Year of the Chick (book 1 in the "Year of the Chick" series)

Chapter Twenty-Six (part 2)

I was smart to hold off on making a move, since less than ten minutes later the driver pulled over at the corner of Fifty-Ninth and Fifth.

“Are you up for a little walk?” said James.

“Oh my God.” I beamed. “I love Central Park!”

“I know, you mentioned it in your e-mail.”

I gasped. “I can’t believe you remembered!”

“Well, it’s Central Park, not a back-alley restaurant in Chinatown. So it wasn’t terribly hard to remember.”

We clambered out of the car but I wasn’t done talking.

“Fine, it’s a normal occurrence to remember Central Park, and you’re NOT amazing. Now hold on for a sec, I just need to text my friend so she knows where I am.”

He tried to look over my shoulder and read the text. “Ah, the friend who’s here with you? To make sure I’m not an unsavoury individual?”

I turned around and scowled. “Stop trying to spy on my texts!”

He laughed. “My apologies, please continue.”

I turned around and started up again, but I could see his shadow in the snow and it was coming up close. This time I turned around and pushed him but he barely moved an inch. So you’re strong, I like it.

“Okay,” I started, in the calmest tone possible. “I’m going to stand over there by that tree.” I pointed to my left. “When the message is sent I’ll come back. Okay?”

He held up his hands in surrender. “Fair enough.”

I stood against the tree and finished the text: “At Central Park. He’s not a psycho but he’s fucking hot. More later! xo”

I tossed the phone in my bag and our late-day stroll officially began.

We didn’t have to make it far to see the beauty of the place. A thick layer of last night’s snowfall, trees with icy branches, slivers of sun peaking through, it was lovely.

We walked around, kicked snow, and talked about anything and everything. To my surprise we hadn’t started any writing discussion yet, considering how often it used to come up before.

But it’s fine, let’s just go with the flow.

When we reached a stretch of beautiful trees with Belvedere Castle beyond, it suddenly hit me.

Picture!

“Picture,” I said out loud.

“Picture?” he said, looking slightly confused.

Yes, actual photographic evidence, yay!

I took out my camera and clicked away like a tourist. Most of the time I took pictures of trees to pretend I didn’t care about him, but eventually the time for joint photos was upon us. And I loved it. He was taller so he snapped all of those, and without even thinking, I would wrap my arms around his waist and smile. Of course, beyond that smile was a feeling of intimidation. And how could I not be intimidated? I could feel his rock hard stomach even through his coat.

I need to get a personal trainer.

As we continued along the trail with James leading the way, I looked over my shoulder at Belvedere Castle. How romantic it might’ve been to go to the highest balcony and soak in the view.

Maybe next time.

The darkness started creeping its way into the park, and the air was getting colder all the time.