When she’s closer, I get out of my SUV and wait for her at the rear of it. I rest against the back with my hands in my pockets. As she steps into the parking lot, she looks up. Even from this distance I can see her smile. I have no choice but to return one as well. It’s automatic whether I want to or not.
“Good morning,” I say, reaching out and moving a windblown piece of hair away from her face. I know I’ve caught her off guard when her lips part. Hell, I’ve caught myself off guard, but it feels good to touch her. I wish we had shared a kiss last night because the urge to kiss her now is at the forefront of my thoughts. I’d give anything to be able to cup her delicate face in my hands and to press my lips against hers.
“Sorry, I’m late. I missed my train.”
“It’s okay. You know I could’ve come to pick you up.”
She looks away, fumbling with her phone. “It doesn’t look busy; we should be able to get a table right away.”
She deflects my statement about picking her up. Maybe that’s a hint, and I shouldn’t ask about anything that has to do with where she lives. Either that or I’m being friend-zoned. I’ve never been friend-zoned before, and not sure I’m going to like it here.
Daisy pushes the bag in her hand toward me. “Your sweatshirt,” she explains.
“Thanks.” I take the bag and push off my car so I can put it in the backseat. My luggage for our six-day road trip is in back and ready to be transported by Renegades staff. The timing really can’t be any worse, especially when I’m trying to get to know someone. Not that any time between February and October will ever be convenient. I get the impression that Daisy is different from the others. It’s hard to put my finger on why. Maybe it’s the thrill or the fact that she doesn’t give a rat’s ass about who I am.
Daisy is by my side when I shut the car door. Her being there gives me a glimmer of hope, although I don’t know why I’m worried about whether she’s into me or not. If not, I’ll move on, no big deal. Thing is though, I want to test the water and see where this could go. I know that means spending time together, which I don’t have, but with creative scheduling, and some flexibility on her part, we can see each other a lot. She’s the first woman that has held my attention longer than one night, even if she doesn’t know I’ve been watching her from the field.
I place my hand on her shoulder and open the door, guiding her in. She tells the hostess “two” and follows her to where we’re going to sit. The booth – if that’s what it can be called – is small and does not accommodate my six-foot-two frame.
“Good game last night,” the hostess says as she shoots a flirtatious smile in my direction.
“Thanks,” I say as I sit down. The game sucked and the fact that she thinks I played well means she’s not a true fan. A real fan would point out my flaws and tell me to do better next time.
The table is small and my knees almost touch the underneath. If I stretch out, I’ll take up the space that Daisy is occupying too.
“Do you think we could sit in that booth over there?” I point to one a few rows down and near the window. The hostess sighs as she picks up our menus and walks over. I let Daisy lead the way with me following close behind.
“We’ll take some coffee, please.” The hostess nods and walks away.
Daisy leans forward and says, “She wanted to stay and flirt with you.”
I look over my shoulder to find her returning with our coffee. She sets down two full mugs, along with a carafe and a bowl of creamer, before walking way. I push one mug toward Daisy and wrap my left hand around the other one. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but if my hand is holding something it may not twitch that bad. With my free hand, I decide to take a gamble and pick up Daisy’s hand, threading our fingers together.
“She doesn’t interest me. I’d rather flirt with you.”
Daisy goes rigid and fear rushes through me. I’ve crossed the line. I pull my hand back and slide it under my leg.
“I’m sorry, I was out of line.”