“When it comes to the people she loves, yes, she is.” She watches me pull the sandwiches from the cooler.
“Turkey on rye for the lady.” I hand her the wrapped sandwich.
“She told you what sandwich I like.”
“She did.”
“I’m shocked you went to such effort.”
“Why?” I pull out my own sandwich, setting it in my lap.
“When you said dinner, I just assumed you were going to take me to some fancy restaurant and try to overcompensate. But this...”
“This?” I cock a brow.
“This is rather thoughtful.”
“You seem surprised.”
“Because I am.” She slowly unwraps her sandwich. “Do I want to know how many girls you’ve brought up here before me?” she asks, taking a bite out of the corner of her sandwich.
“None,” I answer without hesitation.
“Yeah, right.” She waits until she’s chewed and swallowed to say.
“No, I’m serious. I’ve been up here a few times with the guys, but I’ve never brought a girl here.”
“Then why bring me here?”
“Maybe because I’m trying to woo you.” I throw her earlier words back at her.
“Seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through for someone you’ve already slept with.”
“My goal isn’t to sleep with you.”
“It isn’t?” I can’t tell if she’s relieved or disappointed, but if I had to guess, I’d say the latter. “Then what is your goal?”
“To get to know you.”
“Why?” She takes a drink of her beer, grimacing at the bitter taste before taking another drink.
“Do I need a reason why?”
“Yes.”
“Because I can’t stop thinking about you. Because I’ve realized what a monumental mistake I made letting you slip through my fingers. And because if I don’t try to make things right, I’m not sure I’ll be able to live with myself.”
“You didn’t feel that way before.”
“That was before. This is now.”
“What changed?”
“Everything.” I shrug. “Nothing.”
“Well, which is it? Everything or nothing?”
“Both.” I blow out a breath. “All I know is that right here with you is the only place I want to be. Take that as you will.”
