Page 49 of Abandoned

He stood there, goofy grin stretched across his face. “Hey, gorgeous. Ready for a night on the town?”

She stepped out of her apartment, closing the door and locking it, then sauntered to Will and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I am.”

He offered his elbow. “Then let’s roll.”

She slid her hand around his arm, giddier than she’d ever been before.

Chapter Thirteen

After dinner, Zara let Will beat her at a game of mini golf. Okay, he beat her fair and square, but she wasn’t about to admit that to him. During the game, she’d revealed her slight obsession with her teal-colored hair ties when she’d dropped one she had been fidgeting with and had to go back and find it. He endeared himself to her even more in that he didn’t roll his eyes but helped her find it instead.

As they left the Putt-Putt place, he took her hand. “Wanna stroll down to the park?”

“That’d be nice.”

The park was down the street and had a delightful walking path with a quaint bridge over a creek. They walked hand in hand, though Zara wasn’t sure her feet were actually touching the ground. Was she floating? Because it felt like it.

So far, their date had been filled with chatting, joking, and laughing. Will was so fun. She’d never felt so at ease with herself as she did right now.

They walked along the path, and when they reached the bridge, Zara let go of his hand and went to the railing and folded her arms on the top. The water ran over the rocks beneath, rippling and making the current undeniable.

Will came up beside her and wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning his head down to meet the side of hers.

She ran her hands along his arms and breathed in his affection.

The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting pinks and oranges across the sky. It was perfect. Not that they needed the sky to enhance the romantic mood.

Country music played in the distance, probably from the pub down the creek with outdoor volleyball courts that had been full when they drove by after dinner.

Will swayed to the music, and she followed his lead. He stepped back and turned her toward him.

His eyes flashed with delight. His hand slid down her arm until he firmly took her hand. He lifted it and spun her around.

Her skirt flared out in a perfect little twirl. As she circled around, she moved her feet side to side in a simple dance.

Will drew her close and stepped to the beat of the music. His free hand slid around her waist, and they danced.

She laid her head on his shoulder, every fiber of her being fully engaged in the tender moment.

He spun her around again, but this time, instead of his hand reaching for her waist, he raked his fingers into her hair and drew her face close to his.

His broad smile beamed. “Remember that kiss I promised?”

“I didn’t realize it was a promise.” She bit her lip.

“I said I would.” His smile faded a touch. “My word is good.”

The blood in every vessel in her cheeks ran hotter than normal.

His gaze traveled to her lips and back to her eyes.

She giggled.

He dropped her hand and found her lower back, drawing her body closer to his.

She pressed her hands against his chest and kept her lips just out of Will’s reach, but barely. Her giggle was uncontainable.

“What?”