“Sure, I’d like to get back to my phone. Isn’t it weird how badly we miss those damn things when they aren’t around?”
“Yeah, technology is in charge of our lives, that’s for sure,” I said.
“I do like being without it every now and then, though. I just get anxious thinking about all that I’m missing and will have to catch up on. Now that my company is gone, though, it’s not nearly as bad for me.”
“I don’t get that many messages on a regular basis, but I still feel the separation anxiety from it, for sure.”
“Can we go out again sometime?”
“Yes, but could we keep the date to land-based activities? I’m not sure I’m ready to start training for a triathlon yet. I’m still working on the running part.”
“I think I could come up with something,” he said. “How is next weekend for you?”
“I’ll have to check with my in-laws to see what their schedule looks like. I’m not sure I can get an overnight free,” I said and then felt totally dirty.
He was asking me on a date, not asking me to stay over. There was an awkward silence as Brandon seemed to be thinking about what he wanted to say. I quickly took the opportunity to fill my mouth with food and try to avoid making a bigger fool of myself.
“I’ll make some plans and call you to see if they work. Does Friday sound good?”
“Yes, Friday,” I replied as I covered my full mouth. “Probably Friday. I’ll just have to check their schedule. Unfortunately, I’m a slave to my babysitters.”
He smiled at me as I became more and more uncomfortable around him. It was his eyes. Those damn eyes looked at me and I felt my whole body losing control of itself. It was as if I turned into a silly, thirteen-year-old girl who couldn’t form a sentence and couldn’t respond without a giggle.
When we finished our food, Brandon led me out to a small motorized boat on the shore. It was a relief to know we weren’t going to be swimming back, but I couldn’t help wondering how the boat had gotten there. If the assistant had taken a boat out to the island, had they pulled a second one behind them just to leave there? I thought about asking him, but then decided I didn’t want to risk sounding ridiculous.
“I had a great first date,” I said as we walked to his car. “I hope they didn’t tow my car from the bagel shop.”
“They didn’t; I had my assistant call them.”
“Really? When did you do all of this? Was I sleeping for a year or something? That assistant is one hell of a lady. You’re lucky to have her around.”
“I was up late last night and couldn’t sleep. You were so peaceful, and I didn’t want to bother you. I’m glad you got some sleep. I suspect as a single mother you probably don’t get as much sleep as you’d like to get.”
“Sorry. I don’t normally pass out for a whole day when I’m around a guy.”
“I take it as a compliment,” he winked. “I must have totally exhausted you.”
We made our way back to the bagel shop as our flirty banter continued. I really did like talking to Brandon; he was fun and definitely kept me on my toes. The car ride was comfortable, yet my nerves continued. The light of day on my sordid night was playing tricks with my confidence.
“Maybe it’s just that I’m a single mom and never get to sleep in, but I feel totally lazy now.”
“Nah, I’m sticking to my reasoning. You were just exhausted by my awesome love-making skills. You might need a little time to recover,” he laughed. “Seriously, though, I’m glad you got some much-needed sleep.”
“I do feel like a new woman.”
“Enjoy the rest of your day,” he said as we pulled into the parking lot. “I’ll text you or call to set up our date Friday.”
My body tingled with desire when he leaned in to kiss me. I wanted to tell him I had just creamed myself, as a joke, but I decided that sounded too crude and he might not get my humor. Our night had been amazing, he was amazing, yet I was more nervous in that moment than I had been while in bed with him.
“I’ll talk to you later,” I said as I climbed out of his car and over to mine.
He stayed in the parking lot until I drove off, and I watched him in my rear-view mirror. His eyes continued to watch me as I drove down the road, like he was making sure I safely got on my way before he was even going to leave the parking lot.
Chapter Eight
Brandon
“You slept with her, didn’t you?” Josh said before he had made it past my front door.