Page 14 of One Pucking Chance

“Why didn’t you go apple picking as a child?” I look at Jaden, my gaze focusing on his profile and his perfect jaw. It’s always amused me how drawn I am to good bone structure. One wouldn’t think a man’s jawline was that big of a deal, but in my experience, it is. I clear my throat and force my face forward.

Jaden shrugs. “I was raised by a single mother, and she worked a lot. My life consisted of school and sports and not much else. I don’t blame her or anything. Everything I have is because of her. There just wasn’t time for outings like this.”

We reach a spot in what appears to be in the center of the orchard. Checkered flannel blankets are folded beside a large wicker picnic basket. There’s a small table with a chilled bottle of wine and glasses. Next to the table are two empty baskets with red-and-black buffalo-plaid ribbons wrapped around their handles.

I look around and can’t help but smile. “This is amazing.” I release a small laugh. “It feels like a date fromThe Bachelor.” It’s true. The romantic ambience is set up so perfectly, it’s almost professional.

“Is that a good thing?” Jaden releases my hand and picks up the wine opener from the table.

“I mean, it’s beautiful, for sure.” I continue to take in my surroundings, feeling almost giddy. While this evening is a one-night thing, it feels good to be out and away from the stress of the film.

He pops the cork from the wine bottle and shoots me a wink. “Let’s hope I get the rose, yeah?”

“So you’re a fan of the show?” I grin at hisBachelorreference.

He hands me a glass of wine, the corners of his mouth tilting up. “I wouldn’t say a fan, no. Though, I have been sucked into a couple of seasons. But I blame that on my roommate.”

I stifle a laugh. “You do not strike me as the type to watch reality dating TV.”

“I’m not… usually. However, come on, those producers know what they’re doing. If you happen upon one episode, you’re sucked in. You’re dying to know who will end up together, which is a joke since none of the couples stay together anyway.”

“I think a few of them do.”

“Yeah, like six couples out of the forty seasons,” he states.

“Oh my gosh! Is that the real number? How do you know that?” I question, amused.

“Max and Imighthave looked it up.” He tilts his glass of wine toward mine, and we click them together. “To tonight,” he says, changing the subject.

“To tonight,” I repeat. “Which is not going how I thought it would.”

He takes a sip of his wine. “I hope that’s a good thing.” He quirks a brow. “How did you think it’d go?”

I raise my shoulders. “I honestly didn’t know. I don’t get out much. I just didn’t expect this.” I extend my arm, showcasing the picturesque ambience.

“Well, first of all, when taking you out, a normal date won’t do. Plus, I didn’t want to do anything in public and have to deal with people wanting pictures and autographs. A private setting seemed better.”

“Yeah, that tends to happen when I go out in public.”

“I was talking about them wanting pictures of me.” He raises his brows with a cheeky grin, causing me to laugh.

“True. I guess we are in your territory, after all.”

“I’m kidding. Yeah, I do get fans coming up to me, especially in this area. But you’re known worldwide. I imagine it’s much harder for you to go out on a normal date.”

“Going out, in general, can be tricky, yes. But dating…that’s not something I do much.”

“Wow, thank you.” He smirks, and his big brown eyes light up. “I feel special. I knew you liked me.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Um, no. You’re just a bit of a stalker.”

He takes my empty wineglass from me and places it on the table. “True.” He hands me one of the baskets and takes the other one for himself.

“What do you mean, true?” I chuckle.

He shrugs. “I am kind of a stalker. It’s a bit of a running joke on the team. I might be mildly obsessed with you and your movies.”

I cover my mouth. “I can’t believe you’re admitting that.” I snort out a laugh.

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