Reaching for our glasses at the same time, we both giggled at the simple action.
“Joleene, you look amazing. I mean you always do, but… wow! I’m gonna shut up now before I really swallow my foot.” Colin seemed to answer my question concerning his thoughts before taking a gulp of his water. Maybe he was just as nervous as I was?
“Thank you. Yeah, I normally don’t wear a dress to work,” I said, beaming from his compliment.
Before long simple quick glances gave way to easy casual conversation, from favorite colors to how we ended up in this town.
When Todd stopped by to get our order, we realized we hadn’t even looked at the menu.
“No worries, I’ll get your daiquiris and be right back to get your order.”
“Guess we better take a look.” Colin grinned.
“Guess so.” But looking at the menu was the last thing I wanted to do. I quickly decided on the six-ounce sirloin dinner and put the menu down.
Colin seemed also unable to concentrate on the choices. He kept looking at me, his eyes scanning across my hair and face.
Todd returned a few moments later and set our daiquiris down in front of us. Colin still hadn’t decided. I gave my order and then Todd turned to Colin.
“And you sir?”
“Ya know, that sounds delicious,” he said, looking at me. “Think I’ll have the same.”
Todd wrote down the order and headed back in.
“Couldn’t decide, could you?” I asked, winking at him and grinning.
“How could you tell?”
“Because there was a bit of a lag after I gave my order before Todd asked for yours,” I explained, grabbing my daiquiri and chuckling.
“That obvious,” he said, grinning. “You have a delightful laugh, Joleene.”
I could feel myself blush. The heat rising over my cheeks. I wasn’t used to getting compliments. Colin definitely was a gentleman.
The conversation flowed as we learned more about each other. Every time he gave me a compliment, I instinctively tucked my hair behind my ear, even when it wasn’t out of place. His eyes followed the motion, and there was a warm endearment in them as he did so.
Neither of us really registered the food had arrived as we grew more comfortable with each other.
I was so taken by Colin’s crooked smile. Sometimes, as I found myself looking at him, my breath would catch. His eyes had glints of gold as he smiled. And I knew I was blushing every time he gave me a compliment, but I didn’t care. I just tucked my hair behind my right ear again and smiled.
We paused when Todd checked on us and took away the now-empty plates.
“How was everything?” he asked as he stacked the plates.
“Great!” we both answered and then laughed.
“Good, I’ll be back when you’re ready to pay.” Todd set down the bill holder and backed away as our conversation resumed.
Colin pulled out his wallet and paid the bill. Then stood up. I was bummed the date was ending so soon, but knew he had to get up early for PT the next morning.
I gathered my purse just as Colin came up behind to hold the chair.
“Thank you,” I said, standing and again tucking my hair behind my ear. “I’m sure you have an early morning.” I secretly wanted the night to go on and also wanted to feel his hand in mine.
Just then, as if reading my thoughts, Colin softly grabbed my hand and led me to the river walkway. “I do, but I still have some time,” he said, not even bothering to check his phone for the time.
Oh wow. His hand is so strong and yet gentle. It feels so warm and comfortable, I thought as Colin laced his fingers with mine.
“So, how are you liking Fort Campbell?” I asked.
“It’s been pretty good. The guys haven’t hazed me too bad…”
And like before, the conversation drifted with ease.
Before long the sun had completely set and the stars had begun to twinkle.
“Oh goodness, it’s getting late. I hadn’t realized the time.” I began searching in my purse for my phone. “Wow, it’s almost ten, we should head back to your Jeep.”
Colin’s eyes became downcast and his smile slipped a bit. “Yeah we have a ruck march tomorrow.”
“That doesn’t sound fun.”
“It’s not,” he chuckled.
Walking back to his Jeep, we held hands and enjoyed the comfortable silence again.
Colin opened the door and waited for me to get situated. It was apparent neither of us wanted the evening to end.
On the way back to my place, the conversation picked back up. A couple times one of us would make a comment about the song on the radio and he would either turn it up or down.
Before either of us wanted, we were at my apartment complex. Colin parked the Jeep and came around to the passenger door.
He truly is a one-of-a-kind gentleman. A girl could get used to this, I thought.
Holding hands, Colin walked me to my door. I had never felt so special.
I wondered if he would kiss me. I wanted him to, but again didn’t want to come off as easy.
Finally, Colin leaned in and
