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He’s been drinking a milk stout, and he’s almost done, setting it down. He doesn’t attempt to get our waiter’s attention, and I hope we’re not done with our date for the night. “I’m a twin, actually, and fuck, you and I look more alike than he and I do,” he quips, and I can’t help but let a laugh loose at the idea. “My twin is a carrot top, fair skin, burns with sunblock, and is a serial monogamist.”
He brought it up, so I clarify the statement. “And you’re opposite of a serial monogamist?” I ask.
“I wouldn’t say I’m theoppositeof a serial monogamist.” His chuckle fills the little distance between us, and I attempt to burn the melody into my mind. “I don’t believe in exclusively dating someone. I don’t need a person constantly around me, like Liam does.”
It’s a weird thing to say on a date, but I was the one to bring it up.
“Shit, that gives you the wrong impression of me,” he groans. “I may not be looking for a relationship, but if one falls in my lap, and there happens to be an obvious connection, I’m not against it. And it’s then I’ll say I want to be exclusive with someone.”
“Well, if we’re being honest, I had no idea I could hit it off with someone like I have with you. And I was all about a hard and good fuck, but I think…”
“You don’t want to fuck me?” he asks. His eyes play off the glimmer of the candlelight in front of us.
“Oh, whoa, don’t be putting words into my mouth,” I tease, finishing off my wine and placing it to the side.
“So, youdowant to fuck me?” he asks, his smile growing with every second that ticks by.
“I think I want to get to know you.” I attempt to be the voice of reason and civility, but it’s not the whole truth. “However, fucking you is certainly one way to get to know you, right?”
His lips split into a large grin. “I knew there was something about you I liked.”
Any other booty call would have me dropping some money on the table, but I’m not in a hurry. I want to stay and talk more, even if we’re here all night.
“But,” Noah begins to speak, dancing his hand over to mine. “I like this, too, for now.” This has me grinning, returning his smile from earlier.
“I’ve told you about my family. Can you tell me about yours?” he asks.
His fingers thread with mine over the table. His touch electrifies me, and my brain almost short circuits with his question. I right myself, clearing my voice. “I was raised by a single mom. My dad died when I was six. It’s just her, me, and my sister, Tiana.”
Tiana is my person in life. With the way Noah speaks of his brother, I know he’ll understand a strong bond.
“Tia and I, like you and your brother, are polar opposites. She, too, is a ginger—and the smartest person on this planet. She’s working full time and goes to college. She wants to operate in the world of finance. It’s what our father did. But he died when we were four and six.” I pause at the direction I’m letting this story go and divert. “She’s probably my best friend.”
His interest in me isn’t fake, or at least that’s the vibe I get. This date is more than a simple swipe right and fuck each other’s brains out. No, right now, with him, this is everything.
“Hey, wanna get out of here?” He tosses a hundred-dollar bill on the table for the tip even though he paid an hour ago.
I may not know him well enough to decipher if this is code for let-me-take-you-to-my-home, but when he extends his hand, I take it.
I know one thing: This night could go on forever if it were up to me.
7
Noah
This is unexpected.He’sunexpected.How did Kate know we’d hit it off?
There’s an overhang across the street looking out over the water. Queen Anne is elevated, and I find the views are stunning. I take his hand, and we walk together in comfortable silence. How will this date end, and do I want this to simply be a one-night affair?
“I never tire of this view. I’ve lived here as long as I can remember, and it’s still something I can look at for hours.” I don’t talk like this to my friends, brother, or hook-ups. But Ashton is shaping up to be someone entirely different.
“Yeah, whenever I’m in Seattle, I find I want to sit on the lawn at the Seattle Center, reading or sketching or just thinking.”
Good, he’s opening up to me, as I am with him.
“I have a confession,” I admit.
Ashton meets my gaze with wary eyes.
