Page 7 of Hooves & HeartStrings

I follow her out of the bar and down toward one of the bonfires. “I didn’t know if you would be back. You seemed to want to get away pretty fast.” She won't look at me and I hate myself.

“I’m sorry. I was a fool. That kiss, it was amazing. I thought about what it would be like kissing you again the whole night. I’m sorry I didn’t seem like I wanted anything to do with you because it’s the complete opposite.” I run a hand over my hat. “I’m not good when it comes to girls. And I sure as hell don’t know what to do when it comes to one as captivating as you.”

“Really?” She looks up at me with a sweet smile that has my heart pounding.

“Let me make it up to you. Can I take you out to eat?” I ask, hope swelling in my chest.

“Are you free tomorrow? I know a really good seafood place down the beach.”

“Yeah.” I smile wide like a fool. “Of course. I can meet you here around six?”

“Six works for me.”

“Okay, yeah cool,” I say, blushing, so damn happy she said yes.

“I gotta get back to work. But I’ll see you tomorrow night, okay?”

“Tomorrow night.” I nod.

She giggles and leans up to place a soft lingering kiss on my lips before giving me a blushing smile of her own and taking off back to the bar.

I’m going on a date with the most beautiful girl in the world. My mate.

four

My stomach is in knots as I wait for Luci at the bar. I’m certain he’s not going to show up and that he asked me to dinner just to ghost me like he did after that kiss. Looking at my watch, I see it’s only five after six, so he’s not terribly late yet. But I still feel like a school of goldfish has taken up residency in my belly.

“Sorry, I’m late,” his gravelly voice calls from down the sidewalk. I look up at him and smile at how fucking handsome he is. He’s wearing a black T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball hat. I’m glad he didn’t get dressed up because the Salty Marine has delicious food, but they’re not very fancy.

“That’s okay. I wasn’t waiting long. Should we head out? It’s not a very far walk, and it’s beautiful out,” I reassure him. I don’t miss the way his eyes rake up and down my pink floral print backless cami sundress. It’s cut low in the front, showing my C cups, which Luci is currently eyeing like a prime filet.

“Lead the way,” he murmurs.

I giggle and start toward the Salty Marine. Luci puts a hand on the small of my back as he keeps stride next to me. “Is this okay?” he asks, and I can feel him pull his hand away slightly.

“Yes,” I whisper, heat pooling in my belly from just that simple touch. “So tell me about yourself, Luci.” I try getting him to talk, so I’m not dwelling on the fact he already has me turned on.

“Well, I’m twenty-one and will be a sophomore in college this fall. I’m in the Pre-med program. Obviously not from here, my parents and I live in Glencoe, but my uncle lives here, so I’m staying with him to check Coral Springs out. See if I want to transfer here next semester.” We get to the restaurant and Luci holds the door open for me.

The hostess leads us to our seats and we sit across from one another toward the back. “What about you, Marley? You've been here your whole life?” he asks as he picks up the water glass the hostess just filled.

“Growing up, I lived in the next town over, but spent summers here every year. I live here now. I have a little place for myself and love it. I’m also a sophomore at CSU and in the pre-veterinary program.” As I speak, he just watches me. It's like he’s hooked on every word I say. My cheeks start to warm, not used to this type of attention on dates.

The waiter shows up and we both order the Filet Mignon and lobster with two soft drinks. I can’t help but giggle again at how ironic it is that we ordered the exact same thing down to the drink. Cherry Pepsi.

“So CSU is launching the hybrid program this fall too. What are your thoughts on that? Are you excited or worried about Monsters being in your town?” He leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest, waiting for my answer.

I take a sip of my Pepsi before answering. “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. I have no issues with Monsters, they're part of society the same as me, so as long as they treat me right, I’ll treat them right. I know some people aren’t too keen on the idea, but that’s not me. I’m looking forward to how the hybrid program affects things like the pre-vet and pre-med program.”

Luci seems to relax after my answer and I wonder if he has a monster friend or family or something. I’ve never interacted with a monster personally, but what I told him was the truth. You get what you give with me, treat me like an asshole, and I’ll treat you like one.

Our food arrives and we both dig in, not talking much as we gorge ourselves on lobster and steak. When we finish, the waiter returns asking if we want dessert, but that’s a hard no for me, I’m stuffed. “No, thank you. We’ll just take the check, please,” Luci smiles at the guy.

The bill comes, and Luci insists on paying. “I can pay my half. I am the one who brought you here.”

“Absolutely not. What kind of ma- I mean, date would I be if I didn’t pay for the pretty lady’s dinner?” He flashes me another panty-melting smile, and I swear, goosebumps race across my flesh.

“Well, thank you.” I wink at him.

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