I ignore her confused look and change the subject. Our next date. It’s a surprise and it’s tonight. Her skin flushes and I can tell she’s pleased we’re going to spend more time together. Some women don’t like men to be overly invested in a new relationship. And normally I’m a man who cools his heels between dates. But with Gabriella I don’t want her to question my interest or my intentions.
I intend to start as I mean to go on.
And that’s with Gabriella at my side and in my bed every possible moment.
***
Pulling the SUV out into traffic I drove us back to the coffee shop where we first met. After breakfast we went our separate ways for a bit. I needed a change of clothes and Gabriella needed time to do her laundry. I also made it a point to pop out and grab some essentials from the store. She said she wants to see my apartment and I want to be prepared. It’s already clean, but I didn’t have anything that Gabriella likes to drink. I spent a good hour in that drink aisle trying to remember the brands and flavors she had on hand.
It was late when we finally met back up for our date and the sun had fully set by the time I pulled into a parking space. But I don’t let her go inside. I know she likes her peppermint mochas but only the classic winter drink will do for this date, and I’ve already placed the mobile order.
Her pout is as adorable as it is fake. I know she likes me taking the lead. She’s already proven that in bed and out. I’m sure sooner or later I’ll step out of line and that she’ll put me right back into my place.
Her face lights up with joy when I hand her a hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.
“Not quite as good as homemade but I wanted them to be hot for our date.” I explain.
A short drive down the interstate and we’re cruising into a light up wonderland. Gabriella begins to dance in her seat when she sees the signs declaring this the world’s largest drive through Christmas light show.
I pay the gate attendant and turn the radio to the appropriate station. AsJingle Bellsbegins to play through the speakers I reach over and grab her thigh. She’s vibrating with excitement, and she wraps her arms around mine as I follow the road through the North Pole.
“I thought it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without the snow.” She confides in me.
Giving her jean covered thigh a squeeze I look over and see her looking back at me.
“Thank you, Oliver.”
“You’re welcome darlin’. But this is only our first stop tonight. We’ve got two more scheduled stops on the way back home.” I said.
“Two more?” She exclaims.
“Yes. And then I have a Christmas movie marathon planned back at my apartment.” I add.
She’s quiet for a moment and I begin to worry that I’ve gone too far for our third date. Her hair is wrapped in a messy bun and for the first time I notice her blush reaching the tips of her ears.
“Just don’t try to sneakDie Hardinto the lineup. It’s not a Christmas movie.” She tells me in a fierce tone.
“Are you sure?” I ask more to pester her than to actually get the movie onto the roster.
“No Santa, no reindeer, no Christmas magic? It’s about a man taking out a terrorist group one by one. Absolutely not a Christmas movie.” She rants.
“But it does have the music, and it takes place on Christmas Eve.” I argue.
I’m struggling not to smile or worse laugh as she really heats up for the argument.
“No! No Christmas theme and the holiday isn’t needed for the plot to work. It could have happened onliterallyany other day and the plot wouldn’t change.” She argues back.
“But it takes place during an office holiday party.” I say in protest.
“Change it to a Thanksgiving potluck and Hans Gruber still falls to his death.” She says stomping her foot against the floorboard.
Finally I lose control as we pass a snowman taller than a light pole. I laugh so hard my stomach hurts and I struggle to breathe.
Gabriella glares at my form hunched over the steering wheel.
“You’re not funny.” She tells me.
“Don’t be mad. But you made it too easy.” I say with a wheeze.
