Page 128 of Hiding in the Outfield

“Ohhh! Are we going to The Green Roof?”

His shoulders slump. “Damn. Really wish I had a better car. I wanted to surprise you.”

“Hey,” I say softly, and give his thigh a squeeze. “Whether I found out right now or when we arrived, it’s still a surprise. A good surprise.” I’ve only been there once, and it was for a work event. It’s a beautiful spot, and with tonight’s soft breeze, it’ll be gorgeous.

A half hour later, we’re walking into the restaurant and up to the hostess.

“I have a reservation under Olander,” he says.

Jackson’s fingers twitch in mine, his hand a little clammy.

She smiles at us. “Right this way, gentlemen. We have your private seating area all ready.”

I glance at Jackson from the corner of my eye. His face is an unreadable mask, but it’s impossible to miss the tension in his shoulders. They’re about as immovable as the brick of this building.

I squeeze his hand as we ascend the stairs and shoot him a comforting smile. His eyes brighten slightly.

The hostess leads us out onto the rooftop. Ivy and greenery climb over trellises and wind through pergolas. Potted palms and ferns dot the stone patio and frame seating areas, creating private alcoves.

Accordion glass doors are pushed open to the true patio. The restaurant is all-season, all weather. The glass room closes when it’s too cool or too rainy to be outside.

We keep walking through the doors onto the open patio. Plush patio furniture with blue gas fire pits are scattered throughout. She leads us to a small sectional in a private corner.

“Here you are. Scan the QR code there, and you can place your order. All food comes out as it’s ready. You can also pop over to the bar whenever you want. Just give him your table number and last name.”

I murmur my thanks, and Jackson and I sit. He fidgets with the seam of his dress pants. “Is this spot okay? Is it too hot out here? Maybe we should move inside where there’s air conditioning?”

Dear Lord. I scooch up to him, grab his face, and plant a hard kiss on his mouth. “Stop.” I kiss him again. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

For the first time all night, he softens. His forehead drops against mine, and he lets out a breath he was probably holding since he stepped into my house.

“I’m really nervous,” he admits.

I skate my knuckles over his cheek. “Am I that terrifying?”

He blinks. “Yes.”

I bark out a laugh.

“I’ve never done this,” he says quietly, staring at his hands. “I’ve never taken anyone on a date. And you…” His gaze slips up to meet mine, the flickering flame reflecting in his eyes. “You’re the most incredible person I’ve ever met, Frankie. I just want the night to be worthy of you.”

My heart melts into a puddle.

I slide my hand up and down his thigh. A thrill runs through me that I get to do that. In public. I get to touch this man. I get to let everyone know he’s mine. I swallow hard.

“Jackson…” His name comes out rough with the emotion that’s been building in me since I started getting ready for tonight. “The skies could open up right now and drench us. The food could come out burnt and inedible. You could spill your drink on me. Better yet, we could accidentally light something on fire. And it would still be the perfect date.” I gently take his arm and encourage him to wrap it around me. “All I need for a perfect date…is you.”

His arm tightens around me. “Me too, babe.”

“All right, boyfriend. Let’s order some tapas. And maybe some alcohol. That’ll loosen you up.” I wink.

A couple drinks and an impressive amount of food—most of which was eaten by Jackson—later, we’re snuggled up in the corner of the sectional.

My head is resting in the crook of his shoulder, one leg strung over his lap, his arm securely behind me. “Thank you for an amazing night.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “It feels surreal. To be able to be with you like this. The hostess didn’t even blink twice when we walked in. Did you notice that? She was so nice.”

I tilt my head back so I can see his face. He steals a quick kiss, and I grin. I shift back a little, my fingers drifting lazily over his chest. “This world…is full of love and hate. You grew up in a portion skewed toward hate. But there is love, Jackson. A lot of it.”