
“So, you definitely should never do this again,” he says.
“Definitely.” I agree, smiling. “We should quit while we’re ahead.”
“I mean,” he reaches over again, setting his hand over mine and rubbing lightly. “A second date might flop. And then you’d know this was a fluke—some kind of one-off.”
“Exactly,” I say.
Though, the real reason I can’t do this again has nothing to do with a possible flop. I can’t imagine time with EJ being anything but fun and easy.
“So, we’ll just keep it at one,” he says, giving my hand a light squeeze.
“One,” I say, but my heart clenches just the slightest.
“Okay,” he nods and stands, not putting up the fight I’m used to from him.
He gently places his hand on the small of my back, guiding me out through the tables and to the front door. Then he thanks the hostess and holds the door open for me. I step through and EJ moves his hand from my back to my hand, clasping it in his. All of his gestures tonight have been sweet and attentive. A girl could get way too used to this kind of treatment.
But it’s more than the gestures. EJ makes me feel … safe … special.
“This was really nice,” I tell him on the way home.
“I’m glad you had a good night.”
“And you’re okay with one night?” I ask him.
“Are you offering me another?” he asks, glancing my way and wagging his brows.
“You stinker,” I say to him. “Are you using reverse psychology on me?”
“Not at all. You said one date. I’m doing everything in my power to honor that. But if you want to give me another date, I’m not coming anywhere near stopping you.”
“And then what?” I ask him.
“Whatever you want, Angie. Another? Or no more. You get to hold the steering wheel. Your foot is over the gas and the brake. I’ll come along for the ride as long as you’ll have me.”
For as long as I’ll have him … and then what? Does he realize what he’s saying? I’m a package deal.
I’m quiet, watching the houses in the neighborhood next to mine pass outside the windows.
I’m about to say something when EJ says, “I know your life isn’t simple, Angie.”
I nod.
“And I’m not trying to complicate it.” He slows when he reaches my street, glancing over at me.
And that look is everything.
“Let me get back to you,” I say softly.
“I can do that,” he says. And his smile is so wide it shines through the dusky darkness of the truck cab.
I huff out a soft laugh.
A second date doesn’t have to mean anything.
Mom’s voice echoes through my head:You deserve some fun. Don’t make it such a big deal.
