Page 38 of Taking A Chance

“I see the appeal, though,” I say, smiling. “It’s no chicken farm, but it has its merits.”

Declan laughs; the smooth throaty noise is an octave above everything else in the restaurant and I almost look around to see if anyone is staring, but he seems unconcerned.

“I’m glad you think it has its merits. Otherwise, I might be in trouble,” he says.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“All in good time, love,” he says. Again with calling melove. I never knew I could be a fan of any pet name. But the way he says it…well, let’s just say I can live with it.

We finish eating and Declan pays the check. I note that he in no way makes it seem like he’s doing me a favor by paying it, which I can appreciate.

“Ready for our next stop?” he asks, standing from the booth and holding out his hand for me to take.

“Definitely,” I say, and there’s more enthusiasm in my voice than I expect. I place my hand in his without hesitation, letting him lead me to the exit.

We pass several blocks and I begin to wonder where the hell we’re going when we end up in front of the planetarium. Then it clicks. His comments about space, being an astronaut.

“I think this place is closed,” I say as we approach the doors.

Declan peaks through the glass doors and waves at someone I can’t see. Seconds later, the door opens and we step inside, the only light coming from the exhibits themselves. All the overhead lighting is turned off.

“Hi, Carl,” Declan says, shaking the man’s hand. Carl, who wears a blue suit and name tag, shakes Declan’s hand and nods.

“The place is all yours. Just let me know when you’re leaving,” he says, then disappears through anEMPLOYEES ONLYdoor off to one side.

“Ready?” Declan asks, smiling as he squeezes my hand.

I nod, slightly nervous, mostly excited, and ready for anything that’s about to happen.

23

Declan

The only soundin the entire place is that of her heels and my own leather soles tapping against the polished floors of the dimly lit planetarium. I know; the planetarium? It sounds strange, but I couldn’t help myself when I was planning this out.

“Through here,” I say, stepping out of the way to let Cora pass through the door leading to the dark dome-shaped room.

“I can’t see anything,” she whispers.

“Why are you whispering?” I laugh.

“I don’t know,” she says, laughing. “It seemed like an appropriate time to whisper.”

“Just wait here,” I say, walking her down the path a bit, then letting her hand go.

I step to the far end of the small stage in the center of the room and feel for the familiar switch. Flipping it up, a thousand tiny lights fill the dome.

Cora’s eyes dart up, growing wide as she takes everything in. “Oh my god.”

I walk back to her, staring up at the swirling constellations. “Pretty incredible, isn’t it?” Most people skip over the planetarium when seeing the sights. Most don’t even understand how incredible it is. Sure, they’re not real stars. But the simulated sky does a pretty damn good job of capturing your attention like the real one.

“This is amazing,” she says. I look down at her, her face glowing from the lights above. But mostly, I’m overcome by her stretched neck, the way her jaw makes the muscles twitch ever so slightly, tenderly.

Without a second thought or hesitation, I lean down and press a kiss to the center of her throat. I feel her tense for a split second then relax again. I pull back, realizing I took her by surprise. Hell, I surprised myself.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice low and breathy, my mouth close to hers.

“Why are you whispering?” she asks, mocking my earlier comment.

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