Ugh…I need to get out of my own head, and suddenly, I am.
Overcome with the gorgeousness of what Kai has done.
It’s a private patio, or at least it feels that way, surrounded by full, lush greenery, dotted with yellow, pink and red hibiscus flowers. It feels miles from anyone else, the ocean in front of us, a small table set for two with crisp white linens and expertly folded napkins. Silverware placed, plates stacked, flowers garnishing it all.
There’s an oversized chaise to the left of the table, a pergola surrounding the patio with soft, wispy curtains that are drawn back. With the sun just beginning to set, it’s a stunning display.
“Did you do all this?” I ask him, and he slings an arm around my shoulders. A loose, natural smile on his lips, and when I lean into him, I can smell that sweet scent that fills his car.
“A perk of working here,” he replies, again with his aloofness, like this isn’t a huge deal.
It is.
It totally is.
This had to have cost a fortune, not to mention the cost of the food and drinks too, as there’s a bottle of wine on the table, surrounded by a silver bucket piled high with ice.
“Kai, this is too much. I’m not sure this is something friends?—”
“Yeah, about that,” he starts, pulling a chair out for me, indicating for me to sit. “I kinda want to talk to you about something.”
“Okay.”
I can’t stop obsessing over the view and this gorgeous setup, as Kai pours us both a glass of wine. I want to ask a million questions about all of this, but he wants to talk.
Trying to give him my full attention, I look over, seeing him take a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
He is nervous, and it’s so damn adorable.
“So last night I was with the guys. Like when you had your girls’ night, and they were all giving me shit about liking you because, fuck, I don’t really get…” He pauses, shaking his head, his eyes unable to focus on me, and I giggle at how sweet it all is.
“But, yeah, so I like you, Quinn, and not just like friends. The fucking crazy thing is, I haven’t hooked up with anyone since I met you, and fuck, that’s so not me. And then my parents—my mom—was telling me that you’re kinda perfect for me. And I talk about you a lot. Fuck…”
He’s rambling, and my heart is hammering in my chest with each word he says. An excitement blooms within me, an attraction building, an attraction that has been there since day one.
Are we really going to do this?
A relationship?
I’m not even divorced yet.
“I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and it feels really fucking weird, but I think I kinda wanna give it a try. You know, like date. I know you’re still married, and maybe you don’t care to date some surf bum, but I’m putting myself out there.”
He’s looking at me now, his lips parted slightly, his breathing coming out in short, fast puffs of air, and again, I can’t handle all the honesty and adorableness.
It’s refreshing and a total change from what I’m used to.
“I mean, it’s okay if you’re, like, not interested because I have slept with a lot…” He trails off, his cheeks flushing at his admission. “Fuck, this is awkward.”
His muttered comment makes me laugh, and while it is a little awkward, it’s also adorable.
I reach across the table, taking his hand and threading our fingers together, smiling at him. He wets his lips, waiting for me to respond, and I don’t even know what to say.
I want to tell him yes. Jump headfirst into something with him, but I think we both know that’s not the best idea.
With me fresh out of an abusive relationship, and him probably freshly fucked by a bikini-clad tourist, we certainly make a disaster of a pair.
“How about this,” I start with a suggestion. “We keep this going.” I motion between us, both of us smiling now. “Just see where it goes. Because this is not a friendly dinner. This is most definitely a date, and I’m most definitely here for it.”
