Page 50 of Waiting Forever
Yes. Fine. I think something happened in the science lab. But it’s minor. There isn’t any smoke, but the fire department is here.
I’m on my way.
I pack my work laptop in case I need it later and hurry to the parking garage. I’ve been wanting to take Kensi to Hillstone, a lakeside restaurant in Winter Park. Now seems like the perfect opportunity.
Traffic on I-4 keeps me from getting to Ryland as quickly as I want. Kensi texted me twice saying Azure could take her home so I could stay at work.
This guy bugs the shit out of me. He’s with her all the time during the day, and when she’s home at night, she’s always texting him and giggling like a teenager.
I’ve never known anyone who sends as many GIFS as they do. They can have an entire conversation in them.
I spot Kensi’s vibrant hair the second I pull into the parking lot. She has on black sunglasses, fitted jeans, and a cropped tank top, her tan stomach on display.
Why isn’t she wearing her sweater? It’s cooler out today, but the sweater is tied around her waist. At least she’s wearing a padded bra, because she’s not nipping.
“Hey.” She smiles brightly when I stop at the curb, the passenger window open.
My anger recedes. I love how happy she is to see me. Reminds me of when we were younger.
“Get in, sexy.” I wink and watch her cheeks redden.
She climbs into the Hummer, smelling like her and the sun.
I breathe it in, letting her scent soothe me more.
“You shouldn’t have to take off work to get me, Nathan,” she chastises.
“I needed a break, and I have a surprise for you.”
“You do?” Her wide smile fills me with joy. She loves surprises.
I was worried when she first got here that she might not, after whatever happened to her. But she’s been slowly relaxing into her old self, so I figured I’d give it a try.
“Is it a thing or a place?”
I chuckle at her playful curiosity, hoping she never loses the trait. “Place.”
“Food or fun?”
“Both.” I pull out of the campus and head toward the restaurant.
“We’re going now?” she asks, realizing I’m not driving toward the house.
“Yep. Hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Perfect.”
Her gaze lingers on me, her smile thankful in a way that squeezes my heart.
After leaving the car with the valet, I escort Kensi to the entrance of Hillstone, my hand on the small of her back.
I’ve noticed a few guys checking her out, the valet guy included, and want everyone to know she’s unavailable.
“This place is nice,” she says as we enter the rustic steakhouse. “Reminds me of Dallas.”
“I thought it might.” Which is an additional surprise.
