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He stops what he’s doing and gives me all his attention, smiling as he says, “You look happy. How was Poppy?”
“She gave me a lesson in understanding men.”
“Was it useful?”
“Apparently not. She thinks I need more lessons.” My gaze drops to his chest. “I don’t like buttons. I mean, who designed them and why? They’re ugly little things that serve absolutely no purpose.” I look back at his face and find a whole lot of heat there. “I really want to negotiate your preference for wearing clothes with them.”
Amusement joins that heat in his eyes. “What would you suggest I wear instead?”
“It’s a no-brainer really. Why wear a shirt when you can wear nothing?” I shrug. “Or just wear a tie and jacket. I could get behind that. Although, I have picked up on your preference for no ties, and I’m good with that too.”
Bradford strides back into the kitchen. Looking regretful, he says, “Something’s come up. I have to go.” He glances at me. “Hiking is now an option for you. Nothing too strenuous, though. Owen and I are golfing on Sunday, and I need him at the top of his game.”
“You’ve obviously never hiked with Owen. He prefers strenuous activity.”
Bradford smiles. It’s not a full smile but I’m not sure I can imagine a full smile on this man. I’ve met him twice now and both times he appeared intense like he doesn’t have a lot of time for fun in his life. Like maybe he doesn’t find many reasons to let loose and laugh. “The pleasure was all mine, Charlize,” he says before leaving.
“How long have you known Bradford?” I ask Owen once we’re alone.
“Since we were five.”
“Did you go to school together?”
“Yes.”
“And you two golf?”
He chuckles. “You say that like golf is a bad thing.”
“Well, doesn’t it get a little boring? There’s so much walking, which I’m usually okay with, but there has to be scenery or else it’s just one long stroll of nothingness. How long does a game take?”
“It depends how many are playing and whether you walk or use a cart. Our games take roughly three to four hours.”
“Don’t ever ask me to play golf with you. That’s four hours I’ll never get back in my life.”
“What would you prefer I ask you to do with me?”
“I’m good with hiking. Real hiking, I mean. I love the beach and anything that involves water. I really am a mermaid, just FYI, even if I can’t confirm their actual existence. If you ever want to take an art class, I’m your girl. And visiting art galleries, I’m here for that. Live music too. And watching movies with the worst reviews of life. I’m all over that. Oh! And dancing. I already know you do that very well, so let the record show I would like to do more of that with you.”
“You like to watch movies that have bad reviews?”
“Why are you looking at me like that? I mean, you’re the one who likes to play golf. That’s worse than watching bad movies.”
“I would argue that.”
“And I would argue right back at you.”
His eyes sparkle. “I’ll watch a bad movie with you if you play a game of golf with me.”
“That is a horrific suggestion.”
More of that sparkle. “It’s the best way to settle this.”
“It’s the best way to settle thatI’mright.”
“I’m willing to take that gamble.”
“I feel like you’re taking advantage of me while I’m intoxicated.”
