Page 47 of Forbidden Kisses

"Let’s go see it."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, Riley. I told you I’d be in touch today."

"I know, but I wasn't sure if you meant it or… You know what? Never mind. I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth. Let me just check when it's showing. There’s a theater a few streets away from here that’s usually not at all crowded.” She paused for a few moments, probably checking the show times. “How about six o'clock?"

"That works. I’ll take you to dinner after that."

She squealed, and I grinned at the sound. I liked that she had no problems expressing her excitement.

"I'll pick you up from home," I suggested.

"We could just meet there. I need to stretch my legs."

"Your call."

"Yeah, let's meet there."

After we ended the call, I took a shower, dressing in jeans and a polo shirt before heading out. I hadn't been this excited about anything in a while. Adrenaline rushed through my veins at the thought of spending the evening with Riley. It felt right despite the fact that I still had my reservations. All those reasons I had for keeping myself in check still existed, but I was starting to brush some of them away.

Sure, there were a few years between us, but Riley was more mature than her peers. She'd taken a lot of responsibility on her shoulders at a young age. I think that changed her. And she wasn't going to be Jeremy's nanny for too long, so that argument wasn't going to hold up.

Jesus, Duncan, you're just looking for excuses, that's all.

I arrived at the address she gave me with about fifteen minutes to spare. She wasn't here yet, so I went inside and bought two tickets. I hadn't been to a movie that wasn't something for kids in a while, so I was actually looking forward to this. After buying the tickets, I headed over to the counter selling popcorn and nachos.

"You're early," Riley exclaimed.

I turned around and nearly swallowed my tongue. She had a short yellow dress on, and it looked fucking amazing on her.

"What snack do you want?" I asked her.

She turned to the counter. "Nachos with cheese and salsa and some popcorn too," she rushed out in one breath.

"Your favorites?" I assumed.

I walked next to her and was about to put a hand on her lower back, then changed my mind. If I did that, I was going to maul her again, and that wouldn't do.

She nodded. "They are."

"I'll have the same," I said.

Five minutes later, we both entered the theater with enough food for five people. The room was only half full. We had excellent seats with a gap between our row and the next one in front of us. Plenty of legroom.

Riley was captivated the entire movie. Every time I looked at her, she was staring at the screen as if her life depended on hearing every word. She was adorable.

Once the movie ended, we threw away the empty food cartons. I had no idea how we'd managed to finish all of it.

Riley sighed. "What did you think?"

"I really liked it."

"I love science fiction movies. They sort of transport me to other worlds."

"Do you like to read science fiction books too?"

"Funnily enough, no. Usually, I read either fantasy or mystery. Sometimes romance, too, but not science fiction. That's something I enjoy most on a big screen."