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“I do.” Not a lie. Something inside me begs me to, without hesitation.
“Then you should know I’m a man who’s always prepared, and that includes our date.” My heart flutters at that word. That he describes our little outing with an intimate connotation. “I have everything you’ll need inside.”
“Still letting it slip you were a Boy Scout, I see.” I’m smiling so big—probably look insane—but I’m so touched that he went to all this trouble for me. “Or is this part of being a CEO?”
“More like I want you to be happy.” Christ, that answer makes every muscle below my belly button clench. There’s something so attractive about an attentive man. It’s sexier than his looks. “Ready to head in?”
“Lead the way.” If he notices that my voice came out a bit breathy, he doesn’t mention it. Instead, Theodore walks us into the closed for a private tour exhibit and goose bumps rise as the first grunt of an animal is heard. It’s a playback of some sort coming through the speakers, but it has the same effect.
The first thing I see after crossing the threshold is a small table and two chairs set up with art supplies atop it. He wasn’t kidding that I’d have everything: charcoal, colored pencils, regular pencils, paints, a few brushes, and even three large canvases sit atop.
My lips part and I shift my eyes to his. “Wow.”
“Told you.”
His smug expression makes me want to pinch him, but I don’t. Instead, I roll my eyes while waving the hand not in his, in front of me while fighting back a giggle. “I definitely see.”
“But are you ready?” He picks up a leather-bound notebook and a set of mechanical pencils, the same ones I have at home. All the while my hand remains in his, he refuses to let go or doesn’t notice. I’ll also be damned if I tell him. “The yellow anaconda should be feeding soon.”
“Are you serious?” I ask, even though by now I shouldn’t be surprised. “We get to see that?”
He nods, his amusement clear to see. “Two words.”
“Private tour?”
“More like date 101.”
“The 101 of that answer isn’t a word.”
Even his careless shrug is attractive. “Well, I’m treating it as one.”
“Then lead the way, Mr. 101. Seems you’re in charge today.” My sass earns me a wink and then we’re walking, his body always close to mine as we make our way to the serpent area. It’s large and my eyes keep skimming between the different species, taking in their colors and lengths—the patterns that set the venomous apart from their possible harmless counterpart.
Some glass enclosures are larger than others, but when we reach the anacondas, I’m in awe.
Completely enthralled and I don’t realize I’m stepping forward, almost standing against the thick glass, until the animal's head snaps up and our eyes meet. It’s curious. Its large body is half lying, lazily, on the shallow water surrounding a rock formation meant to mimic a wild setting.
No coiling. No sticking its tongue out.
Instead, the animal lowers its head while Theo wraps an arm around my shoulder. “They’ll be here in a few minutes. You want me to grab you a chair?”
“No.” I can’t look away from this animal. So much power. So much strength. And yet, right now it seems docile while keeping those dark eyes set on us. Why am I not afraid? “Do you know what they feed it?”
“From my understanding it’s rodents and rabbits. All pre-killed before being put in the enclosure.” And right on cue, a small door opens, and a metal claw-like stick appears holding a limp rabbit from its grip. The animal is plump, probably fattened up for the snake, and yet the anaconda stays in place.
They drop the rabbit near the water's edge, causing a small splash. And that does catch its attention, the large snake striking before the pole used to feed exits. Its mouth opens, a lightning-fast move before locking in place and the coiling begins. Tighter. Tighter. It’s morbid to watch, but my fascination outweighs the disturbing sight and I find myself sketching before he begins to swallow.
My drawing is of a proud animal, head up high and eyes straight ahead. It’s unafraid. Hungry.
“That’s amazing, Gabriella,” Theodore’s voice comes from beside me, his lips near my temple. “Very detailed.”
Turning to look at him, I lift my head and almost gasp at how close we are. Our lips are almost touching, and heat spreads across my cheeks. “Thank you.”
“Will that be one of the paintings?”
“I think so.” My eyes flick to the animal. I’m a little nervous having him so close, but look away just as quick. The animal is mid bite now, and it’s a grotesque sight. “How about another exhibit?”
His chuckle fills the space. “More reptiles? Or how about we head toward the ape area.” I love gorillas, but there is another animal I’d rather see more.
