Page 86 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade
“Visited years ago and, uh, felt compelled to come back and try living here,” he said.
“And before Grimm Cove? Where were you?” I asked, putting him on the spot.
“Chicago and before that New York,” he said.
“Really? The city?” I questioned.
He nodded.
“Wow, Grimm Cove is abigchange from New York and Chicago,” I stated before eating another fry. “Do you hate it?”
He chuckled. “No. I don’t mind it. There is a lot of open space. Lots of wooded areas, streams, the ocean. Pretty much has it all. I’ve never much cared for big cities.”
“You’re outdoorsy,” I said. “Interesting.”
“I like nature, yes,” he replied, ignoring his food. “I like biking, running, swimming, hiking, and so on.”
It was my turn to look horrified. “I’m not a fan of any of those things. I had a roommate in college who loved to work out. She ran every day and tried to get me to go with her. Not for me. But I’d like to add that I’m totally on board watchingyoudo those things. By chance do you do any of them minus a shirt?”
He laughed. “I could do them all without a shirt, if you want.”
“Neat. I vote for that if we have a second date,” I said with a grin.
“I’m not sure you’re going to want to go out with me again.” He glanced around the outdoor seating area. “This is where I brought you for our first one. That’s after I missed the lunch we’d had planned.”
I touched his forearm lightly. “Stratton, this is nice. Very nice. It would be even better if you’d relax, eat your food, and stop worrying that I’m lying about being fine with eating here.”
He exhaled loudly. “You’re right. Sorry. I just really wanted this to be perfect. I’d like to see you again.”
“I’m okay with this plan,” I said, dipping a fry in ketchup and lifting it up for him. “Live a little.”
He shocked me by putting his mouth over it and the tip of my fingers. He took the fry, his blue gaze never leaving me as he did.
My biological clock picked then to start. I stared at him as he ate the fry. The man was too sexy for words.
He leaned in closer to me. “You okay there?”
I grabbed for my soda and put my lips over the straw, needing something to cool me down. As I sucked on it, I noticed Stratton’s breathing increasing.
His gaze was locked on my lips.
“Areyouokay?” I asked.
He nodded.
I grinned. “Uh-huh.”
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Astria
“Astria?”asked a deep, familiar voice from behind me.
Turning, I found myself staring up at a familiar face. The man had his trademark devil suit on, complete with a long red tail. Dave hadn’t aged a day that I could tell. He still looked like a man in his fifties. Still very attractive and toned. I guess chicken on a stick was better for a person’s health than Stratton thought.
I couldn’t stop the swell of emotions at seeing Dave again. I tried to stand fast but bumped the table and fell partially on Stratton.
He laughed and caught me, helping me to stand. He then did the same.
