Okay, that surprises me. He doesn’t exactly seem like the type to wear Mickey ears and ride Space Mountain. He’s too… refined or something.
“You’ve never been before?”
He shrugs, appearing almost embarrassed by his admission. “I went as a kid, but I think I’d like to go back as an adult. Not for the rides or anything.” Joe blinks up at me, his brown eyes holding a touch of vulnerability. “I want to walk around Epcot and eat all the food and drink all the drinks. Crepes in France, Neapolitan pizza in Italy, sashimi in Japan. And I want to watch the fireworks at the end of the night with a nice glass of wine.”
I cover his hand with my own. “I think that sounds really fun.”
Joe flips his hand over and links his fingers with mine. “You don’t think it sounds stupid? Experiencing all that stuff in an amusement park instead of in the actual countries?”
I shake my head. “Not at all. It would be like… seeing the magic of Disney through adult eyes instead of the eyes of a child. Totally different experience.” One of my eyebrows cocks up. “Unless your parents let you have wine when you were there as a little kid?”
He laughs, and it’s hearty and deep. “They definitely didn’t.” Joe rolls his lips between his teeth, and then a hint of a smile appears. “Thank you for getting me. I’ve never told anyone that before, not even my brothers.”
Tiny little butterflies erupt in my belly. “Just start saving up a little each month, and I bet you’ll have enough for a trip in a couple years.”
His face pinkens, and his grin holds secrets I can’t fathom. “I’ll definitely consider starting a vacation fund.” The stroke of his thumb against my hand makes me wonder what it would feel like between my legs. Then he surprises me. “Would you go with me?”
Surely he’s just messing around. We only met less than an hour ago. There’s no way he wants me to go to Florida with him, but I play along. “Oh, for sure. No way I’m missing out on crepes and pizza.”
His smile is dazzling. “Good, it’s a date then.”
“You mentioned brothers earlier. How many do you have?” I ask.
“Two. They’re twins, and I have a half sister. How about you?”
I shake my head. “Only child. Are you close with your family?”
“I’m closest with my brothers because my sister is a lot younger than us.” He takes another sip of his drink. “One of my brothers is getting married tomorrow.”
My eyes widen. “What? Are you supposed to be at his bachelor party right now?”
Joe leans forward and nips at my ear. “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.”
Coming from any other man, that would probably be cheesy, but from Joe, it gives me a swoony feeling down deep in my core. Turning my face, I hold his cheek and stare at him. The man could be a male model. His flawless skin is olive colored, setting off brown eyes the shade of dark chocolate. A perfect Roman nose only adds to the symmetry of his face, and if his jaw wasn’t so strong and masculine, he would be considered pretty.
I have no idea what he’s doing with me, but I’m not going to complain about it. Taking the initiative, I brush his lips with mine, and an approving noise rumbles up from his chest. And then we’re makingout again. I’ve never been one for public displays of affection, but from the first time I tasted his mouth, I’ve been surrounded by a bubble of desire. He makes me feel like we’re the only two people in the world.
“Thank you,” I say when we pull back from the kiss.
His eyebrows pinch together. “What are you thanking me for, Minnie?”
I chew on the corner of my mouth, tasting the remnants of his scotch there. “For being here with me.”
He shakes his head like he doesn’t understand. “I should be thanking you. This is the best date I’ve ever had.”
My brows pop up. “Oh, we’re on a date now? I don’t remember even being asked.”
Joe chuckles. “Well, the waitress did say you’re my girlfriend.”
Nodding my head, I pretend to think about it. “Well, who am I to defy Waitress Law?”
“It would be unconscionable.”
“Preposterous,” I reply, fighting a smile.
“Completely uncivilized,” he shoots back.
God, this man makes me feel…something. A nice dose of giddiness, a hint of nervousness, and a whole lot of unfiltered need. And the cherry on top of my emotional sundae is curiosity. I want to know Joe.