“Staying in is good.” I smell my rose and put it on the kitchen counter.
“Is your sister working?”
“Yeah she is pulling a weekend at the hospital. So it’s just you and me.” He winks and I blush. “I thought we could eat out here on the terrace.”
He pulls back a curtain to reveal a table set up with lit candles and more flowers. “Wow.” I am touched at the effort he put into this date.
“Are you impressed?”
“I am. After spending time with my friends, I was almost expecting beer and pizza.” I laugh.
“That’s because you’ve been spending your time with boys.” Hunter brushes his hand over mine and squeezes once before pulling my chair out. “Wine?” he offers.
“Um… water. I still have to drive home, and I am only eighteen.”
“I’m not legal either he laughs. I’ll be twenty-one next semester, but Jill keeps the fridge stocked. It helps her unwind after a long shift.”
“I better stick with the water tonight. Maybe next time though.”
“So there is going to be a next time?”
“I think so.”
He brings me a plate of mushroom and cheese stuffed ravioli that is to die for. He’s actually at the university on a swimming scholarship. He could have gone to the Olympics but hurt his shoulder. He could lose his scholarship if he loses his ability to swim competitively.
Hunter doesn’t seem to be concerned about it, and I don’t push the subject.
After dinner we move to the living room and he turns on a movie.
“I’m glad you came tonight.”
“I’m glad we bumped into each other at that party.”
“I have a confession.”
“You do?”
“One of my scholarships is through your Uncle Cooper and when he showed me your picture, I remembered you from summer camp. I am embarrassed to admit this, but I looked you up and found your Picsnap profile and used the find my friend feature to bump into you at the party. I wasn’t even invited.”
I cover my mouth. “Are you serious? You know Cooper?”
“Yeah. I interned for him last summer. He knows my dad. But I am more concerned with the fact that you didn’t bat an eye that I practically stalked you to stage running into you.”
“It’s kind of sweet.”
He leans closer. “I think you’re sweet.”
“You do, huh?”
“Mhmm,” he murmurs and moves forward to kiss me. Our lips meet and he prods at my lips demanding entrance and I give it to him. The kiss is gentle and slow. Still no butterflies but I tell myself there could be one day.
Chapter 15
Liri
“God, that feels amazing.” I let out a moan as strong firm hands massage my calves.
Hayley giggles. “It must. You sound like you are about to experience a big O.”