Now I See You | ✓

Thirty

Of course, neither of us are serious about getting married. Not yet, anyway.

But still, I could see it. The more time we spend together, the more effort he puts into being with me, the more I think I'm standing on the very dangerous precipice of love.

All I can do is close my eyes and pray that he catches me.

Aubin's only response to my suggestion that I've been too careful was to kiss me gently and then turn back to his food, a big, smug grin on his face.

Still, he doesn't let me scoot backwards again. Our knees sit pressed together and it makes it a little difficult to concentrate, but if he's not letting me out of touching distance, then it's not like I'm going to complain.

He occasionally shifts so that our knees knock against each other gently, almost as though he's just trying to remind himself that I'm right there, in front of him, within reach.

Knowing that he likes to be close to me, and also that he's probably still a little worried I might try to push him away, I don't kick up a fuss.

I like the proximity, anyway. Especially if it keeps him satisfied.

Aubin knocks his knee against mine again. "What you thinking about so hard over there?"

I glance up from the chilli I was staring into while lost in thought and smile sheepishly. "Nothing. Just enjoying my food."

He raises an eyebrow, but doesn't question me any further, which is a good thing. Not sure I want to reveal quite yet that I was just debating what it would be like to actually marry him.

"Not too spicy for you, then?" he teases, lips curled upwards.

I chuckle, grateful for the change in topic. "No. Is it spicy enough for you?"

"I added some extra spice into mine," he admits softly. "Didn't want to burn your mouth, you know?"

My heart constricts a little at his confession, even though he's teasing me a little. He's really been going above and beyond, just for me. I'm not really sure how I've managed to deserve that one.

"You're too sweet," I murmur quietly, turning my head to the look at the view, only to distract myself from accidentally blurting something embarrassing out.

Aubin just skates his fingers across my knee.

We finish the food in comfortable silence, looking out at the view and just enjoying ourselves. It's so nice that we can sit here like this, not really having to say much to each other, but just basking in our own company.

For someone who's never been all that great with words, it's such a comfort to know that I can do this.

Once we've both finished, Aubin takes my tub off me – making sure that our hands brush in the process, of course – and smiles. "So, I've got some fruit and some chocolate, if you want. I also made hot chocolates and put them in flasks, but if you're full, then that's fine."

Once again, I'm in awe of him, watching as he produces it all from the bag, holding out a punnet of grapes in my direction.

I take it from his hands, peel back the film and start munching. It's only when he hands me a bar of dark chocolate with raspberries in it that I pause.

Aubin's eyeing me cautiously, hand still extended with the bar in it.

Communication is key, I know that, so I put my big girl pants on to explain myself. "Mason always used to get me this," I murmur, taking it from him.

He softens a little. "That why you chose the caramel the other day?"

I knew he'd picked up on that, the perceptive man.