Samantha
The sun is setting right outside my window as I get ready for my date with Asher. I can hear my father getting his afternoon cocktail ready in the living room.
“Would you make me a cocktail daddy?” I ask.
I walk into the living room to join him.
“Just a splash of rum, okay?”
“Sure thing.”
In the end, he mixes my drink with more rum than I would have liked. Typical.
“Here you go darling,” he says as he hands me the highball glass.
I take a sip.
“I’m so excited about this date. What’s not to love about a rich Texas rancher?”
I really want to throw my drink in my dad’s face, but I hold back. This is not the time or the place. We talk a little more about the ranch and then the doorbell rings.
“Do you mind if we don’t do the social thing? I’m nervous enough as it is.”
“Sure darling.”
My dad comes over and gives me a peck on the cheek.
I go to the door and open it.
“Well, hello there.”
“Good evening,” he says.
“I’m Asher,” he says, holding out his hand.
I just shrug and he puts his hand down.
We just stand there staring at each other. I can feel something in the bottom of my belly, but I can’t tell if it’s a good sign or a bad sign.
“I thought we’d eat at the Grey Moss Inn.”
“Wow, that’s a great place.”
When we finally get to the restaurant, Asher parks his truck way out on the edge of the parking lot.
“Shall we?”
I unbuckle my seatbelt and grab my purse before opening the door and swinging my long legs out. I misjudge how lifted his truck is, and I stop myself- not knowing if I can make the jump.
Asher sees the confusion on my face and laughs.
“Here, let me get you.”
Asher gets out of the truck and comes around to my side. I sit on the edge of the seat, ready to give him my hands so he can help. But he seems to have a different idea. Instead, he places his hands on my waist and lifts me out of the truck and onto the ground.
I feel his strength, and even though I could have done this on my own- I’m enjoying the closeness.
They have our table waiting for us, so we are seated right away. The restaurant interior is lit up by candlelight and dim lights placed strategically around the room. It’s absolutely stunning.