Page 41 of Dryad, Try Again
“I’m glad you had that opportunity.”
“I couldn’t ask Aunt Hannah to pay for everything. Nor did I want to. Working nonstop has always been my life.”
“Oh,” I reply. I’m peering into the depths of Tanner, and I don’t know what to say. I frown slightly. My parents, for all their flaws, financially supported me. I never needed to work, it was always optional.
“Which is why I’m glad I’m here.” He gazes up at me. The fondness in his eyes makes me feel like the tallest sequoia in the west.
“I’m glad you’re here, too.” I crane my neck down to give him a chaste kiss. I’ve never liked public displays of affection, but I’ve never cared about anyone this much.
“How about for our next date, we skip the museum?”
“You mean go straight back to your place?” Tanner asks.
“No, you handsome doofus.” I tickle him and we both laugh. “I mean we can do something more down to earth, so to speak. Less money, more experience.”
He eyes me in concern. “I want to treat you to dinner sometimes. Don’t think I don’t have any money. Kovi, I can—”
“I know you can. And you’re amazing. But I like the simple things, too. Please? Let me take you out my way.”
His back relaxes, and he gazes up at me again from his lap. “Alright, pretty monster.” He smirks and I snicker. “I’m glad I earned another date.”
My emotions threaten to choke me, so I lean down and kiss him again. My pulse rises, and the fact that we’re in public is fading away. Before I can make a mistake and start undressing him, the ringing of his phone interrupts us.
He sighs and says, “That means I need to get back to work.”
He sits up and I nod. “That’s for the best.” When he looks at me in confusion, I add, “You have stuff to do, and so do I. I really liked you visiting me though. Best interruption ever.”
He winks and kisses me again. “Anytime, stud.” He walks away and I don’t even hide the fact that I’m gazing at his ass in those black jeans. Tanner McGregor truly is someone I hate to see leave, but love to watch him go.
Several days later,I’m waiting by the west gate as the sun sets. I gaze at the stoic gargoyles, hoping tonight goes well. “Alright, stud, I’m here.” Hearing my boyfriend’s voice, I spin around. I’m taken aback by how handsome he looks. Tanner is wearing that stylish denim jacket over green flannel, dark jeans, and brown boots. He’s like a sexy lumberjack, and I can’t believe I get to go on dates with him.
“Wow,” I mutter breathlessly.
“What’s this?” He grins and points to the basket in my hands.
I shake my head. “It’s uh, our date.” I shrug. “I was hoping we could take an evening walk and a picnic.”
Tanner’s smile makes my heart blossom like a redbud on the first day of spring. “That sounds awesome. And thoughtful. And sweet.” He seems equal parts surprised and touched, and I’m proud to be able to pull off this whole romantic boyfriend vibe. Tanner doesn’t need to know how few dates I’ve been on.
“All the best for you.” I give him a dramatic wink and we both crack up.
“You’re corny, Sampath, but I like it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” He loops his arm through mine and turns me around. “Take me on a date, pretty monster.” I beam at him and attempt to memorize the feel of him so close to my side.This is where he belongs.
We amble down the familiar path past campus, far from the parking lot. The setting sun is casting a distinct purple glow in the sky. It’s not too cold, and Tanner by my side has me warmer than ever. After five minutes of walking down the trail, my hot date breaks the silence. “Alright, where are we going?”
“Somewhere familiar,” I say with a grin.
“Not the woods, right?”
I don’t miss the trepidation in his voice. He tenses up and I pull him closer. “No, I promise,” I reply in a softer tone. It sucks that he’s afraid of the woods, my home away from home. Maybe, if all goes well, he’ll want to come with me to explore deeper into the forest and I can show him up close how I commune with flora. He can’t stay afraid of that side of me forever, right?
One day at a time, though. “We’re going to the riverside.”
“Oh, sweet.” He relaxes and we walk past several others walking to and from the riverbank. When we arrive at the unoccupied firepit, I make quick work of laying out my red plaid blanket. With the sun almost set, I turn on my electric lantern and place it on the corner of the fabric.
