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She didn’t need a second warning or invitation.
Grabbing her keys off the counter where she’d tossed them, she quickly petted Gigi and moved to walk out the back door… where Ian quickly followed.
11
JUNE
This was probablythe strangest and most relaxed date June had ever been on with someone… and one for the record books. They went to the pet store first to pick up all sorts of things to care for Gigi. He bought a crate with puppy pads so she didn’t have free reign of the house at night. They got a set of puppy stairs, along with a teensy pink rhinestone collar.
They were now sitting at the counter of the sushi restaurant together, relaxing. Her sides ached from laughing with Ian, and she was thoroughly enjoying their time together.
“Our girl will look like a million bucks with that much bling around her neck,” Ian chuckled, digging out the pink collar and holding it up between two fingers. “Speaking of? How did Gigi do last night?”
“She cried, whimpered, barked, and whined all night,” she admitted, smiling at him as she took a sip of her hot green tea. “Oh, and she has a fear of heights.”
“Because she’s barely five inches tall. It’s a far fall for that little furball.”
“She won’t even try it,” she chuckled. “She walked up to the edge of my bed and cowered in fear.”
“Ahhh,” he replied, and then leaned towards her. “I’d do the same if I was in your bed – but that’s only because I don’t ever want to leave it.”
“You’re never gonna be there,” she laughed.
“Never say never, Minx…” he teased, nuzzling her temple affectionately with his nose and catching her by surprise. “Miracles happen every day.”
“It would take one,” she countered.
“Good thing I’m a believer…”
“I suppose so,” she retorted, turning slightly and smiling easily at him, where he was leaning close. “This is nice.”
“Yeah, I’m liking this, and we should do a sushi date whenever I’m in town.”
“Twisting my arm, huh?”
“I love the stuff, too.”
“Are you planning on visiting often?”
“Will you miss me when I’m gone?”
“I’m sure your family misses you.”
“You neatly sidestepped my question…”
“Yes,” she chuckled softly, feeling shy as she realized he hadn’t moved away from her yet. He was still leaning close, his arm on the back of her chair, and… it was cozy between them. “Yes, I did.”
“Do you know what you want?” he asked softly, causing her eyes to shoot up and meet his as he smiled. “Sushi. Do you know what roll you want, my friend?”
“Oh… OH!” she grimaced, and leaned away pointedly. “You are distracting me, and in my space.”
“Because you smell incredible and I want to bury my face against you, but figured that would be crossing a line with my bestest buddy…” he laughed softly, backing away from her and leaning back in his seat, before glancing at the menu as the waitress walked up to greet them.
“Hello. Do you know what you want?” she asked politely.
“Funny. I was just asking my friend that very same question,” he replied, grinning at June – and winked at her. “I know what I want really badly, and can’t wait to dive into…”
“What?” June asked, wondering just how far his brash temperament would extend in public.
