“He’s with Cindy. I doubt we’ll see him tonight.”
“I thought they were off.”
“They were, just like they were last year and the year before.”
“Oh.”
“I think Ryan likes her but is scared to commit. She said no, he freaked out, and now he is trying to be good.”
“Weird.” I joked as I stood and took my plate to the sink.
“You think?” He laughed and walked behind up behind me. “I think this is pretty weird too,” he said softly in my ear.
I turned as his arms landed on the counter top, caging me in.
“And why is that?” I asked before kissing his beard covered chin. I had never been with a man that had longer hair and a full beard, but damn it worked for him.
“I don't know. It just is.” He smiled and then kissed me softly. The wine had heated my body, and I leaned into him.
“Maybe it's just us. Maybe we are weird,” I said.
“Maybe so.” He laughed then pulled back away from me. He refilled his wine glass and walked toward the door.
“Come on.” He waved me toward the door. I picked up my wine glass and followed him out. He handed me his glass and then walked toward the shop, pulling a chair out. He sat it in front of me then sat down. He patted his lap inviting me, and I curled into him. He took his glass from my hand and wrapped his other arm around me.
“Sunsets now stars?” I asked as I lifted my glass to my mouth.
“It's been a really good day,” he chuckled.
“Oh really?” I looked up at him. The smile on his face was breathtaking, maybe the best one I had ever seen.
“Waking up with you was the highlight of my year, maybe the last ten years.”
“Well, when you win the title later this year, I'm sure it will top last night.”
“I don't think anything will ever top that.” He kissed the top of my head. I wanted to smile along with him, but I was inexperienced and even though I felt like it had been good, I was sure he’d had better.
“What are you thinking about? Your face is all scrunched up.”
“Nothing. Just about last night and this morning.”
“I've thought about it all day. I may have even made Ryan a little jealous.”
“How?”
“Because I wouldn't talk about it at all. He was so mad at me,” he laughed.
“You didn't tell him anything?”
“Nope.” I felt his chest moving as he chuckled.
“Why not?”
“Oh no.” He lifted my chin toward him. “That is between me and you.”
“I'll probably tell Rachel.”
“That's fine. But I don't want Ryan thinking about you naked.”