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Am I seriously contemplating fighting a giraffe?
Fred licks Lexie’s face.
Yep, I am totally fighting a giraffe.
“Back off, buddy,” I tell him. “She’s taken.”
Lexie’s head snaps in my direction. She doesn’t say anything, just smiles. I smile back because that’s what looking at her does to me. Jesus, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing or how the hell this could work, but I have to figure something out.
We feed Fred and a couple of his friends until they’ve had their fill.
The staff was kind to supply us with several photos of us feeding the giraffes. One of the employees asked if she could take a picture with me. After the kindness they showed Lexie and me, how could I say no.
“I’m so sorry, but is it okay if I take a few quick pictures with the staff?”
“Okay? Are you kidding me?” Lexie takes the phone from one of the employees and starts to snap the photos. She also manages to get hold of a marker so I can do sign autographs.
I don’t know how much of our day we spent doing that, but she never complained. She just took it in stride, smiled and chatted with everyone, even gave away a few of my secrets, I’m sure.
Perfect. That’s precisely what she is.
When we finish, we head to a nearby snack shop and begin to flip through the photos. The one of Fred licking her is my favorite; the look on her face is priceless. I notice one out of the corner of my eye, and I yank it from her hand. She protests, but I don’t care. It’s a picture of us, just smiling. We look good together, damn good. And happy.
“I love this picture.” She’s pointing at the picture that has captured my attention.
“Me, too,” I admit. And her. I can’t admit that, though. Not yet.
We stare at each other for a beat. I can feel the magnetism between us that pulls us in and won’t let go. We’re moving in for the kiss, one I’m afraid once it starts, won’t stop. At the last second, she turns her head and stands from the bench, her back to me.
“Lex…”
“What’s next?” she asks as she turns around.
“Penguins,” I tell her. At least it’s cold in there. I could use some time to cool off.
We see a few more animals, then head out just before the zoo closes. I’m not ready to go home yet, though. So, rather than head home, I detour to a beach.
“You are full of surprises today,” Lexie comments.
She has no idea. The one brewing in my head is a doozy.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”
“It’s mostly the company.” She pauses, smiling at me as she sets the blanket down.
We’re seated next to each other, legs stretched out in front of us.
With everything that’s happened, every damn lie that’s been between us, I decide it’s time for me to come clean.
“You’re not the only one who’s been lying.”
“What did you lie about?”
“I don’t even know where to start. Christ, there’s so much I need to tell you.”
“It doesn’t matter, Carter. What’s done is done.”
“I want to be honest with you. I want you to know the truth. And if I’m being honest with myself, I need to get this off my chest.” I take a deep breath and blow it out.
