Page 8 of Norah

I try to explain, “There’s nothing I would need in a store like that.”

Ethan looks at me and laughs. “You don’t sound like any other woman I’ve met. They love to go shopping.” He gives my hand another tug. “But I’d like to look around. If you don’t mind?”

Why am I being difficult?He wants to go into a store, just say yes. “Of course not. Let’s take a look.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that Ethan wants to buy me a gift. A man like him, who put so much thought into the perfect date place, would naturally want to buy a small token for me. My first instinct is to say no, but how can I tamp down his enthusiasm? How can I keep that small joy from him?

No matter my feelings about buying things for myself, I can do this for him. I find a small print ofStarry Nightand imagine putting it up in my apartment and being reminded of this date. Maybe this gift is a good idea after all.

ETHAN

I think the date is going well.

Norah seems to be enjoying herself, and coming out of her shell a bit more. And she has held my hand the whole time in the museum, which isexcellent.

I’d love to give her a hug, hold her in my arms, but I know it’s not time for that yet. It’s time for the next part of the date, and I say a silent prayer that my luck planning dates continues.

“Ready for the next part of our day?” I hesitate to call it a date, even though it’s clearly a date for me. It just seems like less pressure on Norah to call it something else, at least for now. For our second, third, and fourth dates, I’ll call them what they are. But with Norah still being so skittish, I don’t want to do anything that might make her pull away.

“What’s the next part?”

I just give her a grin and ask, “Is another surprise OK?”

Apparently, Norah is getting used to the idea of surprises, because she squeezes my hand again, which I am figuring out means she likes something. There’s a feeling of satisfaction that I’m figuring her out, bit by bit. I find a cab close by, and we sit companionably together, her leg touching mine in the backseat. It’s startling how turned on I am by this slight contact, and I wonder how I’d feel touching more.

I can tell it surprised Norah to be back at Central Park, but she doesn’t ask why. As we walk towards the spot I selected for this part of our date, she’s quiet but observing everything around us. Norah’s gaze flits from people to creatures, smiling as she sees squirrels chasing each other, chattering loudly.

Most women I’ve dated would fill the silence with small talk, but Norah seems comfortable enjoying the moment. Her hair lifts in the breeze, red and gold glinting in the late afternoon sun. I have to fight against the urge to wind my fingers through it, just to see if it’s as soft as it looks.

After about ten minutes, we make it to my favorite spot in the park, overlooking Belvedere Castle. Norah lets out a soft gasp as she sees the picnic laid out in front of her.

“Oh! How did you… this is so…” She’s clearly trying to figure out what to say next, and I begin to worry that this was a bad idea after all.

“I thought it would be fun. I found a company that sets it all up wherever you choose, but if you don’t like it…” I’m babbling like a high schooler on my first date. What is it about Norah that has me all twisted up and unsure of myself?

“Iloveit,” she says, putting me out of my misery. “This is just… it’s so much… but it’s wonderful.” Her eyes are the brightest I’ve seen, and she’s never looked more beautiful, with her entire face alight with happiness.

Before I even realize what’s happening, Norah hugs me. Not just holding my hand, but her body pressed to mine. Her breasts press against me enticingly, and I’m now telling my body to calm the hell down.Don’t scare her away now.Norah’s so petite; when my arms go around her, she’s practically hidden inside them.

All too soon, Norah pulls away and I miss her touch already. But instead of yanking her to me again like I desperately want, I take her hand and guide her down to the picnic blanket. As we look through the goodies within the basket, I keep glancing over to make sure she’s still smiling and, thankfully; she is.

“This is so amazing, Ethan. I love it. And this place is so beautiful.”

“I know. It’s kind of crazy to think that there’s a place like this within the city. It’s like stepping back in time.”

Norah picks up a strawberry and nibbles it. Her lips are as ripe and lush as the berry, begging me to lean over and capture them with mine.Down, boy, I remind myself. I need to be patient.

The sun gradually lowers in the sky as we chat about the park, the museum, and anything else I can find out about Norah’s interests. I’m hungry for any little bits of information that will help me understand Norah better.

She’s reserved, but responsive and asks intelligent questions. It’s unusual for me to have a woman be more interested in my responses than sharing her own. Norah doesn’t reveal much about her life, but it is only the first date and we’ve got plenty more time to delve into deeper topics.I hope.

I look at my watch and realize that the people picking up the picnic gear should arrive soon. I could try to keep the date going, maybe stop for a drink, but I also don’t want to press my luck. Things have gone better than I could have dreamed, and I’d love to spend more time with this woman who has me tied up in knots. But too much, too soon, could scare her away. So I reluctantly gather up everything and help Norah to her feet.

“I’d really like to see you again.” No beating around the bush.

She hesitates, but only for a second or two. “I would really like that, too.”

The Roof

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