Rise of the Crescent Moon

Chapter 21 Josephine

Dinner was incredible. August was able to successfully guess Italian as my favorite food even before our game of twenty questions. The venue was unique, just like our relationship, and absolutely perfect. It was nearly eight when our dinner came to an end.

"I have two plans for how the rest of the night will go, the choice is yours." August began. I rested my elbows on the table and my chin on my hands as I leaned in and listened to my mate.

"Plan A: I pay the bill and we go check into our room at the B&B. At midnight, there's a vineyard tour that ends with a moonlight picnic which includes a delicious smorgasbord of desserts and wine. Then, we spend the night and head home in the morning. Or, Plan B, I pay the bill and we go home. We can stay at your cabin and watch a movie, or not. Either way, it's up to you." August shrugged like he generally didn't mind which option I chose.

"Plan A, definitely plan A." I grinned happily. Plan A sounded absolutely dreamy. August's smile reached his eyes. He waved down the waiter and handed off his credit card.

"I just wish I would have known you were planning a sleepover, I would have packed some clothes." I suddenly realized that I had nothing with me. I wasn't sure why it took me this long to figure it out, but August's mischievous grin was a good indicator.

"Kasey took care of it." He said, signing the bill and putting his wallet back in his pant's pocket. I rolled my eyes at him,

"Of course she did." The waiter held open the plastic, zipper door and August motioned for me to go first. He helped me across the grass, stabilizing me so my short heels didn't sink in the grass.

He led the way back to the car to get our bags and then we took the short stroll to the B&B which was right next to the restaurant. It was a small building with an old Victorian charm. August strolled up to the front desk like he owned the place.

I had come to notice that August exuded confidence, he always looked like he belonged; not only that, he always looked like he was in charge. He gave the front desk attendant his name and we were handed a key.

"You're on the second floor, the Midnight Moon suite." The man said. I gave August a look and he just shrugged. I couldn't help but laugh at the name of our room.

August carried both our bags in one hand and held onto my hand with the other as we climbed the stairs to the second floor. Our room was at the end of a very long hallway. August unlocked the heavy looking door with the old skeleton key the desk attendant had given us. The room was quite large with a four poster bed, a sitting area, a wood burning fireplace, and attached bathroom. There were a set of french doors leading out to a small, Juliet balcony.

"Do you like it?" August asked, looking down at me. I bit my lip and nodded, suddenly very aware of our sleeping situation.

"What's wrong?" August tossed our bags onto the small sofa in the sitting room.

"Nothing." I shook my head, but even I didn't believe me. August shook his head, running his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. He didn't push the matter, though. Instead, he suggested that I change into something more comfortable for the midnight tour. He said it would be outside, so I should change into something warm and casual. I picked up my bag and prayed that Kasey made smart choices when packing my bag.

"August," I paused before entering the bathroom,

"Thank you for dinner." August shot me his crooked smile and I felt the tension in the air start to life.

"Anything for you, baby." He winked at me. I blushed and stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

I pulled my hair down from the elaborate up-do Kasey had constructed. I found a cosmetic bag inside my overnight bag and pulled out the hairbrush. I tugged it through my hair and let it fall naturally over my shoulders. I decided that brushing my teeth was probably a good idea after eating pasta. Next, I rummaged through the bag, examining the multitude of options Kasey left me with. I decided on a pair of dark denim jeans and a thick, olive green sweater. I laid out my clothes on the bathroom sink.