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“Of a sort…”
“Seth!”
“This one’s different,” he promised as he pulled away from the curb. “We’ll be sharing it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Impatient?” He winked. “You’ll have to wait and see.”
Her brow furrowed. “I’m not sure I can handle two gifts in a week.”
“It won’t kill you. But if it does, I know this cute nurse volunteer…”
“Now you’re just flirting.” She sent him a chiding glance.
“Caught on to that, did you?”
“It was hard to miss.” She pressed a melodramatic hand to her chest in jest. “And I’m not sure your intentions are honorable, Sir.”
Oh, they’re quite dishonorable, especially if you call me Sir again.
Seth grinned. “I’ll get back to you on that.”
She giggled.
Fifteen minutes later, they reached the park and scouted a spot beneath the shade of a huge oak tree. Heavenly spread out the checkered blanket he’d scrounged up, then she watched him set the wicker basket down before he settled beside her.
“A picnic? How exciting!” She lifted the lid and withdrew a bottle of wine, various cheeses, sliced meats nestled in wax paper, and warm, crusty bread. She oohed and aahed over small jars of olives, pickles, and other condiments. Last but not least, she plucked free two large slices of raspberry-almond tart. “Wow! There’s enough food here to feed an army.”
“I haven’t been on a picnic in years, but when you called, I thought why not do it up right?”
“Where did you find such scrumptious goodies?”
“I have my talents. One of them is knowing where to find good grub.” Maybe you’d like me to introduce you to my other talents, too?
He’d heard plenty over the years that he had a very talented tongue…
“Well, wherever you found lunch, it looks amazing. Should I dish us each a plate?”
The fact that she wanted to serve him should not make him harder, but… “Please.”
He reclined against the trunk of the tree and watched her make him a sandwich. She took direction well, putting together his meal exactly as he requested it. Then she handed him a plate, along with a corkscrew and the wine.
“Could you open this? I don’t know how.”
He broke the seal. “Have you tried Chianti before?”
Heavenly shook her head. “I’ve never actually tried wine at all.”
“Really?” Seth paused. “If you don’t drink or have an objection, I also brought sparkling water.”
She waved his concern away. “No, I just haven’t had a chance to try wine. I’ve been saving the bottle you gave me for a special occasion.”
“In that case, I might have one or two other things I’d like to introduce you to,” he drawled.
Her eyes brightened as if the prospect excited her. “Like what?”
For starters, what would you do if I leaned in and kissed you?
Seth hesitated. He couldn’t stay in California much longer, so today might be his only chance. On the other hand, his gut warned him she wasn’t ready. If he scared her now, she’d never give him another opportunity.
Holding in a curse, he downshifted. “In good time. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“Before today, I would have said I’m not into surprises, but I love this one so far.”
Seth hoped that if—no, when—they did something more personal together, she’d love those surprises even more.
For now, he took the glasses, poured a generous serving into each, then handed her one. He lifted his own. “Well, then… To sunny days, new friends, and exciting surprises.”
“I like that.” She clinked her glass with his, then sniffed at the fruity aroma. “Do I sip this?”
Damn, she was so innocent. “Have you eaten yet today?”
She shook her head. “I usually skip breakfast.”
While he’d love to see her without inhibitions and she might be a cute little drunk, he wanted her sober. “Then drink slowly, especially until we get some food in you.”
With a cautious nod, she tipped the glass to her rosy lips and closed her eyes. Her throat worked. Watching her was a sensual experience, and Seth couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow corrupting her.
Fuck, he loved that idea.
“Well?”
Her face lit up. “I like it. A lot.”
“Good. Try it with some cheese.”
They ate together, savoring the food and vino. When they were replete, they lazed in companionable silence, too full to move, and watched the other parkgoers around them enjoying the weather. People trekked the flowered walking path. Children laughed and played. The warm day had even tempted a few sunbathers.
She closed her eyes beside him and sighed softly. “I never do this.”
“Do what?” He turned to her. “Come to the park? Or take time out for yourself?”
“Both. It’s nice.”
“Why not?”
She gave him a lazy grin. “Well, first, I’m originally from Wisconsin. We don’t do picnics in December.”
“Isn’t this weather insane? But in a good way.” He held up his hand as if he could capture the sun. “Believe me, days like this in New York are in May or September, but December? We’re huddled around a fire watching football or something.”
