Page 34 of Forever Mine

We walked to center city. It was wild how close we lived now. I had barely even been over in this part of the city, even though I grew up here. Now I could just walk.

Dakota grinned when we stopped in front of our destination. “The History Museum?”

My heart that had been pounding from the second I told Kota I was taking him out, finally relaxed. He loved it. I sucked in my lip ring. “Yeah, is that okay? I know you were talking about how much you loved goin’ here as a kid and you never have time anymore. Plus there’s a new exhibit about Ancient Egypt and you said that was your favorite time period in history, and—”

Kota stopped my random word vomit with a kiss. “It’s perfect, baby. I love it. Let’s go in.”

Dakota dragged me inside. The museum was free on Wednesdays, which maybe made me a cheap ass, but Kota didn’t seem to mind. He just went to the sign to look at all the attractions and started to map out our route.

I was pretty much along for the ride, but I fuckin’ loved watching Dakota as he went to exhibit to exhibit giving me a history lesson on each piece. It was fascinating. Maybe if I had Kota for a history teacher, I’d have passed the damn class.

“What made you go into nursing instead of this? You’re in your element, sweetheart.”

Kota shrugged as he led me to the Ancient Egypt section. “This was always just a hobby to me. I always wanted to be a nurse.”

Made sense. Kota was born for the job.

As the day went on, I got this sense that I was being watched. I tried not to bring attention to it. There was no reason tofreak Kota out, and he was enjoying himself so much. I tried to discreetly look around, but nothing or no one seemed out of place.

Still I couldn’t shake the feeling.

“Okay, Jay, what’s going on?”

“Huh, what’re you talkin’ about?” I rocked back on my heels. Dakota narrowed his eyes, not believing me. I was a shit liar when it came to Kota.

“Cut the shit. You’ve been on edge for the last hour.”

Fuck, I thought I was hiding it better. I kissed his cheek. Not that it distracted him. “Really it’s nothing. I just had this feelin’ that we were being watched. But there’s nothin’ there. I’m just being paranoid.”

Dakota’s lips thinned. “Maybe we should leave?”

“Absolutely not. We’re not gonna ruin this because I’m a weirdo. Everything is fine.”

I wasn’t sure if he believed me, but he let it go. The feeling never let up though. I either was doing better at hiding it, or Dakota decided to try and ignore it. Once it was time to leave I was so on edge.

“So, I planned on takin’ you to the place Riley works for dinner. We could take the train or go grab my truck.”

Dakota looked into my eyes for so long, I started to get uncomfortable. I ran my hands through my hair. “Can we get it as takeout instead? I think we might be peopled out.”

I loved how he said we, even if we both knew it was mainly me. I still appreciated the suggestion so much I could cry.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? We can totally go.”

“Nah. I’m really ready to cuddle up on the couch, watch Kaos on Netflix and eat some good ass food. That’d be the perfect end to this perfect day.”

My face flushed. “Really? I wish I did more. I know I’m not the most romantic—”

Once again Kota shut me up with a kiss. “C’mon let’s walk back to your truck and we can go pick up the food.” Damn, my man really knew me.

On our way to grab the food, Kota got a call from his sister, so he stayed in the car while I ran inside. Riley wasn’t working, but he called in and hooked us up. I offered to pay, but Ri said it was covered. The hostess smiled when I walked in.

“Hi, can I help you?”

“Um, yeah I have an order for pick up, under Jay Parks.”

The woman smiled even brighter. “Oh, right, Riley’s friend! Your food is just about ready. If you want to take a seat, I’ll have it out to you in a few minutes.”

“Thanks.”

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