… She cheated? Okay, he didn’t expect that. In fact, his face turned to one of confusion for a moment, as he thought about it. But, the expression was wiped away moments later when it struck him that Summer wasn’t exactly perfectly human. He needed to remember that, as it kept slipping from his mind. “Meeting somewhere public really doesn’t bother me. I haven’t been ambushed by fans, and as long as it isn’t made public that I’m here… they won’t come in droves like they normally do.”Her gaze had faltered from him; it was plain to see. Probably looking around for anyone who might be one of those ‘random’ fans, but seeing how the gaze was cast downward, away from him, but not far enough upwards to notice anyone even being there. Typical.
“I’m fully aware that you’ve confessed all that you need to. I wasn’t expecting you to repeat yourself at all.” He wasn’t sure who was more shy here—himself or Summer. You think after 48 years on the planet he would have this down by now. “Ah, right. If you think I’m going to let you down, right here in the middle of Central Park, you’re mistaken, though I fear that’s why you refuse to look at me. Yes, I took notice. Now, I think… I think there may be something here… between us. But, I can’t be exactly sure unless we give it time to… flourish. Suppose that’s the right word. I’ve seen you here and there, but that’s not always enough. Perhaps we could… spend a day together?”
Summer opened her mouth when he said it was okay that they were out in public, then closed it. It wasn’t fans she was thinking of, exactly. But he kept talking, and she had to swallow hard against the sudden access of hope flooding her veins. He wanted to give it time to flourish?
Robert wanted to spend the day with her. Forcing her voice to steady, she grinned. “I think we can manage that. Now? That would be best — I … I already have something I have to do this weekend. I have to leave in the morning, actually.” Was that how it was going to be? A few stolen hours, here and there, between his work and hers? Too soon, too soon by far to worry about that.
“Give me a hug, to start with,” Summer demanded, stepping right up to him, breathing in the smell of Robert. “I don’t have a spare bike, but we can go rent one. Chase each other through the park?”
If Robert spoke his mind, he’d certainly mention that he wasn’t going to do that day to hang out today. But when Summer mentioned that she’d be gone the whole weekend, he had to make a compromise with himself. Clearly, he wouldn’t be going back to the meeting he had managed to escape from. They could manage without him. He’d get the important information later.
And now he was being demanded to give a hug. How… perfect.
“For the record, don’t demand things from me. Not unless you’re something who’s higher up in the workplace than me.” It was more to be a joke than anything, but it certainly sounded like he was being serious. He followed it up with the hug Summer wanted, pondering the next decision at hand. “… Or we could just ride around. No need to chase each other on them.”
“I could beg,” she teased, biting at her lip and giving Robert big green eyes. He wasn’t going to make her go away. That could change, and she hated that her work precluded more than this afternoon. Relief made her a little giddy.
“I’m good at begging. Plee~ease, Robert, may I have a hug?” Summer wheedled, even though his arm was already around her shoulders. She lost the pout in a giggle at the look on his face and grabbed at his hand. “Come on, then. Just riding around.”