Page 26 of Big Girl Panties

"Yeah," he sighed like he understood exactly what I was saying.

"Dinner will be served in about thirty minutes." Kaylin nodded toward the starboard side of the boat. "If you two want to enjoy the view as we disembark, I will let you know when dinner is ready."

"That sounds perfect." Matt smiled politely.

"Can I bring you a drink?" She dropped her hand and clasped them together in front of her. "Maybe a glass of wine, beer, mixed drink, or another glass of champagne?"

"We'll have two glasses of champagne," Matt said.

She disappeared, and Matt and I strolled to the starboard side. I gripped the railing as the yacht eased away from the dock, needing something solid to hold onto as the shore shrank.

Matt moved closer. Not touching, but close enough that I caught his scent when the wind shifted.

"Second thoughts?" His hands curled around the railing.

"About being trapped on a boat with a potential serial killer?" I glanced at him sideways. "Nah."

He laughed, stepping even closer. His arm brushed mine as he leaned against the railing.

Soft music played in the background as the ocean breeze wrapped around us. We still had about an hour before the sun completely disappeared.

"I cannot believe you did all of this," warmth spread through my chest, "for me."

"So you're impressed then?" His eyebrows danced, and I couldn't help but laugh. "I'll take that as a yes."

Whitney appeared carrying a tray with two champagne flutes. "Kaylin is bringing out hors d'oeuvres to snack on until dinner is ready. Is there anything else I can get you?"

"No," Matt said. "Thank you."

Whitney disappeared as Kaylin brought out a tray of various hors d'oeuvres, setting it on a tall table beside us.

"This is so fancy," I chuckled, scanning the tray. We both grabbed one of the small stuffed mushrooms. "It all looks so good."

"I hope you like the food," Matt said. "I really wanted to surprise you, so I had to pick all the food options."

I smiled. "Well, I don't have any allergies and I'm not a picky eater."

There was a long, silent pause, as if neither of us knew what to say next.

Matt fidgeted with his champagne glass. "Is it weird that I Googled first date conversation starters before picking you up?"

I nearly choked on my drink. "Please tell me you didn't memorize a list."

"Only the top ten." His grin was sheepish.

"So how does this dating thing work? I haven't been on a first date in years."

"Yeah, me neither." He swirled his champagne. "I think there's supposed to be small talk. Weather's nice."

"Gorgeous evening for potential murder." I gestured toward the sunset.

He nearly choked. "Are we back to that?"

"I'm just saying, if this goes badly, you've already got me on a boat. Very convenient."

"And if it goes well?"

"Then I guess you're stuck with someone who thinks every romantic gesture is a potential crime scene."