“How many scary movies have you watched?”
“Too many, probably.”
I grinned secretly. He was adorable when he was nervous. “It’s not far. I thought we might enjoy the nice weather while it lasts. It’s public, don’t worry.”
“Sorry,” he murmured. “I don’t do this often. Go out and stuff, that is. With…people.”
“Neither do I. Most of my dates end up in my bed a few times, then I rarely see them again. I’m trying hard to break that habit.” My attention was on the road, but I could see out of my periphery that he was looking at me.
He inhaled deeply and looked away again. “That’s not a bad thing. I—I like to get to know the person first.”
“I’m going to get it out of my system, so don’t mind me, okay?” I put on my best sexy voice. “We know each other so well already, baby boy. Want to come home with me?”
He snickered and I was glad he’d taken it as intended.
“Look, we’re here,” I said, motioning in front of us.
“You’re taking me to Navy Pier?” he asked, pressing his cheek against the window to get a look at the sky wheel. “I haven’t been in ages.”
“Good. I’m sure I can find something new to woo you with.”
“You already do a good job at wooing,” he said distantly, his attention on the activity. I thought he’d let his words slip, but I wasn’t sure.
I pulled into the parking garage and found an empty spot. I did a double check to make sure I had my wallet and keys then stepped out. I slipped into my jacket, the air a bit nippy for a simple shirt, especially near the lake.
“I didn’t think to bring anything,” Jake said as he got out, smoothing his sweater down his arms.
“Are you cold? Come a little closer. I’ll warm you up,” I said and winked.
“No, not yet. I’m sure I’ll be okay.”
“I promise to be a gentleman and give you my jacket if you get cold. Deal?”
He shook his head, trying to hide his smile between his teeth. “You’re something else.”
Tossing an arm around his shoulders, I pulled him close. “I promised I’d behave. But if you catch a chill, let me know.”
“Okay,” he murmured.
I quickly let go, not wanting to scare him. It was weird to me, not being handsy with romantic prospects. We entered the pier through the parking garage and were greeted with a gentle breeze. People walked back and forth, talking, laughing, and generally having a good time. As we moseyed along the docks looking at the boats, he stuck close to me. I hadn’t thought that crowds might agitate him. I couldn’t deny that I liked him seeking out my protection, however.
“Look at that one,” he said, pointing to a white yacht on the lake.
“Luxury liner,” I said, spotting the boat floating on the water in the distance.
“Do you own a boat?” He inquired.
“No. But I do have access to one.”
Stopping in his tracks, he narrowed his eyes on me. “Another part of the surprise?”
“Maybe. Do you want to take a boat ride?”
Looking off into the distance, he was silent for a long while. “Maybe next time.”
“Are you cold?”
“No, it’s not too bad.”
