I interrupted. “Happy endings. Not sappy.”
“Oh right, so you think there’s a difference?”
“We can debate that some other time. What else strikes you about my profile?”
For whatever reason, I didn’t want to admit how much we had in common, but it was plain as the sun currently dipping under the horizon. “We have a few things in common. Sand in our toes. Thrillers. Art. Movies. Bold red wine.” I gesturedtoward him with my wine glass, which was nearly empty. He filled it without me asking.
“When I have a good book to read, I stay up until two in the morning reading too,” Dorian said. “Anyone who doesn’t is suspect.”
“I agree.”
He reached back into the basket and pulled out a paperback. “This just came in last week. Kept me up for three nights in a row. I brought it for you. Very twisty. You’ll love it.”
I took it from his outstretched hand. “That was nice of you.” It truly was. He was thoughtful, considerate. I could get used to this.
He grinned. “You haven’t mentioned the most important thing we have in common. No talking during movies.”
“God, I hate that.”
“I do too. It’s awful, when you’re in the zone and someone’s talking to you or commenting on the film. Zero tolerance.”
I laughed. “I’m with you. Okay, why separate bowls for the popcorn?”
“I don’t like other people’s hand in my popcorn,” Dorian said.
“Not even someone you know well? Or love?”
“It’s untested so far,” Dorian said. “But I’d be willing to try. With you.”
We exchanged a smile before he poured himself a little more wine.
“Do you think I’m scary?” I asked. “Annie says I am.”
“You’re utterly terrifying.”
I nudged him with my elbow. “I can’t believe you said that.”
“I’d have asked you out a year ago, but you’re intimidating,” Dorian said.
“I can’t help it.” I sipped some of the wine, rolling it over on my tongue. “My mother told me more than once that no one would want to marry me because of my sharp tongue. This wasrich, coming from her. The woman had a forked tongue, both sides as sharp as a dull knife. Which is the most painful kind.”
I had the urge to tell him more but I didn’t. My mother was a complicated subject, and we were having fun. I’d save that for another time. I glanced over at him to see that he was watching me, his eyes glittering in the last of the sunset light.
“What?” I asked. “Do I have something in my teeth.”
“No, not that I can see. I was just wondering how many dates before you let me kiss you?”
I let out a long breath. “Do you know how long it’s been? Sometimes I can’t even remember what it feels like.”
“I can remind you.”
“It seems big.”
“Too big?” Dorian asked.
“No. A little frightening, though.”
“You scared? Nowthat’sa twist.”
