Chapter Twenty-Two
It’s Thursday and it’s an off day, which usually means date night. But, it’s already late in the afternoon and Rick hasn’t said a word. “Since we’re home, how about I make dinner for you tonight?”
“I was thinking it should be date night, but I just want to stay home and have a romantic evening with you.” I totally get it. All of the travel during the season wears on you and I only did it for half of the season. I’ve never heard him say the word romantic, I’m intrigued.
“Romantic, huh?” I giggle.
“Yep. I’m going to romance your socks off you.”
I look at my feet, “I’m already barefoot.” The words come out and I immediately hear “and pregnant” in my head, which I’m not. I see his grin and know he’s thinking we can practice for the “and pregnant” part.
His bright blue eyes soften. He reaches for my hand, bringing it to his lips and he kisses every knuckle of every finger. Tenderly spending time with each one. “You’re beautiful, inside and out. Nobody has ever made me feel as loved as you do. I know you love me completely.” He leans his forehead to mine while he holds my hands in his, “I hope I’m worthy of you. I hope you feel how much I love you. I promise I’ll always love you and I’ll never hurt you.” His voice goes raspy. “I promise to give you everything you want. You’re my happiness. You’re my forever.” I lean into his chest and he holds me as I absorb his words.
Rick wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly to his chest, “I know we said no relationship stuff until after the season is over, but the season is almost over and you’re in my head.” He kisses the top of my head and regroups before he continues. “I’ll be the happiest man alive whenever it happens and I only want it with you.” He stops again, taking a deep breath, “But, I don’t want to try to make it happen yet. I want you all to myself longer, maybe another season.” I feel his heart beat while he’s talking.
“I’m not rushing you. You tell me when, my king.” A lone girlie tear falls and I’m afraid I’m going to start bawling. I worry that maybe I’m too old for him, but try to hide the thought away. “I just want you to know I’m willing. Anything for you.” Rick tries to pull back, but I don’t let him. I don’t want him to see the crazy girl that’s trying to come out. He cups my head, running his fingers through my hair and holds me there in silence.
“I changed my mind, let’s get out of the house for a bit.”
“Okay. I need to get ready.” I probably have a tear stained face, the shorts I’m wearing have a hole in them, and I never got anything on my top half beyond the bikini top I’m wearing.
“No, you’re fine.” He pulls a T-shirt on and scoops me up off the love seat, carrying me out the door. I giggle uncontrollably. “That’s what I want to hear. Happy woman.”
We get in his car and he drives us toward the beach, parking near dog beach and, my favorite, lifeguard stand five. He takes my hand and we walk out onto the sand. It’s almost sunset and the tide is higher than normal. The wind is blowing at the tips of the waves, sending misty breezes toward the shore. Rick sits down at the top of the berm and pulls me down with him. He puts his right arm around me and I lean into him. He pulls me into his lap and we sit together watching the sunset as the waves crash and sizzle. The sky is mostly clear, the few clouds in the far off distance turning dark purple as the sun lowers. The sun blankets the sky with golden yellow hues and surfers turn to dark silhouettes on the horizon. My happy place, sitting in his lap with my back to him and his warm breath at my neck, watching the sunset. I melt into him and he kisses my cheek, “I love you, my queen.” The sun disappears, the golden sky turns rusty, and the breeze turns colder. Rick stands and pulls me up with him leading me back to his car.
Rick looks at his phone, “The guys are at the Locale playing pool. Do you want to go?”
“No. But, you should. You need some time with the team. I have some baking I want to do and I’ll be home when you get there.” I smile at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, you can continue the romance when
