Valentine's Day

Chapter 5

                                              

After we rode all the way to the top Hawke led me to the observatory. I'd never been up here before and it was a terrible shame. On the other hand, I don't think it would have been a magical time if I hadn't been here with Hawke.

We went into a large room with the other passengers from the cable car. We walked up some stairs to a platform where a picnic basket and blanket were set out on the floor. Hawke sat and indicated for me to follow suit.

"Aside from the block of chocolate you ate, did you have any dinner?" Hawke asked. I shook my head. "How did you know about the chocolate?"

"Because you always have chocolate when you're incredibly sad."

His voice was kind and free of judgement. He gave me a smile.

"Despite what your sister thinks, I do actually know you."

He opened the picnic basket and took out two glasses before reaching into an ice bucket and grabbing what looked like a wine bottle. He began pouring a clear liquid into the two glasses. I gasped. "Is that wine?" I whispered. Hawke shook his head. "Don be ridiculous, it's Champagne,"

"Hawke." I whispered. "We're both under age and you have to drive home later."

"You'd be amazed at what I can get away with by using my charm and good looks." he winked at me. I rolled my eyes. "Did you give someone more money to overlook our age?"

He shrugged at me and took a sip. I followed his lead. It was actually a really nice champagne.

We were sitting shoulder to shoulder with our legs extended in front of us. In my peripheral vision I could see his hair, light brown and spiked with gel like he usually did but something about it tonight just seemed more handsome. He was wearing a clean shirt and clean dress pants. Hawke was never untidy but he was usually a jeans guy. I'd never dated him before but I felt like he didn't do this on his usual dates. I really appreciated that he had made the extra effort.

He noticed me looking at him and he nudged my foot with his.

"Why are you looking at me, hun?"

I shrugged. "You look nice tonight." My blush deepened on my pale skin. I really meant the compliment but I felt so uncomfortable admitting it.

Hawke gave a wink and grin. "Don't I look nice every night?" He asked with a playful tone to his voice. I shrugged. Hawke let it go and began to take items out of the picnic basket and handing them to me.

Dinner was a Pumpkin and Sweet Potato salad with honey mustard dressing with a pesto and cheese twist on the side. Desert was Vanilla bean ice cream with a Raspberry cheesecake.

After we finished eating, Hawke poured us both another glass of champagne and we settled in for the show to start. We got to see a visual presentation of all the stars in the sky, both visible to the naked eye and those only seen with a telescope. We got to see glimpses of Venus, Mars and Saturn. We learned about the different constellations, planets and heavenly bodies. I was enthralled by the whole thing. I completely forgot to be nervous and found myself completely relaxed in Hawkes arms. When the night was over and the lights were switched on it was like being brought out of a dream. I blinked my eyes several times to bring me out of the haze.

Hawke poured the rest of the champagne into my glass. "Bottoms up!" He declared.

I raised my eyebrows. "Are you trying to get me drunk?" I asked with a cheeky smile. Hawke just shook his head. "It's a shame to let something this good go to waste and you already warned me against too much."