“I actually have another appointment,” he said, shoving his hands in his pockets. “But, like, maybe we could go out sometime?”
“On a date?” Please let him mean on a date. I couldn’t think of anything better than spending more time with him other than spending forever together. Gah, if I said those words out loud he’d think I was a creepy, soon-to-be stalker and serial killer like on Dateline.
“Yeah? Unless that’s stepping over a boundary.”
“No!” I’d already made him feel self-conscious. Ugh. “I’d like to go on a date with you.”
His phone started to beep. “I really need to go. I’ll text you and we can pick a date and time?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I didn’t want him to leave, and I watched him every step of the way to his vehicle, out the driveway, and down the street. I already missed him. My koala did too. It was safe to say I was going to be watching my phone from now until he texted.
My koala pushed me to go after him, and I compromised by making a cup of tea. It was hardly the same thing, but it worked.
We have a date!I shot a quick message to Steven.
Another step forward.He added a heart.
That was exactly what I wanted, too… to keep moving forward. Would I like it at shifter mating speed? Absolutely. But this would do. This would do.
7
HARI
“I hope Remy likes my choice of venue and doesn’t think it’s weird.”
“Night, boss. Looking good. Don’t burn the place down.”
My instructions to Remy were to dress up because the venue was fancy. I’d told him to meet me at the showroom, and he’d no doubt be thinking we’d go to the restaurant from there. But there was nothing better than having a meal on and surrounded by our furniture.
We had a living room and a dining area. The large mahogany table was set with silver cutlery and large silver candle holders. A bottle of wine was tucked into an ice bucket and hors d’oeuvres were on the coffee table.
I hadn’t cooked, but I’d asked Remy if he had food allergies and what his preferences were. If he didn’t like the meal, we could go for burgers and eat in the park.
Standing back and admiring the scene, I patted my shoulder and said, “Good job.”
The phone dinged.I’m here. If you're not ready, I can park.
Yes, do that, please, and come in.
I had a moment of self-doubt and wished I’d booked a restaurant.
“Too late now.” After straightening my jacket, I opened the door and hugged Remy.
“Nice.” He kissed my cheek and insisted I turn around. “I need the full 360.”
He looked pretty good too. He was yummy, good enough to eat, but I kept that to myself.
Taking his hand, I led him toward the living room setting. He surveyed the scene, and his brows shot up, but that was followed by a big smile.
“Oh, we’re having nibbles here before we go out.” He clapped and slung an arm around my shoulder. “How clever.” He gave me another kiss on the cheek.
He plonked himself on the sofa and took one of the hors d’oeuvres. His eyes lit up. “Yum. Did you make these?”
I wished I had, but I was friends with the owner of the deli in the next street and he’d sent them over.
“Nope.” I took a smoked salmon one. “A friend.”
