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"Okay."

"Okay?"

She smiles.

"You can drive me home."

I take her keys.

Neither of us seems particularly interested in getting back to Oakridge quickly. So I take the long way.

Maddy notices somewhere around Miller Road.

"This isn't the fastest way home."

"No."

She turns to look at me.

"No road construction?"

"Not that I know of."

"No detour?"

"No."

Her smile grows.

"So we're just taking the long way."

"That's the idea."

"I like that idea."

"So do I."

Her laugh is soft.

A few miles later, she rests her hand on the console between us. I look at it. Then at her. I take her hand and bring it to my mouth. My lips brush over the back of it. Her eyes stay on mine. Mine have to return to the road. Hers don't. Not right away. I can feel her looking at me. Then she turns toward the window. I keep her hand in mine. She doesn't pull away. The miles pass. After a while, I stop thinking about it. Her hand is simply there. In mine. Like that's where it belongs.

When we pull into her driveway, the porch light is on. Maddy looks toward the house.

"Mom's waiting up."

I smile.

"Of course she is."

"She'll deny it."

"Of course she will."

I get out and walk her to the porch. At the door, she turns toward me.

"I had a really good time tonight."

"So did I."