Page 27 of Colton On Guard

“Then let’s go.” He pulled out his keys. “I’ll drive.”

“Perfect.”

He decided on sushi. A new place had opened up downtown and he hadn’t tried it yet, though he’d heard good things. If for some reason, Genna didn’t like sushi, there were several other items on the menu for her to eat.

As he drove, with the radio on KVAC, playing country music, he enjoyed the way Genna didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with chatter. But as they pulled into the restaurant’s parking lot, he glanced at her and realized she’d fallen soundly asleep.

When she’d said she felt tired, she hadn’t been exaggerating.

Hating to wake her, he wasn’t sure what to do. Should he drive around awhile, hoping she woke on her own? Or park and see if the simple lack of motion might do the trick?

His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he needed to eat. He decided to go ahead and park. Hopefully, she’d wake up.

Once he’d pulled into a slot and turned off the engine, Genna stirred. Not awake. Not yet anyway. She sighed, still sleeping, and then slowly opened her eyes. When her drowsy gaze found him, he sucked in his breath. A different kind of hunger filled him. He knew better than to act on it, so instead he allowed himself sit and watch her while she slowly came awake. “What happened?” she asked, stretching. Then, clearly realizing they were in his truck, she smiled sheepishly. “I’m guessing I fell asleep.”

Before he could answer, she yawned, covering her mouth. “Sorry.”

He found her so endearing that he ached. “No need to apologize. Do you want to go in and eat or would you rather I take you home so you can sleep?”

For the first time, she appeared to realize where they were.

“Sushi?” she asked, her voice incredulous. “You like sushi?”

“Yes. Do you?”

The brilliant smile spreading across her face made him think that she did. “I love it, actually. And I’ve been dying to try this place. I’ve seen good things about it online.”

Just then, his stomach growled, loudly enough to make her laugh. “I can see you’re hungry. I think I’m finally alert enough to go inside and eat.”

Successfully fighting the urge to lean over and kiss her, he hopped out of the truck instead. Going around to her side, he managed to get the passenger door open before she did. When he offered his hand, she took it, sliding her fingers into his and allowing him to help her down.

When she didn’t immediately pull away, he decided to go with it. They walked into the restaurant, hand in hand.

Inside, the place seemed fairly crowded. Busy, but not packed. They were immediately showed to a booth near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and given menus.

Though he hated to let go of her, Parker helped her take a seat. He then slid across from her in the booth. Opening his menu, he began reading. When he glanced at her and she smiled, he felt the power of that smile all the into his bones.

“How about we try several different rolls and share them?” he asked. “That way we can sample a variety of things.”

She nodded, appearing to like the idea. “That’s fine with me as long as we split the bill half and half,” she answered. “Sushi is expensive, after all.”

He suspected she didn’t want him to think this evening was an actual date. Which, as far as he was concerned, it definitely was.

“Sure,” he said without hesitation. “I was thinking it was your turn to treat, but we can split it if that’s what you want.”

It took a moment for her to realize he was joking, though he’d made sure to keep his tone light. He saw the moment she got it. Her mouth tightened and she frowned.

“You know what?” she said, her voice firm. “I think I’ll let you treat this time. I haven’t gotten my first paycheck yet, so your kindness would be greatly appreciated.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s what I wanted to do all along.”

“You played me,” she told him, wagging her finger at him but apparently unable to keep from smiling. “But that’s okay. I’ll get it next time.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Still smiling, he leaned back. “I’m just glad you agree there will be a next time.”

Genna didn’t respond. Instead, she glanced up at him through her lashes and smiled.

He decided to take that as a yes.