Page 53 of My Undead Heart

“This okay?” I lay out the blanket from my backpack in the center of the walkway, just to the north of my mom’s headstone.

“You mean dinner in a graveyard?”

“No, I meant the spot. There are some big shade trees down that way, but I always liked this hill.” I work really hard to keep the nostalgia from my voice. This spot is special. When I set out today my plan was to take a ride along Lake Michigan, find a peaceful stop on the beach and eat there. But once I started driving I couldn’t help but steer my bike here. I’ve had so much fun with Mia, and even though it’s silly and impossible, I wanted her to meet my mom. I don’t think there are many women who wouldn’t be weirded out by picnicking in a graveyard, let alone love it, which only causes my admiration for Mia to grow.

“It’s beautiful here.” She sighs and sits at one corner of the blanket to look around. Anyone else and I’d think they were blowing smoke, but she means it.

Dropping to my knees, I grab my backpack and proceed to pull out the goods. “Don’t laugh but we have grapes, cheese, wine ...”

“Those are my basic food groups. Nothing funny about that.”

Sitting on the blanket next to her, I pull out our main course, crinkling my nose as I say the rest. “And protein bars.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “Okay, that’s weird.”

“Next time I’ll do better.” I hold up a pair for her to choose from. “Peanut butter chocolate or cookie dough?”

“Mmm... peanut butter chocolate.” She takes the bar from my hand and studies the back of it while I pop the cork on the wine bottle and pour the liquid into two red Solo cups. She takes her glass and nestles it into the earth near her side of the blanket. “Are these any good?”

“Not bad, but I won’t lie to you. They aren’t as good as the real thing.”

“Nothing ever is.”

I raise my cup and wait for her to do the same. “To the real things in life.”

“I’ll drink to that.” She taps her cup against mine and takes a sip. I love the way she looks right now. The clouds coming in off the shore cast shadows over her face in the most mysterious way. It’s entirely fitting, and after today I’m determined to learn as much as I can about this woman.

“So, if we weren’t on this date today, how would you have spent your Sunday afternoon?” As much time as we’ve spent together, there’s still so much I want to learn about Mia.

“Probably finishing up your website.” She raises her brows a beat before laughing.

“Damn it. Really shot myself in my foot there, didn’t I?”

“Yep. Remember that when I don’t have it up and running for a few more weeks.”

“I will.” Normally that would be incentive enough to end this bet, but Mia’s not some random science experience to determine whether I can win over her beauty and brains with my wit and sheer will. She’s someone I genuinely enjoy spending time with. I don’t see that holding an arbitrary expiration date. “But after the website design, what would it be? Lounging in lingerie while watching porn?”

It’s hilarious to watch her reaction. For a second she can’t tell if I’m joking but the minute she does she rolls those eyes and shoves at my shoulder. “What is it with guys and porn?”

“So, yes to the lingerie, but no to the porn?”

Her lips pinch together with her smile but her eyes study mine closely as she narrows her gaze. “Actually ...”

I groan. A real, tortured sound leaves my lips and it only makes her laugh.

“Yes to the porn. Tasteful, not corny. And a hell no to the lingerie. I’m more of a sweats and no bra kinda girl.”

At the mention of her nonexistent underwear my gaze drops to her chest. She’s not wearing her jacket but I can’t see a trace of nipple through that thin sweater.

She shoves my shoulder again, her laughter growing. “Eyes up here. Not now, you perv. When I’m at home alone in my apartment.”

“Sorry.” I apologize even though she doesn’t seem disturbed by my question or my staring.

“What would you be doing, Matt Haywood, if we weren’t on this outing?” I don’t miss the fact she skirts calling this a date.

“Work. I work a lot.” Pushing the cheeses and fruit between us, I’m happy when she digs in without any encouragement.

“That sounds awfully boring.”