Page 15 of The Fall

She shakes her head. “They’re staying the night with Tess and Dom.”

Hell yes. She’s prepared for this date to last until tomorrow morning, just like I am. Still, I was hoping to see Tate and Sam.

“These are for them.” I pass her two boxes.

I can almost swear her eyes are a little watery as she meets my gaze, surprised. “What’s this?”

“Remember when we all went to that bakery after we went zip-lining and out for lunch? They both loved the caramel apples they got, so I brought them some.”

I set the boxes on the table and when I look at her, she glances away, wiping the corner of one eye.

“Sorry, I just...that was really thoughtful. Thank you. They’ll be so happy.”

She won’t meet my eyes. I think because she’s self-conscious over being teary-eyed. I try to lighten the moment.

“I figured separate boxes would be best since I’ve seen them body slam each other when they have to share something.”

She nods and laughs. “It’s true. Especially sweets.”

I don’t want to look at my watch, but we have a dinner reservation, so I ask, “Are you ready?”

“I am. Please tell me there will be food on this date because I’m starving.”

“We’re going to two places tonight and they both have food. One of them even has Sweet Tarts.”

She gasps. “Are you serious? That’s my favorite candy.”

“I know. But you’ll take Lemonheads if Sweet Tarts aren’t available.”

She lowers her brows, smiling but confused. “How do you know that?”

“Movie nights at Dom and Tess’s. You’re also a blanket hog.”

“Bullshit,” she says lightly, grabbing a jacket from a hook next to the front door. “Don’t believe Tess and her bitching.”

“I’ve experienced it myself. There I was, trying not to get too close to this gorgeous woman I’m sharing a blanket with who doesn’t want to date me, and you gave me like six inches of blanket.”

“Hey,Halloweenis a scary movie. I needed to burrow.”

We walk out the front door and she locks it behind us. She looks at me and smiles as we walk to my car, and I feel lighter. It’s been many years since I took a woman on an actual date like this before sleeping with her. I meet most of the women I date in bars and restaurants after games.

I like this with Cam. There’ll be some nervous energy tonight, but we already know each other. It feels familiar and exciting at the same time.

“So I’ve always wondered if there’s a story behind your car,” she says as I open the door to my 1977 Ford Bronco.

“Gladys? She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

“Absolutely. I love this car.”

She slides in and I step closer, taking in the sweet scent of her perfume.

“Let me help with that,” I say, reaching for her seat belt so I have an excuse to get closer to her.

“Oh, such service,” she says sweetly.

I want to grab her hips and turn her to face me, then make out with her for the next twenty minutes. But instead, I fasten her seat belt and place a single soft kiss on her temple.

“This car belonged to my dad,” I say. “It’s a classic—1977. He loved it. When he died thirteen years ago, it became mine. I’ve had it completely restored.”

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