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“You buttering me up for something, or what?”
“I am.” He checks the sporty watch on his wrist. “And… that’s ten minutes. You can get up if you feel ready.”
“Wait—for what? What’s all this charm leading to?”
He hops to his feet and then offers his hand. “Dinner. If you want to. You really should get a coconut water, and I heard the Tiki Grill serves up mean burgers, too. Food wouldn’t hurt your situation.”
“So, this is for my health and wellbeing.” I grip his hand and let him help me up.
“That, and for fun. We still have some business to deal with, too.”
“Can we eat in our suits?”
“Everyone else is.” He gestures to the tables, occupied mainly by folks in their swimwear.
“I am starving. Sure.”
I didn’t come to Hawaii expecting to go on a date. I haven’t dated in years. Why break my streak now?
His hand in mine gives me the perfect reason. He’s leading me toward the line of tan, thatch-roofed tiki huts that line the pool area.
Okay, I can have some fun. I’m on vacation.
I like this guy. Too much, probably, given that I have known him for all of forty-five minutes.
My mom was right when she said Hawaii is a romantic destination. This setting is making me feel all lovey-dovey inside. Huge pink and white flowers bloom on dark green, leafy bushes. Palm fronds sway above me, bathed in golden light from the sinking sun. I hear the soft swish of the waves.
As we pass my chaise, I grab my black sundress and slip it over my bikini. I tuck my phone in my purse, along with the book I failed to read.
Maybe I’ll get to it tomorrow. My evening seems to be all booked up, and that is more than fine with me.
He makes a peace sign at the hostess when we arrive at the podium in front of the Tiki Grille. “Table for two, please.”
“Right this way,” she says.
I smile as we follow the hostess. Table for two. It’s wild, how much I love the way that sounds.
Chapter 7
Jack
As a rule, I don’t enjoy first dates.
In my experience, they’re too formal. Too stuffy. Women get all nervous, and I usually have to try extra hard to make them laugh, and the whole thing just feels like too much work.
But the dinner I just experienced had none of those traits.
I can't believe it when the moon floats up over the ocean, out beyond the Tiki Grille’s outdoor seating area.
“How did it get so late?” I ask as I collect my card from the leather-bound check holder. Our server must have returned it a while ago, but I barely noticed.
I was too caught up in conversation with my date.
I don’t even know her name. Somehow, we missed ticking that box, and it felt weird to return to it now that I know so many other, more important things about her.
I know she’s modest, humble, and compassionate.
Very quiet, too. If I don’t ask her a question multiple times, she won’t answer. But I love it when she finally does open up. She’s smart, witty, and sweet.
