Sunshine Hunter Read online

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  By Saturday night, I was a nervous wreck. It had been over a year since I’d been on a date, and I didn’t know what was current regarding dating protocol. Did guys still open doors for their dates? Would he expect me to pay for anything? What about a kiss at the end of the night? Ooh, what if he wanted more than a kiss? I had already showered and shaved my legs, so that natural deterrent wasn’t in place. However, he would have to drop me back at the club at the end of the evening, so it should be easy to say goodnight and leave.

  I had chosen a cream-colored skirt with a matching top to wear. The short top barely touched the waistband of the skirt, allowing an occasional peek of skin. I slipped into a pair of dress sandals. The overall look was light, summery, and feminine.

  When I arrived at the club, Mick was waiting for me. The after-dinner crowd hadn’t yet arrived for the evening, so there was plenty of parking, and it was easy to spot him leaning against a black BMW. My heart fluttered at the sight of him. He was wearing a casual summer suit. The contrast of his naturally darker skin tone and dark brown hair against the light gray suit and white shirt was especially attractive.

  I parked two spots over from his vehicle. He walked over to open my door and extended his hand to me as I stepped out of my car. Once again, a tingle raced down my spine as I felt the touch of his hand.

  “You’re right on time,” he said, smiling broadly. He took a step back to take a full look at me. “And you are exquisite.”

  I could barely look away from his sparkling eyes. I could tell he was enamored with me, and I tried not to blush. He opened the passenger door of his car and continued to hold my hand until I was settled in.

  We didn’t talk very much on the way to the theater, resulting in what felt like an awkward pause. I didn’t know why Mick was quiet, but I had first-date jitters and didn’t want to say something stupid.

  The Carbide Dinner Theater was a medium-size venue with table seating on the main floor or in the balcony. We had a booth to ourselves on the main floor. I looked around the room, and a flood of memories rushed in. The walls and the heavy velvet drapes on the stage were red, the tablecloths and napkins were red, and a small lamp on each of the tables had a red shade. My dad always said it looked like a brothel, but I loved it here. When I lived at home, my parents and I had come for many shows. We loved every performance we ever saw, the food was five-star worthy, and we always had a good time.

  Mick ordered a bottle of Merlot, and we both ordered the house special of prime rib. I was grateful for the alcohol. It helped take the edge off my nervousness.

  Our dinner conversation was the light, getting-to-know-you kind. We talked mostly about our work. He was charming, and I enjoyed his company.

  After waitstaff cleared the tables, the lights dimmed, indicating the show would be starting soon. Mick reached over, grasped my hand, and pulled gently, indicating he wanted me to move closer to him in the center of the booth. “Slide over here. It’s easier to see everything when you face the stage.”

  We resettled ourselves, and the show started, but I found myself struggling to focus on the actors. I was slightly intoxicated from more than wine. The close proximity to Mick was distracting. The scent of his cologne was earthy and woodsy, with light citrus notes. I wanted to bury my face in his neck and take a deep breath. I chuckled to myself at the thought.

  The date was a perfect first date, and he was a perfect gentleman throughout the evening. He didn’t try to put his arm around me or even kiss me - until we got back to my car!

  The parking lot at the club was crowded, so we had to park at the back. He came around, opened the door for me, and took my hand in his. He continued to hold my hand as we walked to my car. I found the keys in my purse, and turned to him to start the awkward first-date process of saying goodnight.

  He had a hint of a smile on his face as he looked intently into my eyes. I didn’t know if I should say anything or throw myself into his arms and yell, take me now! I opted for sanity, smiled, and said, “Thank you for a nice evening, Mick. I had a good time.”

  “I had a good time, too,” he said. “I’m glad you agreed to come.” His eyes never left mine. “Can I see you again?”

  I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t expecting the question. He was looking at me with that amused look again, and I knew he was enjoying that I was suddenly tongue-tied.

  “Uhm,” I managed to squeak. “Uhm.” I shook my head no but what came out was, “Yes.”

  He laughed and surprised me by leaning in and kissing me lightly on the lips. The kiss was so unexpected, I didn’t kiss him back. He moved closer to me and kissed me again, harder this time. I took a deep breath. The woodsy smell, his lips on mine, and suddenly, I felt his hands on my waist, his fingertips barely touching my skin just under the short top. Fireworks exploded throughout my body, and I returned the passionate kiss.

  It was then that Jerry, who was walking through the parking lot to go into the club to start his shift, looked over at us and yelled, “Get a room!”

  Very mature, Jerry.

  The spell was broken. There was some humor in the moment, and we both laughed, but we were keenly aware of what had just happened between us.

  I fidgeted with my keys for a moment. Mick opened my car door and held it for me while I slid in. Before closing the door, he leaned in and said softly, “You are exquisite.”