Page 13 of Wolfish Hunger
Sammie looks gorgeous when I pick her up. She’s super cute in just jeans and a t-shirt, but in a long casual print dress…wow.
Unfortunately, Jim's Pizza is busier than I expected when we arrive. The weather is almost as beautiful as Sammie – sunny and warm with a faint breeze – and I suppose people were excited to get out for the evening.
After we order, she leans in and whispers, "Am I being paranoid, or are people sneaking peeks at us?"
The second my head turns to look, four pairs of eyes suddenly drop to examine their own plates. "I'm sorry. The entire town kind of checks out my family."
"Why? Is it because…" She trails off awkwardly, as I burst into laughter.
"Because I'm loaded? Because I'm a global tech bro?" I squeeze her hand. "You looked me up. I get it. And you don't have to be shy about it. Honestly, feel free to ask me anything."
She breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank you."
Another quick glance around the room confirms my theory. "Folks have never seen me on a date before. They're just curious."
Sammie's hand clutches mine. "Which means they're checking me out, trying to decide if I'm good enough for you, and who the heck I am."
Oh no. My poor sweet baby looks so worried. As soon as Bianca, our server, sets down someone's drinks at a nearby table, I give her a wave.
"Hey, Kane. Your pizza should be coming out of the oven in just a minute."
"Could we actually get it to go, please?"
"Of course. Shall I add some bottled iced tea and water too?"
"Perfect. Thank you."
Sammie leans closer. "We don't have to leave on my account. If you want to stay?—"
"Baby, I never want you to be uncomfortable. Ever." I smile. "Besides, it's a beautiful night. Let's go someplace scenic."
Forty minutes later, the pizza box is empty and Sammie and I are sprawled out in the back of my pickup. Thankfully, I always keep an air mattress and sleeping bag in the back seat, along with other emergency equipment.
"Are you sure this wasn’t your plan all along?" she murmurs, cuddling up to me.
"Nope. I last used this mobile bed a few years ago, when my brothers and I were driving all over the mountain looking for the best places for bird call stations. We took turns driving, reading the maps, and sitting back here scouting with both our eyes and audio level meters."
"That's amazing." She tucks her head against my shoulder, face tipped up to the colorful streaks of sunset. It's just dark enough that the moon hovering overhead seems to be our own personal spotlight.
"I have to say," she whispers, “this is pretty romantic."
"It would have been even more romantic three days ago when the moon was full, but, you know… I'm trying my best."
Her hand fusses with the top button of my shirt, undoing it. "For the record, you're doing a great job so far."
"Right? You've been well fed, we're in a romantic location, we've been chatting about everything under the sun…and now this moon." My lips trail across her forehead. "Someday I’ll wine you and dine you in Europe, but…" I gesture to the trees and a mountain peak off to the right. "To my mind, it just doesn't get better than this."
Sammie giggles. “I agree completely." She opens another of my buttons, then lowers her hand under the sleeping bag we’re using as a blanket. Her palm makes a slow circle around my abs, then settles on my belt buckle.
“Why do I feel like you're up to something?" I ask.
"Maybe because I am?"
"And what might that be?"
I'm quickly becoming addicted to her laugh. Every single detail about this charming girl feels like lights are turning on in my mind and body.
"Well, I'm not quite sure." Her fingertips drift along my belt. "I really liked what we did last night, and I'd like to do the same to you. On the other hand…" Her eyes meet mine as she nibbles on her bottom lip. "I've been on the pill for a while, but haven't, you know, needed it yet. So… I have to admit I'm curious."
