Her eyes get a faraway look, taking her to another place. “I would love to dip my toes in the sand, see the sunrise over the open water while drinking my morning coffee, and just smell the ocean air.”
“You could do that in many other places, you know. Florida isn’t the only place with coastal destinations.”
“But it’s close enough for driving, and I haven’t been there yet.”
Of course, it all makes sense now. “Do you happen to have a fear of flying? My boss back in New York does, and I know it can be tricky. But that shouldn’t stop you from traveling.”
“I don’t know if I do, because I’ve never been on a plane. I’ve never seen the ocean, either,” she admits quietly.
“Really?”
She looks embarrassed. “I’ve only been to Tennessee, Kentucky, and across the border in North Carolina, but not the coast. Same with Alabama. And on our senior trip, we went to Atlanta, which isn’t known for its ocean views.”
“It’s decided then.”
“What is?”
I move to take her face between my palms, making eye contact so she can see how much I mean my words. “Tanya, I want to show you the ocean. I want to make you feel the breeze in your hair as you stand on the shore. I want to introduce you to the smell of the ocean and how the salty taste of it stays on your lips for a while on windy days. I want you to experience it all for the first time with me. What do you think?”
“I would love that, but my next shift at the restaurant is on Monday morning,” she says, her words breathy.
“Then quit.”
“What? You didn’t just ask me to quit my only job!”
My hands still touching the sides of her heart-shaped face, I brush back a few errant strands of her glossy hair. “You heard what I said. You want to explore the world, so why stay? I know where I could take you, and it’s only a nine-hour drive.”
“I can’t just quit, but I do have some holiday days left.” She bites her lower lip, and I want to lick the spot. “But what if you’re a serial killer?”
Somehow, her silly question removes any doubt I had that she would say no and I laugh. “There’s only one way to find out. And let’s not even say you’re not one.”
“Isn’t that what they all say?” she asks before repeating my words about how there’s only one way.
“I don’t know…I haven’t talked with many serial killers lately.”
She snorts. “Well, that makes me feel safer already.”
“Then it’s decided—you, me, and the open road.”
“Now you made it sound more like a country song than anAmerica’s Most Wantedepisode.”
“So, what do you say? Do you want to keep writing our song?”
It takes her a moment, but when the corners of her lips start to turn up, I know I’ll like whatever she says next.
“Heck, why not. Let’s do it before I say no.”
7
TANYA
Ican't believe I said yes to going on a road trip with somebody I barely know. What was I thinking? Wait, never mind—Iwasthinking how I want to spend every moment I can with this man who made me spill my guts after just a few hours together. I can’t believe I got so emotional, too. How embarrassing.
For now, I need to focus on what’s happening right this moment. We’re at Sally’s, getting my bag and freshening up before having breakfast with her and Ash. They came to pick us up from the hospital about an hour ago.
“Spade, show me your driver’s license,” Sally orders.
“Sure.” He takes the plastic card from his wallet and slides it across the table. “Anything else you need?”
