New England, New Romance

Chapter 8

Once again Laney found herself surveying the people sitting at the hotel cafe but this time she was searching for one perfect face. When she found Matt it seemed like he had seen her first and had been watching her approach. His wonderful smile instantly cheered her and caused her own, long missing, smile to erupt on her face.

Matt rose like the gentleman he was, pulled out her seat and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"Good morning. You look wonderful."

Laney blushed as she took her seat. Matt had ordered her a coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice. He was thoughtful and a gentleman. But then men were always on their best behavior when on a date. Laney checked out Matt's date attire. He had chosen a grey vintage looking t-shirt that was faded and the lettering purposely worn with dark olive green shorts and flip flops. Casual seemed to be his style. The sleeves on the shirt were tight and emphasized his well defined biceps.

The food was your standard hotel breakfast fare but the conversation was exceptional and flowed freely. Matt had bought Brymo's album and seemed to want to talk about music but when she learned that he had Googled "Tabula Rasa" and read the Wikipedia definition of it a rousing discussion of how your personal philosophy changes during the different stages and ages of your life ensued.

They discovered that they were both divorcees with children. He had a three year old daughter and she had her twelve and eight year old boys. She wasn't actually divorced yet but for her that was just a matter of court documentation. Her marriage was over. She wouldn't have been on a date if it wasn't.

When the waitress came back to top off her coffee for the fourth or fifth time Laney remembered to check her watch.

"Shit! Sorry. I have such a great time talking with you that I lose track of time," Laney confessed. "I have to go. I have errands to run before my friend arrives for lunch; a lunch I will now have to purchase instead of cooking since I won't have time."

"I feel terrible that I ruined your plans."

"You didn't ruin them. I've had a great time. Today is going to be an exceptionally good conversation day. Breakfast with you and lunch with Teri. I couldn't have planned a better day." Laney meant every word of that. Their breakfast had been engaging and reminded her of nights in college when they sat and pontificated on the state of affairs and their place in the world. Matt had a quick wit and they had a lot of shared experiences. Laney had met Teri in third grade and she had never once been bored spending time with her since they met.

"I had a great time Matt. Thank you for a wonderful morning and breakfast. I hate to eat and run but I am so late and I have to have something to feed Teri and her kids." Laney stood to leave.

"Is there anything I can do to help you?" Matt looked sincere and willing to help.

"Ask me out again." Laney blushed a little at her forwardness, but the only thing she wanted was to see this man again.

Matt stepped closer to her, took her hand in his and said, "That was never a question." He ran his hand up her arm, touched her cheek and brushed the hair back then feathered a kiss on her cheek.

Goosebumps had followed his hand up her arm and then a shiver ran to her core as he leaned in for the kiss. The delicate kiss left her yearning for more and contemplating grabbing him and kissing him herself.

Matt ran his hand back down her arm and grasped her hand in his large strong one as he led her out of the cafe.

They stopped under her tree and Matt brushed his fingers across her cheek again.

"I am walking you home, but since I know you have boys there waiting for you, I want to say goodbye here, while it's just us."

Matt slipped his hand to her neck and kissed her. His lips were soft amidst the prickling beard. Laney's instincts took over while she savored the kiss. It was perfect; just what he had left her longing for earlier. Her knees went a little weak and a sigh escaped her lips as he pulled away. Her bad boy was good. She smiled contentedly at him and blissfully followed as he led her across the park.

They did not make it to her house. Her boys were on the playground and as soon as Jackson spotted her he was yelling for her to watch what he could do. Laney had quickly dropped Matt's hand and looked to see if he understood. He seemed to get it and with a smile, as he stepped away from her, he said, "Don't forget, you owe me another date."

Laney smiled inanely at him as he walked backwards away from her. She wanted to yell something about walking backwards being dangerous but Jackson was at her side pulling her hand. She looked over her shoulder and watched Matt's handsome figure. He looked good from every angle.