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“In the little unit in the back. It works for me, but they see me coming and going.”
Her parents didn’t see her leave because she wasn’t sure where they were. She hadn’t seen her father’s car, which told her they were out, but they’d come home and see hers gone. They might think she just worked a long shift. That was her hope at least.
“Finding a place to live on the island is harder than affording one.”
“So I’ve heard,” she said. “I guess I got lucky. I’m too old to actually live with my parents.”
She spread the blanket out on the beach by a fire pit. There were chairs around so they didn’t need to, but she wanted the romantic feel to what he’d set up for her.
She wasn’t sure any man had done something this sweet for her before and she was going to savor it all along with the yummy food he’d put together for her.
He opened the basket and pulled out a bottle of wine. “I took a guess here, but if you don’t like it or want it, I’ve got water.”
“I’m not fussy when it comes to wine. A glass will go down well,” she said.
He opened the bottle and she poured them both a glass, which he’d included too. “I’ve got a bunch of finger foods. A few plates, but we don’t need them either.”
She smiled at him. “You thought of it all, didn’t you?”
“I figured out of everyone I’ve ever gone on a date with, you might appreciate this more than most.”
She wasn’t sure how to take that statement but then told herself she didn’t care. “I really do. It means a lot to me. I wish you’d let me do something for you though. This is the third time you’ve cooked for me. I almost don’t feel right offering to do it for you. It won’t be as good.”
“How about next time you bring the dessert.”
“I will,” she said. She wanted to this time, but he’d told her he had it covered.
And when they were done snacking on the variety of foods that he’d made, he pulled out fruit and cream. Easy and sweet to clean the palate after the spread he’d laid out.
Once the food was picked up, they sat there looking at the water and some boats in the distance. He pulled her close and put his arm around her when she shivered some since they were in the shade.
“Do you want a jacket?”
“I’m fine. Getting a lot of body heat from you.”
He turned and lifted her chin, his mouth dropping to hers. “I wouldn’t have done this on the public beach either.”
“It’s more romantic like this,” she said, turning and leaning into his body.
Somehow she ended up on her back, him on top of her but not squishing her. Just making her feel completely like a woman with a hot guy that wanted her.
And she knew he did because she could feel it against her body.
She wasn’t giving in to anything more than kissing, but he didn’t seem like the type to pressure her either.
After a few minutes he rolled over and they lay on the soft sand and looked out at the water and didn’t talk much at all. It was so peaceful. Something she hadn’t had in a long time.
When the sun started to set, Duke drove her back to his place, they kissed one more time and she took her leave. She supposed as first dates went it might be one of the best ever.
She’d said she’d talk to him soon. They both had to work tomorrow. Him at Duke’s so she wouldn’t see him. But it’s not like she saw him daily anyway.
She pulled into the driveway and saw her father’s car there, both of her parents on the deck. There was no way to avoid them seeing her and coming in before what would be a normal shift.
“Hi, Hadley,” her mother said, standing up. “You look pretty. I thought you might be working, but I guess not. Were you out with someone?”
“I was,” she said. She wouldn’t lie to them. “I had a date.”
“That’s nice,” her mother said.
