Luke
I finally convinceDanika to leave the hotel room around noon. Since she admits she hasn’t been a tourist in forever, I’m eager to show her what I’ve planned for the evening. I must admit I had a bit of help from Harlow with the reservations, but that’s only because I’d been prepping for this week’s game, and she volunteered once I mentioned going to Seattle.
Instead of driving, we walk to Pike Place Market. Though I’ll admit I haven’t been here since I started working for the Rainier Renegades, I’ve always loved this place. Where else can you go to watch fish be thrown, see the oldest Starbucks, and the infamous Seattle Gum Wall. Let’s not forget the Pike Place Chowder. That stuff has me coming back for more every time I visit the vicinity.
As we walk through the market, Dani lights up when she sees trinkets and handmade jewelry. She insists we stop to look at it. She’s not really what I’d call high maintenance, as she wears little makeup or accessories. But I do notice the styles she picks. They’re sleek, simple but still hold your attention. I can’t help but grin when I notice they’re just like her.
Dani picks up a necklace and inspects it before replacing it. “Did you know that you can’t sell in this market unless it’s your first place of business?”
“What do you mean?” I ask. I’ve never given it much thought, but now I’m curious.
“While researching, I found many famous businesses started here, then branched out. But famous businesses can’t be in the market if they didn’t start here. For one of my books, I did some research on local markets as a job for one of my main characters. I came across that tidbit and thought it was odd. Apparently, they want you to get your start from here, not have commercialized vendors. It keeps things local.”
“I’ll bet you’ve come across some interesting information when you research,” I say as I pick up a necklace that’s caught my eye. It has the same shade of stone as Dani’s eyes. It has a simple silver chain and is the shape of a tear drop. The gem’s held in place by a smooth loop-like setting. When it catches Dani’s attention, she gasps.
“That’s beautiful.” She reaches out and strokes the stone and my decision is made.
I motion to the man standing behind the table. “We’ll take this.”
The look of pure shock on Dani’s face is evident. “What… You don’t have to do that.”
“It doesn’t seem fair to leave it here.” The words come out of my mouth before I give it any thought.When did I become the guy who buys jewelry?I don’t think I’ve ever bought it for anyone except my mom. But there’s just something about it that won’t let me walk away. Maybe it reminds me so much of her. Fuck, I have no idea. But I’m not questioning it now. I’m usually a “go with your gut” type of guy. And my gut is speaking loud and clear. This is meant for Dani.
“Did you see the matching bracelet here?” The clerk does his job with due diligence, that’s for sure. It’s the same color of stone, replicated in smaller portions set in the same sleek silver setting.
I look to Dani, whose eyes have gone wide. I’m not sure if it’s from shock or annoyance. But once again, I go with my gut. They’re a perfect match. “We’ll take it.”
“Luke,” Dani admonishes. “What. Are. You. Doing?” in a low tone, trying not to draw attention from the crowd around us.
I simply shrug and show her a devilish grin. “What does it look like?”
“Seriously, I don’t need this,” she protests.
“No, you don’tneedthis. But I think you’d look even more stunning wearing it.”
Dani lets out a sigh in defeat, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. “What do you have against me buying this for you?”
“It’s nothing… really. I’m just not used to anyone doing that sort of thing. You don’t need to spend money on me.”
True to form, she wants nothing from me but my time. God, I love that about her. It’s so refreshing to just be liked for me and not my status or money. “Danika.” I quirk an eyebrow in her direction until I have her full attention. “It’s not a big deal. I’d like you to have something to remember this weekend by. That’s all.”
Her cheeks blush that beautiful shade of pink, and I can tell her mind immediately went to somewhere it shouldn’t. “Oh, I have plenty to remember this trip already. I have a memory like a steel vault. I think there’ll be plenty I reminisce about after we get home.” Her eyes darken, and my body heats. But since we’re in public, I quickly plant a chaste kiss on her lips then turn to the vendor.
I hand the man my card and give him my full attention. He nods in appreciation and runs it in an instant. When he notices my name, I catch his eyes widen as he stares at me critically. I’m wearing jeans, a black hoodie, and a baseball cap to blend in. His eyes narrow as he hands me back the card. “Thank you, Mr. Leighton. Hope you have a great afternoon.” He places my purchases in a black velvet pouch and hands them to me. “Let’s keep up that winning streak,” he says in a much quieter tone, to keep from gaining attraction of the crowd.
“Thanks, we will.” I quickly grab the purchase and guide Danika through the crowd to get lost from his view.
“Does that happen often?” Dani asks when we’re out of earshot.
“Do I buy beautiful girls jewelry?” I tease.
This earns me an exaggerated sigh and a brush of her hands on my arm. “No… do you get recognized often?”
“Um…” I take in her question and give it some thought. Sure, I get recognized and unless I’m near the football team, people usually don’t make a big deal about it. “I wouldn’t say it happens a lot, but in the past few months, since I’ve taken over as head coach, it’s definitely happened more often. But I’m just the coach. No one’s interested in the likes of me.”
“I’m not sure how I’d handle that,” Dani responds still in thought. She bites her bottom lip and has a far-off look in her eyes.
I’ve witnessed it before but still don’t know how to respond, so I ask for clarification. “Don’t people recognize you as an author?”
