“It’s a surprise.” He smiles boyishly, looking almost shy.
I’m not sure why I assumed we were going to dinner. Maybe because dinner is the standard first date, at least the standard first date I’m used to. His only instructions to me earlier today when I tried to pry information out of him about where we were going were to dress like we’re going to a cocktail party and to pack an overnight bag. He made sure to clarify several timesthere wasn’t going to be any pressure tonight, but that we would be leaving town.
“Calm down,” he says, picking up on my panic. “You’ll like it. Trust me.”
I’m halfway shocked Ethan didn’t blindfold me the moment we got inside his truck. He’s being that secretive. As someone who equally hates and loves surprises, this is excruciating. I will commit sacrilegious acts to scratch the itch of instant gratification, such as reading the last page in a romance novel, even though I know the couple will end up together in the end. I have to spoil it for myself. Once, when we were in college, Hillary threw me a surprise party for my twenty-first birthday. I loved it, but I was also irritated I wasn’t part of the planning process. Basically, there is no pleasing me, so whatever Ethan has up his sleeve has me both intrigued and frustrated.
“You’re losing it, aren’t you?” His lips twitch, the corners curling upward, betraying his attempt to suppress a smirk. He’s clearly enjoying this a bit too much. I’ve already made up my mind to plan our next date.
Red Mountain disappears behind us as Ethan gets on the highway toward Badger Canyon.
“We’re going to Badger Canyon?”
He nods. “It’s our first stop.”
First stop?How many stops are we doing?
The drive is silent, with the radio playing low in the background. My mind races, overthinking, worried that maybe agreeing to this date was a bad idea. My plans haven’t changed; come January, I’ll still be leaving. It’s going to be so much harder with this added complication.
Rather than drive through town, Ethan turns on a random road I don’t recognize, and I couldn’t be more confused. I assumed we were going to Badger Canyon because of their nicer restaurants, but we’re nowhere near a restaurant—or town, for that matter.
When he turns again, my stomach drops as I read theBadger Canyon Airportsign.
My head whips to him. “Please tell me we’re not jumping out of a plane.”
He laughs, parking and turning off the truck. “Why would I tell you to wear a dress and then make you jump out of a plane?”
Opening the door for me, he grabs my hand to help me down.
“If this is our first stop? How many places are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He snakes his arm around my lower back. The heat of his large palm settling on my hip sends a thrill up my spine.
Obviously, we’re doing something with planes, why else would we be here? I’m still convinced I’m going to be forced into jumping out of a plane.
I let him take the lead, and he guides us toward an open field, which I realize is more of a rustic landing strip.
“So, we’re not jumping out of a plane and there isn’t a plane nearby? I have to tell you, I don’t think I’ve ever been more confused on a date than I am right now.”
He laughs, pulling me closer to him, and places a light kiss on my forehead. The gesture makes me feel all warm and gooey inside.
A low whirr sounds in the distance, and it keeps getting closer and closer. Meanwhile, Ethan has his focus aimed at the sky, like he’s looking for something.
After a while, the source of the whirring appears in the form of a helicopter.
What. The. Hell.
My head snaps to look at Ethan, where I find him holding back a smile.
“A helicopter!” I yell. “Are you kidding me?”
Now he’s smiling so widely, it’s nearly splitting his face.
Oh, he’s good. I don’t stand a chance at fighting this. Not that I ever intended to, but this is straight out of a reality dating show. This isn’t real life. Everyday people don’t fly in helicopters for a first date.
“You’re kidding,” I repeat. I keep waiting for the punchline to hit.
He shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs like it’s nothing. “I’m quite serious.”
