Page 53 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

She smiles. “That’s because cinema is an escape, so I let myself escape.”

“I bet Riley would love this escape. Maybe we should make her next playdate happen here.”

At that, she laughs. “And risk ruining her regular movie days? Let’s keep the exclusive cinema playdate for later.”

I nod but can’t help feeling excited, since that means I’ll get more time with Riley—and, in turn, with Olivia. When we leave the theater, I take her hand and tug her to the back of the building, where there is a limousine already waiting for us. She raises a brow.

“Oh. What else did you have planned for the night?”

“Just a stroll. Come on.”

Just a stroll ends up with us exploring random areas of New York without being exposed, which I know she appreciates as she’s still nervous about how others might see our relationship. I’m well aware it will affect her more than me, too, so I don’t push until Olivia asks to stop the limousine in front of a park.

“Do you want to stroll around for real?”

Surprise fills me at her invitation, but I nod and follow her out of the limousine. After instructing the driver that I’ll call him when we’re ready, I take her hand.

“Is this okay?”

She glances at our joined hands, but I know she understands my question. She nods.

“Yeah. It’s not a popular park, but it’s a peaceful one. It’s more crowded during the day when dog owners walk their pets around, but at night, it has the prettiest lights…look. That’s what I’m talking about.”

I check where she’s pointing and stare at the area of the park filled with trees, where lights have been abundantly strung in between branches and trunks to give off an enchanting, almost ethereal effect. But it’s not just that. The flowers growing wildly around the tree area make it look like we’re in a meadow in some faraway place, the lights reflecting a glowy effect on them.

I thought I was impressing her with the view of city lights from the limousine, but this…it’s magical and I’m the one impressed. I must be unable to hide my reaction, too, as Olivia smirks at me and squeezes my hand. Then she sidles closer, a gleam entering her eyes.

“I guess you’re not the only one with something up your sleeve, huh?”

She looks so pleased that I can’t deny her this, so I nod in defeat. “I guess. You got me. I didn’t even know this existed.”

“That’s because you haven’t really explored the state yet. You only know the popular parts when there are better places in quieter areas.”

She’s right. She’s only been here for a few months, yet she knows how to appreciate beauty in otherwise ignored areas. I smirk back.

“Perhaps you should plan our next date. Take me somewhere I haven’t been before.”

Olivia purses her lips. “Sure. Assuming there’s a second date, of course.”

I nod, not about to tell her that I’m confident there will be. I can see the clear enjoyment on her face as we stroll toward the flowers, which are even more beautiful up close. When the breeze picks up and she shivers, I remove my coat and place it over her shoulders, then openly appreciate her dress.

“You know what my new favorite is?”

Olivia sends me a curious look. “What?”

I wink. “Black dresses. Specifically, you in them.”

She laughs hard, and it’s the most melodic sound there is. I rub her shoulders to add an extra layer of warmth, but really, it’s just an excuse to pull her closer to me.

And when she doesn’t protest, I can’t think of a more perfect date than this.

When I walk Olivia to her doorstep, I thank her for spending the night with me and for giving me a chance. Her smile turns shy.

“I should be the one thanking you, Luke. You made so much effort and I like how we spent the date.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. It was pretty amazing.”

---