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“I thought we were going to finish eating,” Samantha paused in confusion. “My father said we had an hour.”
“He’s testing me – and I’d like to make sure we can do this again. I’m coming to dinner tomorrow night, so I’d like to have my front teeth in place when my girlfriend inspects my mouth once again because she’s nervous about dating me,” he teased softly, and she nodded in understanding.
“Grab the pizza and I’ll get my purse.”
“I’ll shut the hangar door.”
“Toby?”
He hesitated and looked at her curiously. She couldn’t help but realize that maybe there was a time and place for everything… including falling for him.
“I think maybe you should kiss me goodnight here – and not on the front porch of my house,” she began hesitantly, smiling shyly. “I like your smile – a lot.”
“Smart and beautiful,” he whispered, drawing her into his arms again, kissing her tenderly.
Sure enough, Toby had been right.
Her father was indeed testing him – and waiting on the front porch. Every light was on in the house behind him, and she knew her mother was inside, probably upset at how her dad was acting.
Tomorrow’s dinner would certainly be eventful.
Toby pulled the car into the driveway, turned it off, and was on his best behavior. He opened the passenger side door for her, walking her up to the porch before greeting her father.
“Mr. Sloan, thank you for a little more time with your daughter.”
“You’re early.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good,” her dad grunted in approval, crossing his arms over his chest.
Toby turned to her, hiding a slight smile.
“Goodnight, Samantha,” he began, leaning forward and kissing her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
“Goodnight, Toby,” she replied politely, fighting back her own smile as she met his bright, dancing eyes.
“Text me later…” he whispered mischievously, referring to when they were teenagers, and used to text each other all the time. She nodded, biting her lip, and unable to hold back her smile any longer.
“Goodnight, Toby…” her father called out pointedly.
“Goodnight, Mr. Sloan – thank you again.”
“Six.”
“Six sharp, sir…” Toby grinned, turning away from Samantha to give her father a slight salute in acknowledgement.
She watched as he practically jogged back over to the driver’s side door and slid inside without a second glance. As he backed out of the driveway, she heard her father’s heavy sigh behind her.
“Your mother is inside,” he mumbled.
“Thank you, Daddy…” Samantha began and looked at him. For the first time, she saw the crow’s feet at his eyes and some furrows on his brow, along with the faint streaks of grey that were getting deeper at his temples. “I know it irritates you, but he’s really very sweet and I like him.”
“I know you do.”
“Then why don’t you like him?”
“Sam…”
