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“The best part about this is that the ferry is a ten-minute bus ride from here.”
“Why is this one of your favorite places?”
“It’s beautiful, for one. Two, the food is great. Three, it’s just peaceful. Come on. Let me show you my favorite garden.”
Hand in hand, we make our way to the Tuscan garden. I can see why he likes it here. We stroll around and he points out little things of interest. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met anyone like Flynn before. I wasn’t lying when I told Odin that I didn’t have friends. It’s usually hard for me to make small conversation, but with Flynn it’s different. It’s like we connect on a deeper level.
“Let’s check out the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden next.”
“Sounds good to me.”
We stroll around for hours until my stomach rumbles.
“There are some food trucks if you’re down.”
“I am.”
After getting our food, we find a table to sit at that’s away from everyone. He sits next to me, so close, in fact, that our shoulders touch.
“Too bad I didn’t bring us a blanket. A picnic would’ve been the best first date ever.”
“You ruined everything,” I tease him. “In all seriousness, I’ve had a lot of fun today.”
“I hope you remember that when you get in trouble.”
“I hope I do, too.”
He pulls me close, nuzzling my neck. “I’d do it again, you know?”
“Do what?”
“Break you out.”
“Thanks.” I turn. “I think I want to change my answer.”
“Answer?”
“About kissing on the first date. My answer is yes.”
He smiles. “Me, too.”
Leaning forward, our lips brush in the softest kiss. It’s nothing like Odin’s intense kisses or even the few awkward kisses I shared with Kristopher. No, this one is sweet and fills me with…hope.
Flynn pulls away. “Damn.”
“What?”
“Now I have to figure out how to break you out for a second date.” He stands. “Come on, babe. Let’s find you a burner phone and then get you home.”
I’m not ready for this date to end, but I know he’s right. I need to get home. But he’s not the only one who’s good at sneaking out. And that fills me with even more hope.
10
Anna
It’s late by the time I get back to Manhattan. Flynn put me in a cab, paying the driver, and then left, disappearing into the crowds like he was never even there to begin with. But not before kissing me again. I touch my lips, smiling.
I have to give him credit. He’s smart. He said he didn’t want to be seen with me because that’ll put him on Odin’s radar. Instead, he handed me my new burner phone and told me to text him when I was home. Home. Ha. What a joke. That place is not my home. In fact, I fear it’s going to become a literal prison now that I’m back.
