Liquid Feels - Book 3 - DP Series - Complete

35. From Date to Disaster

Our date ends up being like any other time we've hung out before, only this time we're both dressed up a little more. Conversation is easy and laughter is abundant, but there are a few subtle differences. For one, Seth won't stop looking at me. Even when I glance down at the menu, I expect he's doing the same thing until I look up and catch his eye. He smiles, dropping his attention to his menu and scratching the back of his neck. His smile remains, even when his eyes flit back up to meet mine before returning to the laminated card in front of him. The sly glances and secretive smiles are stirring heat into my chest and making me jittery. His attention is making me feel beautiful.

It's a strange realization. I've never thought of myself as being unattractive, but since meeting Seth and having to go through so much trouble to snag his attention, I think I've started to doubt that he finds me attractive. Tonight is different. He hasn't tried to hold my hand, there haven't been any more kisses for over a month, and he hasn't mentioned anything about wanting more. And yet, tonight, something feels substantially different.

Maybe he's paying attention to me in a different way. It's like he's finally allowing himself to move in closer. Not physically—since we're sitting on opposite sides of the booth—but emotionally. There's a bubble around us and it's impenetrable. I know this because somehow my almost empty glass of water was suddenly filled and I never even noticed the waitress come by to top it off.

"Can I ask you a question?" I say, pushing my plate away and crossing my arms on the table.

"Sure." Seth leans back in his seat, one arm resting along the back of the booth.

I take a sip of my water and then clear my throat. "Would you," I begin, drawing out the question, "ever consider... going sky-diving with me?"

A soft chuckle leaves his lips and he rubs his jaw, thoughtful. "Um... yes. Definitely yes."

"Really?"

He lifts his brows, lips parting as he smirks at me. "Of course!" He laughs. "I mean, who wouldn't want to watch you flail through the sky? I kind of have this image of what it'd look like and it's fantastic."

"Oh yeah?" I laugh with him. "Please explain."

"Hmmm." He rubs his jaw, thoughtful. "You ever seen a plastic bag getting whipped around on a highway? Or a cat who's been thrown into a puddle? That's kind of how I picture you—legs going wild and your entire body twisting through the air." He smiles at the image in his head. "But, of course, I'd rescue you. And then I'd have a perfect view your face," he gazes at me, eyes trailing over my features, "and it'd resemble a Bloodhound with its head out the window of a car—cheeks ballooned and lips flapping." He nods at his explanation, seeming to approve of his description.

"Sounds stunning," I say, propping my chin on my fist as I gaze at him across the table.

"Could I get the two of you any dessert?" Our waiter asks, gently interrupting our conversation.

I'm shaking my head before he can even offer me a dessert menu. "No, thank you. I'm stuffed." I glance at Seth, silently asking if he'd like anything.

"I'm good. Thanks."

The waiter smiles, gathering up our empty dishes, and then returns a moment later with the bill.

"No rush," he says. "Enjoy the rest of your evening."

"Thanks," Seth responds, sliding his hand out toward the bill.

He's not prepared for my speed as I snatch the bill right out from under his hand. He freezes, fingers still hovering over the table where it once sat. Smiling, I open the receipt holder and scan the numbers. I'm definitely not thrilled by the large sum that I owe, but I smile, hiding my horror.