Page 46 of Traitor
“I don't give a fuck about if you're leaving or timing bullshit. I want to see you again,” he says roughly between deep, drugging kisses.
“Um,” I say, trying to marshal my thoughts into some semblance of order. “Wait, what? I don't—”
"It's not rocket science, sunshine. Much as I want to get you naked, we should probably back up and do this the right way."
I shake my head to clear it. "The right way?"
"As in dinner, movies." He lifts a shoulder, skims his lips over mine. "A date."
My breath shudders out against his mouth. I pull back far enough to suck in gulps of cool air. "You're asking me out on a date?"
He presses his forehead against my shoulder and skates his hands up and down my back. “Around five. That work for you? There are a couple places in town, I'm not picky so you can choose as long as it's not the vegan place. I like you well enough, but I need real food.”
With a shaky breath, I say, “One date. I'm not promising anything other than that.”
He tugs my hand and begins to walk. I'm assuming it's in the direction of where I parked, but even if my head weren't swimming from his kiss, I'd have no clue. "I don't need promises, Peyton. I just want you."
The next day,I can barely keep from dancing around the floor at work. I’m humming softly when Alice sidles over and crosses her arms over her chest, an amused smile playing on her lips. “Something’s got you in a mighty fine mood,” she says.
“I’ve got a date,” I confide, unable to keep the news to myself. Uncle Bradley isn’t exactly one for gossip, and I haven’t had time to make many other girlfriends.
“Oh, really? And who exactly is the lucky guy?”
I scoot forward in the chair at the table where I’m sorting through supplies. The chair legs squeal against the tiles, but I don’t care. I have to tell someone before I burst wide open. “Ford. Ford Collier? From the lodge.”
Instead of being excited, Alice leans forward, her voice growing serious. “Ford? Really?”
I ease back, her tone tamping down on my mood. “Yes. Why?”
She shrugs noncommittally and then waves at a couple of customers who are on their way out. “Just that nasty business when he was in the service and all. Didn’t you hear about that?”
I recall my conversation with Lexie. “Of course. I haven’t questioned him about it, we’ve barely spent much time together. This is technically our first date.”
Alice gets to her feet and lays a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure it’s nothing, dear. What do you two plan on doing?”
My enthusiasm somewhat diminished, I concentrate on putting lids on paint bottles and tubes. “Well, I’m not sure. He’s been secretive about it. All I know is to meet him at the lodge today after work and to wear clothes I don’t mind getting dirty. I think he’s probably taking me hiking somewhere.”
“Probably going to take you up to Windy Point. Have you been?”
“I haven’t had the chance yet. I’ve been so busy with my uncle coming into town and getting settled. I’ve heard it’s beautiful, though.”
“It’s gorgeous. There are a ton of trails and it can be very romantic if you go up there right near sunset. Lots of inspiration.”
“Sure sounds like it.” I glance up at the clock, noting I still have another half hour before the end of my shift. I can practically feel the ticking of the second hand throughout my whole body.
“You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin, girl.”
I laugh at myself. “I know, I’m being silly. I haven’t been on a date in a long time, and even though he and I are sort of friends, I feel giddy. It’s ridiculous, I’m sorry,” I babble as I tote the supplies to the closet.
“You don’t have to apologize to me. I’ve been married for the better part of two decades and you remind me of what my husband Jim and I were like when we were your age. Of course, things are different now that we’re older.”
“I shouldn’t be going out with him since I don’t know how long I’ll be staying.”
Alice puts a hand on her hip. “Now I may not be so keen on Ford in particular, considering his past, but you have a right to take your happiness while you can get it, God knows it can be in short supply.” She catches me glancing at the clock again and her responding laugh is tinged with a bit of exasperation. “Oh, why don’t you run along home? I know I won’t get much done with you for the rest of the day with you distracted. Besides, you’ve worked hard this last week.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, as I start to undo my apron and grab my purse from my employee cubby.
I’m already half out the door when she answers. “You be careful now!”
Except, I’m barely listening. I think I’m done being careful. I left Mississippi so I could take chances. Life is short, and I want to take a chance on Ford.