Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Dune nodded. “Yeah. You mentioned it was one of your favorite books and I saw that it’s here. It’s nothing fancy, just a local production. But I thought we’d check it out.”
Caroline jumped with excitement and then pulled Dune in for a kiss. “This is going to be the best night ever.”
“I’m really happy to hear that. I was a little nervous about buying the tickets.”
“This is perfect, Dune.”
Once they were inside Calhoun’s, which according to myth was haunted, Caroline ordered a glass of wine, while Dune ordered a beer. They picked out some snacks, grabbed their playbill, and made their way to their seats, which were four rows from the stage.
“Have you been here before?”
“No,” Dune told her. “I’ll be honest, this isn’t my thing.”
“Yet, you’re here.”
Dune leaned into her. “I’m here because of you.”
“What if you don’t like it.”
“I will because I’m with you,” he reiterated.
She rested her head on his shoulder for a minute and then kissed the spot where his neck met his cheek. “You’re a good man, Dune Carter.”
He was a fool in love but wouldn’t admit it to anyone. Saying it out loud, to either himself or her, could have repercussions that he didn’t want to deal with. At the end of the summer, she had a life waiting for her, one that didn’t fit into his world. They were as opposite as opposite got. But damn it if he didn’t want to let her go.
The lights dimmed and he reached for her hand. He would do all the things she loved because they made her happy. He didn’t expect her to go fishing with him, but he knew she liked being on the boat, so maybe a fishing trip wasn’t out of the question.
By the time the play was over, Dune was a fan. He was completely mesmerized by the story of Tom Robinson and how Atticus Finch worked tirelessly to prove the man’s innocence. Dune wanted to read the book now and that wasn’t something he did often.
“How’d you like it?” he asked when they stepped outside of the theater.
“It was amazing, and I don’t even care that it was a local production. The cast was astounding. Thank you so much for bringing me.” She stopped them in the middle of the sidewalk with her hand on his stomach. “Really, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Dune couldn’t fight how proud he felt. He had done something out of his comfort zone because he wanted to give her a taste of what she was used to, and she loved it. His heart swelled with pride and adoration for her. He took her hand from his stomach and kissed it. “Now for dinner?”
He guided her to the waterfront, past the waterfront hotel and around the back to a quaint restaurant, The Harbor House, that took months to get a reservation for. This was one place his name didn’t do anything for him. However, his mom’s name carried a lot of weight, and he begged her to make a call for him.
“Carter for two,” Dune said when they reached the host stand.
“Right this way, Mr. Carter.”
Dune kept his hand on the small of Caroline’s back and followed closely behind.
“Oh, Dune.” Caroline gasped when she saw the table. She looked at him, and then the table. “Wow.”
Dune stared at the table in disbelief. He can’t believe his mother did this to him. It looked like he planned to propose. The two-seat table had two tapered candles burning, a bottle of champagne chilling, and a beautiful view of the ocean. Dune nodded toward the host and then moved to Caroline’s seat to hold it for her as she sat. After she was settled, he sat across from her.
“This feels—”
“Formal?” he interrupted.
“Yes, and I’m suddenly nervous.”
“Yeah.” He sighed. “I asked my mom to get us this reservation. I think she went a little overboard.”
“I don’t know if I should thank her or commend her.”
“Do neither,” Dune said with a sigh. “She needs zero encouragement.”
Caroline laughed.
“How about some champagne?”
Caroline held her flute up. “I’d love some.”
“And we can order more because I’m going to send her the bill.” Dune groaned. He liked Caroline, but his mom sent the wrong message with her meddling. He could only hope Caroline was on the same page as him.
Caroline laughed but this time a snort came out. She covered her mouth, but Dune wasn’t having it. He pulled her hand down and kissed it. “Don’t ever hide from me,” he told her as he filled their flutes. He wasn’t a fan of champagne, but thanks to his mother, he was now. Dune clicked his glass against hers. “To Pearl Carter and her credit card.”
“May she not find out until the bill comes.”
Dune chuckled. As he sipped, he watched her. She would fit in so well with his family. She didn’t miss a beat, and had the most easy-going personality; she never took things to seriously. But then what? He’d bring her around, have everyone fall in love with her, only for her to leave. That didn’t sound fun at all.