Page 61 of Choosing Forever
“You could. If that’s where we were going.”
“Darren.”
“Delaney,” he drawls.
“This isn’t a date.”
“You keep reminding me of that.”
“Because you need to be reminded.” I start walking, hearing him follow a beat later.
“Rustic Ridge is where teenagers go to meet up or friends get together for Sunday brunch.”
“Don’t try to justify breaking the rules, Darren.”
“I didn’t break any rules.”
A snort escapes me. “You broke two.”
“One.”
“Two.”
“The only one I broke was picking you up. I never said this is a date. That’s all on you.”
“Bullshit,” I mutter.
He shifts closer, the heat from his arm teasing mine. “It can be a date if you want to let the rule go.”
“You’re not winning this battle.”
“It kind of feels like it.”
“Where are we having dinner if it’s not the diner?” I ask, ignoring his last comment.
“You’ll see.”
I come to an abrupt stop. Darren gets a few steps ahead before realizing I’ve stopped moving. There’s an obvious patience in his body language as he slowly turns around and leaves room for me to speak.
“No more surprises. I hate them.”
A muscle twitches above his brow. “When did that start?”
“Around the same time I came home from university.”
The air changes. I shiver at the chill while Darren slams his mouth shut and nods, something dark passing through the eyes now avoiding me.
“I thought you’d be interested in seeing what the drive-in grounds look like now. Considering we’re going to be talking about another fundraiser idea tonight, it felt fitting. The walk is short, but I doubt it will feel like it when you’re in uncomfortable shoes,” he says.
“Oh.”
A large hand runs over the top of his head before rubbing at his nape. “I should have gotten your number from Bryce and given you a warning earlier.”
I knew I shouldn’t have worn these shoes. It was pointless to put them on. I’ll never admit it, but I did solely so I’d feel extra good about myself in Darren’s presence. I’ve spent so long doubting myself that I guess I wanted an extra bump of confidence. Look what it got me.
“We can just drive,” he offers, focused on me again.
“Fine. But don’t get any ideas. You’re only driving me so I don’t have to change my shoes.”
