“Yup.” I nodded and looked over at Mila, who was grinning in excitement. “You look happy.”
“I love riding.” She nodded at me, but of course I already knew that. That was why I’d planned the afternoon adventure. “This is so cool. Thank you.”
“No, thank yous needed. I wanted us to have a good time. Time for just us. That isn’t about work, or the agreement.”
“Or me going on and on about love.” She laughed and then blushed.
“Let’s just have a good afternoon.” I reached over and squeezed her hand and she nodded. I wasn’t sure what I was doing. A part of me felt guilty, like I was leading Mila on, in a way. I wanted to make it clear to her that this was never going to result in the true love that she wanted, but I was too selfish to just let her go completely. If I was a good guy, I’d stop sleeping with her and I’d just treat her as a friend, but I guess I wasn’t a good guy. I craved her and I wasn’t about to stop my addiction just yet.
“I’m down for that.” She nodded and her eyes glazed over for a few seconds, before she started smiling again. “Let’s go gallop.”
“I’m down for that.” I winked at her and she burst out laughing.
“You’re incorrigible, TJ. I swear, you really are.”
“That’s what they all say,” I said and she stuck her tongue out at me. I grabbed her around the waist and then pulled her towards me and gave her a big kiss. “But you’re the only one I care about that says it to me,” I whispered against her lips and I watched as her eyes lit up happily.
***
“I’m out of breath,” Mila said as we got off of the horses to take a break from riding. “This is a really beautiful setting,” she said as she looked around the lush green field. “I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
“I know. I can’t believe you’ve never been here before either.” I smiled at her as she bent down to smell some wildflowers.
"This has been really fun," Mila said, her eyes bright and her face flushed as she looked up at me. "Should we head back to the stables now? It's going to be dark soon."
"No, I think we'll be okay," I said and grabbed the bag the girl had given me before we rode off. "We'll let the horses roam for a bit while we sit."
"Sit?" she asked me, surprised.
"We'll sit and eat."
"What are we eating?" She looked down at the flowers again and then at me and I laughed.
“No, Mila. I have a picnic.”
“You have a picnic?” She looked at me with a shocked expression. “Where?”
“In my pants.”
“TJ!”
“I’m joking.” I winked at her and opened the bag that the girl had given me. “Let’s sit.” I sat down on the grass and Mila sat down next to me. I took out two turkey club sandwiches, a bag of chips, some chocolate chip cookies and grapes. “I’m afraid I don’t have any wine or champagne, but I do have plenty of water.”
“Wow, this is amazing. And so thoughtful.” She looked at me with a curious expression. “I have to admit I’m surprised.”
“Why? You didn’t think I could be romantic?”
“I—I don’t really know.” She shrugged. “I’m touched you did this for me.”
“I’m a nice guy, underneath it all.” I smiled at her and handed her a sandwich. “I know that might be hard to believe, but I am a nice guy.”
“I never thought you were a bad guy.”
“That’s good.” I opened the bag of chips and then passed it to her. “Salt and vinegar, I hope that’s okay.”
“You know I love salt and vinegar.” She grinned and grabbed a handful. “You’re just being modest now.”
“Who me?” I laughed and watched as she eagerly ate some chips.
“Yes, you.” She took a bite of her sandwich and I just watched her eating as we sat there. “Aren’t you hungry?” She made a face at me as she chewed. “You’re just staring at me weirdly.”
“That’s because you have a weird face.”
“You have a weird face.” She glared at me.
“Not as weird as yours.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her. “Are you from Mars?”
“No, I’m from Uranus.” She giggled.
“You’re from my anus?” I teased her. “Nice to meet you, part of my body.”
“You’re so gross, TJ Walker.” She leaned over and hit me in the shoulder and I grabbed her arm and pulled it up so I could tickle her. “TJ.” She squealed. “Stop, stop.”
“Stop or what?” I laughed as I pinned her down to the ground. Her eyes were dancing as she pushed against me.
“I’ll kick you in the nuts.” She giggled as she wiggled against me.
“I’d like to see you try.” I winked at her, and leaned my chest down on her lightly. “I don’t think you’d do it,” I said as I kissed her lightly.
“Oh really?” she said breathlessly, kissing me back lightly.