Page 20 of Reckless

“These are for you,” Callahan said, handing me the bouquet of lilies. They were stunning and smelled amazing. A part of me was flooded with emotion at the simple gesture because no one had ever gotten me flowers before, but I wasn’t about to admit that to him.

Instead, I took them with a smile and a thank you, burying my nose in the white petals as we headed into the elevator, courtesy of the elevator operator who pressed the rooftop button. His dark skin popped against the glittering silver uniform he wore, complete with a matching hat. The light from above made the glitter sparkle all around us like he was our own personal disco ball. Soft, classical music filtered through the speakers above us and continued to play as we exited into the restaurant. The air was cooler up here, but they had several heating stations positioned throughout the space and a large outdoor fireplace with plush seating all around it. Several twinkle lights were situated all around the area. It’s when we’re being led to our table that I realize, I have actually been here before, only I was running for my life.

Glancing around the area, my heart started racing as my eyes scanned for possible cameras. I clock two in the corners and one on the terrace. Could they have caught my face when I was running? If they had, the Underwoods would have killed me by now, I reason trying to settle myself down. It was difficult to not have a sliver of paranoia though when it came to that rotten family. Especially after seeing what they could do. The lattice I had taken out hadn’t been replaced yet and while not glaringly noticeable, it grabbed my attention as a sobering reminder that I was a wanted woman.

A waitress with neon pink hair and pale skin wearing a similar outfit to the elevator attendant showed us to our table. I slid into the black seat, setting down the flowers next to me, looking around at the others who were seated around us. No one seemed to be paying us any attention, and were instead engrossed in their own conversations, enjoying their colorful drinks that looked social media worthy.

“Your birthday, madam?” The waitress asked, eyebrows raised in a way that suggested she was repeating herself. I realized I’d gotten so distracted with my mini freak out, I’d blocked out everything else.

“Sorry. Uh. May 28th.”

“Ah, a Gemini. And you, sir?”

“June 2nd.”

“Two Geminis. How interesting,” her tone suggested she felt it was anything but interesting and was instead laced with heavy judgement. “I’ll bring you those signature zodiac drinks.”

As she left, Callahan looked at me and leaned across the table on his elbows. “Don’t you hate how judgy people get when they learn your astrological sign?”

“Oh my god! Every single time! I swear. People love to hate on a Gemini.” I found myself mirroring his body language, elbows on the table, head leaning towards him.

“And we arguably have the best sign. Not everyone has the skills to juggle a million different thoughts and interests like we do.”

“Tell me about it. Sometimes I feel like no one can keep up while I flit from topic to topic. Meanwhile, my brain is buzzing at me, playing a constant song playing in the background while I hold a conversation and have more tabs open in my head than a computer is able to hold.”

He laughed, green eyes sparkling. “It sounds like we have that in common. My brain never shuts the fuck up.”

“Same. If overthinking was an Olympic sport, it would be won by a Gemini.”

He laughed again. I liked the melodic sound he made like it was coming from deep in his stomach, but also it sounded like it was something he didn’t do often.

“Your drinks,” the waitress announced, balancing our elaborate cocktails on a tray.

The bottom of the drink was a deep emerald, green color that morphed into a glittering gold color towards the top. As she set them down in front of us, the entire concoction became visible. Since we were both Gemini’s we were given the same design. A Gemini symbol etched into the gold with flecks of stars surrounding it, and on the side a decorative lemon swirl.

“Thank you,” Callahan said at the same time as me. Our eyes met over our drinks, and I had to avert my gaze, looking down into the golden flecks of my drink instead.

“Enjoy,” the waitress said before walking away.

“Did I tell you how stunning you look tonight?” Callahan asked.

“I don’t think you did but thank you.” My fingers found the silky-smooth petal of the flowers he’d given me, and I rubbed them absentmindedly between my pointer finger and thumb.

His hand reached across the table then, taking mine in his. My pulse quickened and I snapped my gaze up to his. “Sorry, is this okay?”

A consent king? Fuck.

“Yeah,” I squeezed his hand. “It’s okay.”

His thumb skated against the back of my hand sending a wave of goosebumps up my arm. I wanted to blame it on the cold night air, but we were sitting right next to a heater. This response? These feelings he was able to evoke from my body? They were all because of him.

“I don’t go on many dates,” I confessed.

“Neither do I.”

That surprised me. He seemed so collected and sure of himself when he asked me out. “Really?”

“Really.” He picked up his drink with his free hand and took a sip. “Oh. Wow. That’s tart.”