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As we walk out to the training area, I can’t shake the thoughts of my date with Kali this weekend.
“Have you thought about what I should do with Kali?” I ask.
“What is it about this girl?” he responds.
Isn’t that the question of the hour? I’ve asked myself the same thing. There’s a connection, a pull, that I’ve felt from day one. I need to see where this goes.
“You think this is a good idea?”
He acts as if I’m committing a crime. I’m not. Sure, Internal Affairs might have a few questions, but there are key points that are important here. First, it’s been a couple months since her incident, and second, she contacted me. That’s not to say I wouldn’t have contacted her, but they don’t need to know that tidbit because she beat me to it. She feels our connection, too. After our dinner last week, I took her home right after. The day’s adrenaline hit her like a wall, and she could barely keep her eyes open. But I left her with a promise that I was taking her on a proper date.
“I’m not doing anything wrong.” I shrug. “So, help me figure this shit out.”
For the first time, well, ever, I don’t have any idea where to take Kali on a date. The pressure to find the perfect first date setting shouldn’t be this hard. I have this fear that I have one shot. Dinner at a restaurant feels too impersonal. It sounds ridiculous, since that’s where I typically take a woman on a first date.
But Kali isn’t typical. I want a more intimate setting. Where it’s just us, no distractions.
“Take her out on the boat for dinner under the stars. Women eat that shit up,” he says.
I lift a brow, surprised at his suggestion. I never would’ve pegged the man as a romantic, but it makes sense if he is chasing tail. Romance isn’t his end goal. It’s a means to an end for him. But in my case, where I want her to myself, it’s a damn good idea. Plus, she likes it out on the water.
“You won’t mind?” It’s his boat, after all.
He shakes his head. “Hell no. You can always take it out. Mom needs help with moving some stuff this weekend, so I won’t be using it.”
His mom rocks. Especially when she sends us sweet treats. She’s retired and has become our personal department’s pastry chef. Everyone loves Momma Rose.
He veers off to watch from the side, and I hear him say, “Maybe now you’ll get some work done and stop fretting about this damn woman.”
“I’m great at multitasking. I was even thinking about where I should take her when I was kicking your ass at the gym last night,” I yell back, and he continues rumbling with excuses about how his hip was still hurting from tackling some guy during a robbery as I pull out my phone. I’d rather call her, hear her voice, but considering I’m about to jump off a building in five minutes, texting will have to do for now.
Me: Is four on Saturday good? Pack a swimsuit.
I slide the phone in my side pocket, not expecting her to reply. She’s probably out with Rusty and having a session with Zander. But when I feel it vibrate, I can’t help the shit-eating grin.
Kalico: Yes! Can’t wait! Where are we going?
Me: It’s a surprise.
Kalico: If you don’t answer me, I’m not bringing a swimsuit.
Me: Fine with me. It’s been a while since I’ve been skinny-dipping.
Kalico: I’ll bring a suit
.
“I’m not sure about this.” My grams’s voice echoes in the Jeep as I drive to pick Kali up.
Why is everyone giving me their opinion that this is a bad idea? Kali is the best idea I’ve ever had. I’ve gone through a lot of trouble to get to this point, and I’m not backing away now.
“Why’s that?” I prompt, even though I know what’s coming.
“That girl’s been through so much already.”
I stare at my dashboard with my mouth hanging open. And here I assumed I was her favorite. Dating me will not add to Kali’s troubles. I’m a damn good catch.
“It might be too soon. And they’re going to find out,” she adds, her voice lowering.
