“As ever.”
“You nervous?”
I could lie, pretend like my stomach isn’t trying to push my lunch back up, but I don’t want to. It doesn’t feel right. Playing the “tough girl” won’t cut it with Zach.
“Tremendously.”
His already bright eyes spark with appreciation at my honest answer. “Guess we’re in the same boat then.”
“Who’s rowing?”
“What?”
“This boat, who’s rowing?”
Zach extends his hand my way. “I’ve got you, Delia.”
I don’t know if it’s the sincerity in his voice or his crooked grin, but I place my hand in his with the utmost confidence that this was the best decision I have ever made.
Iwas wrong.
This was a horrible decision.
The chill in the air is unusual for this time of year, and I can’t stop shivering. I knew I should have grabbed a jacket.
“Uh, hey Zach?”
He’s a few steps ahead of me and turns at the sound of my voice. “Yeah?”
“Can we, uh, can we not be outside right now?”
“Shit.” His eyes roam over me and he takes note of the goose bumps on my arms. “Oh hell. I’ll be right back!”
Zach sprints off toward the car and I’m left standing on my own. I fold my arms over myself and try to generate warmth. Watching as the sun kisses the horizon good night, I can hear the hum of a crowd off in the distance in an otherwise empty park.
What in the hell are we doing here?
“I almost forgot about these.” I turn to find Zach holding a blanket and cooler in one hand and a balled up sweatshirt in the other. “Here, take this.”
He might be somewhat of a stranger, but I don’t hesitate for a second before reaching for the layer of warmth he’s providing.
Sliding my arms through the sleeves and pulling the top carefully over my head, I moan as the fabric encases me in comfort.
“Better?”
“Much. Thank you. I should have grabbed a jacket—I was kicking myself in the ass for not doing so the moment we stepped outside.”
“Well now that you’re cozy, come on. I don’t want it to start without us.”
“Don’t want what to start?”
He bumps my shoulder. “Don’t try to ruin the magic of the surprise. Wait and see.”
“Fun sucker.”
“Me? That would be you, trying to figure out where we’re headed before we make it there.”
“But—”
