Reluctant Lovers ( COMPLETE)

Love Boat

Aleena's POV-

It's been a week since our date, we've been texting a lot. He's asked to go out again, but I am really just enjoying getting to know him through talking and text. It isn't that I don't want to see him again, I just don't trust myself not to kiss him again, he has practically begged me to see him today, he wanted to take me out on his boat, but I have to work this morning. We decided to do an evening boat ride instead. I'm a little nervous about being completely alone with him but Megan said she's only a phone call away. I think I can trust him, the man had serious self control on our date. That kiss was mind altering and he didn't so much as touch a hair on my head. I know he's going to want to touch me eventually, I just dont know if I'll ever be ready.

I've been at Maggie's now for a few hours and for a Saturday it's dead. I'm kinda hoping Maggie will let me bail early so I can get ready for my date. Just as I'm putting away the last of the inventory I hear the door chime. I pretty sure Trish is up front so I'm in no rush to walk out front.

"Is Aleena here?" I recognize that deep sultry voice anywhere. I walk out and see Marc standing at the counter holding a bouquet of pink roses, he's wearing jeans and a white polo, looking extremely handsome without even trying. Trish is just staring and I can't help but laugh at her lack of self control.

"Put your tongue back in your mouth Trish, hes a man,  you've seen them before." I laugh.

With absolutely no shame she just responds, "Yes, but he's ridiculously good looking!" I laugh as she walks away shaking her head, I'm sure thinking wayward thoughts.

"What are you doing here Mr. Abbot, I thought we were meeting at 7?" I ask.

"Well, it's beautiful out and I was hoping I could steal you way early, it's 3 o'clock do you think you could sneak out early?" His eyes look hopeful but the grin on his face tells me he's already had this planned.

"I don't think so, I haven't even prepared for the dinner rush." I'm lying, I've had it finished now for an hour, I wasn't sure how I as going to pass the time before 5.

"Oh you're here already!" Maggie busts in through the back door, "I didn't get to prepare her, take off Aleena, you're shift is finished." What the hell, are these people against me?

As he walks me out to my car he can see I'm upset, he gently takes my hand stopping me from walking, "Hey, are you ok? I thought it would be ok to get you away early, I thought you would like the surprise, I'm sorry, we can stick to 7 if you'd rather?" Suddenly, I feel stupid, I hate surprises, I like to be prepared, knowing what's going to happen. My whole life I have never had any control of my life and the thought of losing that control again is terrifying. I realize now he's just trying to be sweet, so I decide to take pity on him.

"No I'm sorry, I don't like surprises, I like to be prepared is all, I'm not ready and I smell like deep fried sweat, I was hoping to get changed before our date." I confess.

"Well, lucky for you, deep fried sweat is my favorite smell." His lips curl into that panty dropping smile I like so much. "I'm just kidding, I was going to follow you home, if that's ok, I don't have to come in. I'll just wait for you to be ready? I honestly just couldn't wait to see you, I uh, wanted to ask you something too." He pauses, I know it's big because he never stumbles over his words.

"What is it?" I'm on the defense already, this has put me on high alert.

"Well, there is this festival a few hours up the coast, it's got food and music, and these really awesome art vendors, the thing is it's today and all day tomorrow. I was wondering if you would like to go, we would have to spend the night. I promise to get two hotel rooms, on the opposite side of the hotel if you prefer?" He rushes it out like he's confessing some terrible sin. It sounds amazing! I've never been to any kind of festival since I was a small child, the hotel idea doesn't sound to bad either. I wonder if he would be opposed to taking Liam and Taylor just so I am not completely alone. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask, if he says no then I know we can't really move forward in whatever this is, he can't really expect me to spend an overnight with him, I barely know him. Ok Ms. Assertive, prepare for rejection.