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In that case, I think about it, and smile when an idea pops into my head.
“Fine. I want a private jet,” I joke, when what I really mean is…a way out of Hepburn Falls. “And I want a runway near both our houses,” I add, because it’s true. That would make life so much easier.
A smile lights up his face and he bounces his eyebrows. “Maybe I should lose?”
I huff out a laugh and flick his ear before walking away.
“Just kidding,” he calls out. “I can’t wait to have some phone sex.”
“You’re betting that? You could have just asked.”
“Would you have done it?” he questions, and I actually have to think about it. Maybe I would have. Although maybe I wouldn’t.
Jesse laughs at my silence, patting my back as he walks out of the bathroom. “Come on, you’ve got five minutes to get ready. We have a big day ahead.”
By lunchtime, I realize Jesse’s going to get me on a technicality. He plays dirty. We never specified how long we’d be spending at each place, and so far, we’ve driven past the Empire State Building and over Brooklyn Bridge, twice. We’ve walked under Rockefeller Center to get cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery and now we’re on our way to Central Park.
“You know, I haven't really seen any of the things you mentioned,” I say as we wait at a light to cross the road. “For a star athlete, I’m surprised you condone cheating.”
“Don’t worry your beautiful face. You’re going to have a great day.”
I know he’s right because I’m already having fun.
But still…technicality.
When we finally enter Central Park, I feel like the world stops. It’s so strange to think that we’re still in Manhattan, surrounded by the hustle and bustle, as I look around me, seeing the abundance of nature.
“Now it’s time to slow down,” Jesse says, physically slowing his walking. “I thought we could make our way to the lake and have lunch by the water,” he adds, linking our hands as we go.
“Sounds perfect.” I smile.
We walk in silence as I breathe it all in. I practically live in nature, but this feels different, more romantic or something. And so much bigger than I ever pictured it to be.
“Do you have a horse and carriage ride planned?” I ask as we pass by, smiling at a little girl as she beams in happiness.
“Absolutely not,” Jesse says quickly, dragging me in the opposite direction, making me bark out a laugh.
“Did I just find out your weakness? Are you afraid of horses?” I will never tire of learning new things about Jesse, the good, the bad…
“Absolutely not,” he repeats but shivers, giving himself away.
“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. I just thought you were made of stone; nothing scares you.”
He stops suddenly, his gaze turning serious. “Losing you scared the hell out of me. I may spend a lot of time on the ice, but I’m not completely frozen.”
Oh my heart.
Lifting to my toes, I press a chaste kiss to his cheek before curling my arm around his waist and snuggling against his chest. Jesse doesn’t react to any of it, but as we continue our stroll, he groans and I feel his head shake.
“One of the fuckers kicked me when I was a kid. They’re nasty.”
I burst out laughing again, and Jesse chuckles along with me. “Good to know. Best we don’t visit Sara’s ranch.”
It takes a good thirty minutes to reach the lake, since we’re not in a hurry—only one thing left to check off Jesse’s list—but by the time I get there, I’m starving and in desperate need of some water.
“Why don’t you stay here and enjoy the view? I'll see if I can get a table at the Boathouse restaurant.”
“See? You didn’t book?”
