Page 60 of Always Be True: Tino
They made quick work of both the meal he’d prepared and the cleanup afterward. All of which meant it was probably time for him to head back home. As much as he’d like to stick around, she hadn’t mentioned what her plans were for the rest of the day, and he didn’t want to presume that they might include him. With her busy work schedule, she might prefer to have some time to herself.
He dried his hands on the dish towel and hung it up to dry. “I guess I should be going. I’m sure you have stuff you need to be doing.”
She was already nodding, although she didn’t look all that happy. “Actually, I do have to be somewhere in just over an hour from now.”
Tino slipped on his tux jacket and shoved his tie into a pocket. “I’ll call you tomorrow and maybe we can make plans for next weekend.”
“I’d like that.”
Natalie followed him to the door where she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. “I’ve had a wonderful time despite the problems with my ex and his mother.”
Tino held her close, loving the way she fit in his arms. “They were just a momentary blip on an otherwise spectacular night. Now, kiss me and then boot me out before I make you late.”
“Yes, sir!”
The kiss lasted longer than it should have for a simple goodbye. Damn, it was hard to walk away, and it didn’t help that she followed him out to the car. After this much time, he found it easy to tell when she had something on her mind. But before he could ask what she was thinking about so hard, she put her hand out to stop him from getting in his car.
“Look, do you like the zoo?”
Well, that sure came out of left field. “I haven’t been to the zoo in a lot of years, but I always enjoyed it. Why? What are you thinking?”
“Well, that’s where I’m going this afternoon. The foundation sponsored a special day at the zoo for a bunch of kids from the neighborhood around the community center. I’m guessing at least a few of them are from your basketball team. I don’t suppose you’d like to tag along.”
Anything to spend more time in her company. “I’d love to come, but I’ll have to go home and change clothes first.”
He gave his wrinkled shirt and slacks a pointed look. “I’d be a bit overdressed for the occasion if I showed up in a tuxedo, even one that looks like I slept in it.”
She laughed. “Just a bit. Do you want me to swing by and pick you up on my way?”
No way that was happening. He wasn’t ready for her to learn that he lived in a remodeled garage. Eventually, she’d find out, but not yet.
“I don’t want to risk making you late, so I’ll meet you there.”
“Sounds good. We’re set to arrive at eleven thirty. The plan is to walk around for a while, take a break for brown-bag lunches, and then sightsee for two more hours if the kids hold up that long.” She grinned. “Well, actually the adults will hit the wall before the munchkins do, but it’s undignified to admit that.”
He laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve only helped Jay with the team a handful of times, but those kids flat wear me out. I swear, it was easier to ride herd on a bunch of new recruits out for a good time on their first liberty after basic training.”
“That’s why we always try to get as many adult volunteers as we can.” Her face flushed a bit pink. “But don’t think that’s why I invited you to come. I’m just tagging along to make sure everything goes smoothly. Well, and because I love the zoo.”
“I believe you, and I’ll do my best to be there on time.”
Tino gave her another quick kiss before getting into the car. “I’ll see you soon.”
—
The kids gathered near the railing and jockeyed for position to see the zebras grazing a short distance away. While they chattered among themselves, Rosalie sidled up next to Natalie. It was tempting to start talking to one of the kids, but that would only be postponing the inevitable. The woman would eventually corner her. Maybe she could shorten the conversation if she started it herself.
“Yes, Rosalie, he’s good with kids and looks good in that Henley shirt.”
She paused to take a quick glance at her friend. Just as she suspected, Rosalie was grinning big-time. “What? I want a bottle of water out of the cooler and was going to ask if you’d keep an eye on my bunch while I’m gone. I’ll bring you one, too, if you’d like.”
Well, great. “Yes, I’ll watch the kids, and I’d love another water.”
“I’ll be right back.” Rosalie started to walk away but turned back. “And you’re right. He’s good with the kids, and he looks great. He also stares at you as if you’re the special on today’s dessert menu.”
Rather than continue a discussion she couldn’t win, Natalie moved up to stand next to the three kids Rosalie had been shepherding around the zoo. “So tell me, kids, which do you like better—the giraffes or the zebras?”
She let them each give their opinions, laughing at their reasons for their choices. Meanwhile, she noticed that Tino was no longer hanging out with the boys from his basketball team. It took her a minute to spot him standing a short distance back down the path. Who was he talking to with that worried look on his face?
