Page 44 of The Virgin Romance Novelist Chronicles
“There’s sailing boats in Milwaukee?” I asked, a little dumbfounded from finding that out. I’d always pictured Milwaukee as a frigid metropolis where snowmen and polar bears played a friendly game of ice hockey. Apparently not.
“Yes. Summer in Milwaukee is huge. The city is right on Lake Michigan so sailing and speed boats are big during the summer season as well as music festivals. It’s quite a lively city in the summer, so if you ever get a chance, I suggest you go. And if you go, I suggest you don’t go to the brewery I went to. I can’t remember what it’s called, but I know exactly where it is, because when I was walking downtown, I saw a homeless person peeing on the corner of Michigan Ave. and I thought, instead of passing him and risk the possibility of getting pee all over me, I went into the brewery on the corner to get a drink. Little did I know, the homeless person was most likely helping make the beer.”
“Ick, gross. Did they at least serve pretzels?”
“No,” Lance said with outrage. “You would think there would be some sort of pretzel but there were none. Can you believe that?”
“I can’t.” I giggled. “So have you traveled a lot?”
He nodded as he sipped on his beer. “I’ve been all over the US and then of course outside the States.”
“Really? Where?”
“Let’s see, I’ve been to Europe, stuck my head up the center of the Eiffel Tower, I’ve been to the coastlines of Italy and Greece, as well as saluted the Queen of England. I’ve also been lucky to travel to Africa, South Africa mainly, and Australia, and let me tell you, both involve very long flights.”
“I can imagine. What’s been your favorite place?”
He paused and thought about the question, and I realized it was something I admired about him. He really took his time and put thought into his answers.
“I would have to say Greece. There is something dramatic about the contrast of the vivid blue of the sea against the stark white of the buildings. It is a true photographer’s dream. Plus, the culture is exciting. The families are intense, and I like that. I have a close-knit family so being there made me think of home.”
“It sounds amazing. I wish I could go there someday. I have a passport but no stamps yet.”
“No? Maybe other countries aren’t ready for you just yet,” Lance said with a wink.
“That or I haven’t had the money saved up for it, but I will. I’ll get that stamp.”
“Where do you want to go?”
I took a sip of my margarita that I was really starting to enjoy. “Promise you won’t make fun of me?”
“Promise,” he said and grabbed my leg to give it a light squeeze. My lady bits shivered from his touch.
“I really want to go to the Icelandic coast. I’ve always been fascinated with the Northern Lights and trips to Iceland are actually affordable. I think it would be such a beautiful and fun trip.”
“Why would I make fun of you for picking Iceland? My buddy went there for a week, and when he came back, he showed me the pictures he took, and I was jealous. It’s gorgeous there.”
“It really is, at least from what I’ve seen from Google.”
“Why did you think I’d make fun of you?” His hand went to my hair and started twisting it absentmindedly. Good God, he was pulling out all the stops tonight, touching me in every way possible, and damn if I wasn’t loving every single touch.
“I feel like when you usually ask someone where they want to go, anywhere in the world, they answer someplace exotic. Not many people want to go to Iceland.”
“True.” He chuckled. “But that’s what makes you so unique. You’re not like everyone else, Rosie.”And for most of my life, I've thought that was detrimental.Yet the way he said I wasn't like everyone else made it seem like he’d known me for a while. But how was that possible?
The way he said his statement made it seem like he’s known me for a while when in fact, we really didn’t know each other at all.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“You can ask me anything.” He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, lightly kissing my knuckles. His gestures were sweet, and in some ways, he reminded me of Henry.But this guy is interested in me. Likes me.
“Why did you want to ask me out? I feel like we don’t know each other at all, and this date came out of the blue . . . not that it’s a bad thing. I guess I’m curious.”
“I can understand that,” he answered with a devilish grin. “To be honest, I’m kind of shy, so when I first met you, I brushed you off because I was too nervous to go up to you. Rosie, you’re drop-dead gorgeous and the first time I saw you, I was hooked. Ever since then, I’ve been trying to get on another photo shoot with you. Once I found out you were writing up the Maine Coon interview, I made sure to be there.”
“Really?” I asked, feeling a little flabbergasted.
“Really. I like you, Rosie, a lot and if I’m putting myself out there, I have to tell you, I’ve read all of your cat articles.” An adoring look crossed his face, making me laugh.
