“So do I.” We head to the first hole and Ria takes in the surroundings. When I came across this place, I instantly knew she would love it. With its outdoor feel and the added bonus ofher being able to kick my ass, I knew I had to bring her here. She is fiercely competitive and it’s something I admire about her. Fire always burns brighter in her eyes when she has a challenge.
“This place is incredible. Look at the Ferris wheel.” She grabs hold of my arm, and the heat of her touch settles in my chest. I love how comfortable she is becoming, touching me in ways she has never done before. “Are there carnival games over there?”
“Yep. We can go over there after I’ve whooped your ass at crazy golf.” I wink.
“Fighting words.” Grinning wildly at me, she pulls me toward the hole. “Put your money where your mouth is.”
Before she can slip out of my hold, I lean down and whisper in her ear, “Either way I’m winning tonight.”
Swallowing, she takes a step back, shakes her head, and lines up her first shot. I watch as she checks the angles and hits the ball with perfect precision, and it sinks straight into the first hole. “Yes.” Bouncing up and down, she goes to retrieve her ball, and my heart flutters at how free she looks right now. “Come on. It's your turn.”
With each hole, she relaxes further, and I have taken every opportunity to have her in my space, kiss her neck, or tuck her into my side. We’re tied on points at the last hole, and her competitive streak takes over as she shakes me off and lines up her shot. She strikes the ball, and we both watch as it drops into the hole and she thrusts her hands into the sky. “I win.”
“Always so humble, Ri Ri.”
“No point in playing if you don’t want to win.” She dances next to me, and I huff out a laugh.
“You’re ridiculous. Come on, Rory Mcllroy, let’s get you some food before you show me up at the whack-a-mole.”
We are seated in the bright dining hall at a small booth that gives us the perfect view of the whole restaurant. Ivy trails from the ceiling, adding to the clean, vibrant style.
“I don’t know why but this isn’t what I expected.” Ria’s eyes bounce around, surveying the space.
“What do you mean?” I ask, trailing my fingers along her arm as she leans her head on my shoulder.
“This date. I had some posh six-course meal in my head.”
“You don’t need all that fluff.”
“I really don’t.” She sighs. “You really do listen, don’t you?”
“To what’s important, yes.”
Shifting slightly so she’s staring straight at me, blue eyes sparkling, she says softly, “You’re special, Leo.”
I dust the backs of my knuckles down her cheek, my tone light when I reply, “There’s nothing special about me, Ri Ri.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit.” She rests her head back on my shoulder and wraps her arm across me, her palm grazing my abs and making me tense. “I’ve always known you were different, unique. Based on this date and how you’ve treated me, you’re pretty good at being someone’s partner.”
“I didn’t want to be just anyone’s partner. There has only ever been one person who has made me want to stand still.” She tenses and she tries to remove her hand, but I halt her, intertwining our fingers. “You make me want to slow down.” She doesn’t look at me as I continue to show her a small part of my truth. “To breathe slower, be calmer, clear my mind.” Bringing her hand to rest on my chest, she splays her fingers. “This beats differently around you. Faster, harder, louder.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean the reason I’ve never had a girlfriend, Ri Ri, is because they were never you.”
As we walk into Ria’s house, my heart is thundering in my chest. I’ve been fun and flirty all evening. I’ve made sure she hasn’t had to think about anything. I’ve looked after everything, and now I’m going to look after her in a completely different way. After what I told her at dinner, I wasn't sure how she was going to react, but she stayed close and was more intimate and flirty. But now as she fidgets with her keys, I’m worried she’s overthinking everything. Clasping her hands, I take the keys from her, placing them on the sideboard. “Do you trust me?”
“Yes.” She swallows roughly.
“Can you go into your bedroom and wait for me?” Nodding, she looks up at me with a hint of vulnerability but a hell of a lot of desire. “Good. I just need to get some things.” She slowly walks away, peering over her shoulder at me, and I give her a reassuring smile. Once she is out of view, I let out a long breath before heading to the kitchen. Collecting some ice in one of Ria’s black mugs and bottles of water from the fridge, I gather my thoughts and walk up the stairs to her room. The door is slightly ajar and I release a stuttering breath. I need to be confident. I need her to trust me, and if I waver, she won’t. I have never once wavered before; this is where I come alive.
Pushing open the door, I almost let my confidence fall as my eyes land on Ria, sitting on the edge of her bed, hands clasped on her lap. “Jesus, you look perfect.” Her vulnerable gaze swings to me.
“What do I need to do? Oh, God.” She rubs her temples. “I’m already shit at this.” She goes to stand. Quickly, I place the water and ice on the dresser and gently push her back to sit on the bed.
Tilting her face up with two fingers, I say calmly, “You’re nervous. But we can fix that.” Reaching up, I release the tie from around my neck and undo the top buttons of my shirt. Holding the material out, I drape it over her eyes, tying the silk around her and securing the fabric with a knot. Her chest heaves as Iglide the backs of my fingers across her cheeks. “How does that feel?”
“Okay, but why don’t you want me to see you?” Her voice wobbles slightly and she holds her hands in her lap.
