Chapter 257
He smiles, eyes on the road. “You’ll see p>
I narrow my eyes. “I don’t really like surprises p>
“That’s unfortunate,” he chuckles. “Because I like giving them p>
“I don’t have that kind of patience,” I warn.
He laughs, the sound warm and easy. “I’ve noticed and I find that so cute p>
I look down, using my hair to hide my blushing cheeks.
That boy is mine, by Ariana Grande comes on, and I can’t help but be giddy. I don’t know why I love it, maybe because it’s catchy and gives off dark romance vibes.
“Do you mind if I turn it up a bit p>
“Go for it p>
I hum along at first, then start singing under my breath, and then my jaw basically drops to the damn ground when Adrian joins in.
I whip my head toward him. “You know this song p>
He grins. “Unfortunately, yes p>
“Unfortunately?” I ask, laughing softly.
He nods, “Yes p>
“How do you know it p>
“My niece,” he says. “I pick her up from school sometimes and she listens to Ariana Grande more than anyone I’ve ever met p>
“How old is she?” I laugh and ask.
“Thirteen p>
We pull into a small, cozy diner-style restaurant, lights glowing warmly against the night.
“This is our first stop,” he says.
Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed with soft music, quiet conversations, and comfort food scents fill the air. We order easily, conversation flowing without effort.
When our food arrives, I realize how hungry I am. He notices too.
“I’m hoping that rumbling in your stomach is a good sign?” he asks.
“A very good sign,” I grin.
“So, it’s safe to quote Winnie the Pooh and say you have a rumbly in your tumbly p>
I can’t stop the laughter that bubbles out of me. “Your niece p>
“No, this one is from my nephew p>
“How many nieces and nephews do you have?” I ask,
“Five”
I nod as curiosity starts to set in. “I would never have guessed you had a niece that age p>
“Most people don’t p>
“Do you have a lot of siblings p>
“Nope,” he says. “Just a brother and a sister. They’re a lot older than me p>
“Oh p>
“My parents had me late,” he explains. “My mom had already hit menopause and they were sure they had closed that chapter… then boom. Me p>
I smile. “Sounds like fate working overtime to make sure you come into this world p>
“I never thought about it that way,” he counters. “Some surprise babies aren’t generally welcomed or wanted, but my case was different p>
“I’m glad too, because I got to meet an amazing man.” I smile.
“What about you p>
I shrug. “I’m an only child p>
“Really p>
“Yeah. I always wanted siblings, but my mom never wanted more kids p>
He glances at me briefly, then winks. “Well… if things go well, you could have mine p>
My heart stutters. The insinuation hangs in the air and fuck, does it leave me breathless.
Once again I feel heat rush to my face, my cheeks burning as my heart starts up again.
“I—” I stop, then laugh softly. “You’re smooth p>
“I’d like to think so; otherwise, how would I keep you coming back for more? ” he asks, smiling wide.
By the time we finish eating, I feel light. Comfortable. Like I haven’t had to armor myself once all evening.
We leave the car in the parking lot and walk a short distance, our shoulders brushing occasionally.
When we stop, I look up and realize where we are.
“The movies?” I ask.
He smiles. “Second stop p>
“Ready?” he asks.
“I think so,” I smile. “I haven’t been to the movies in forever p>
“That just means it’ll be extra good p>
Inside, the smell hits me immediately—butter, sugar and nostalgia. He slows his steps so we’re walking side by side instead of him leading, like he’s quietly matching my pace.
“Popcorn?” he asks. “Or are you more of a candy person p>
“Popcorn,” I answer without hesitation. “Extra butter p>
“I don’t know why I thought you were more of a salt kind of girl” he nods seriously.
“Is it because I’m salty?” I arch a brow.
He laughs, full-on laughs. “That doesn’t even make any sense p>
I laugh. “Maybe, but at least I got to hear your beautiful laugh p>
“Are you flirting with me, Sierra?” He grins, his eyes zeroing in on me like I’m prey.
I give him a wink. “Only if you’re receptive p>
“That is something you don’t have to second-guess,” he says with a grin that would melt any woman’s panties off.
He orders one large popcorn and two drinks and then hands one to me.