The Choice - Nicholas Sparks [65]
Travis listened intently, recognizing an intensity in her voice she hadn’t allowed him to hear before. And though he knew he should have simply nodded and apologized, he couldn’t stop himself from responding.
“What makes you think I didn’t mean what I said?” he countered. “I meant every word. But I understand that you don’t want to hear it. Let me just say that I hope your boyfriend realizes how lucky he is to have someone like you in his life. He’s a fool if he doesn’t. I’m sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, and I won’t say it again.” He grinned. “But I had to say it once.”
She looked away, liking what he had said despite herself. Travis turned toward the water, allowing her the silence she needed; unlike Kevin, he always seemed to know how to respond.
“We should probably be heading back, don’t you think?” He motioned toward the bike. “And you should probably check on Molly.”
“Yeah,” she agreed. “That’s probably a good idea.”
They packed up the remains of the food and placed the containers back into the basket, then folded up the blanket and retraced their steps to the motorcycle. Over her shoulder, Gabby saw people beginning to crowd the restaurants for a late lunch, and she found herself envying the simplicity of their choices.
Travis refastened the blanket and basket, then put on his helmet. Gabby did the same, and they pulled out of the lot a moment later. Gabby clung to Travis’s hips, trying and failing to convince herself that he’d said similar things to dozens of different women in the past.
They pulled into her drive, and Travis brought the motorcycle to a halt. Gabby let go of him and dismounted, removing her helmet. Standing before him, she felt an awkwardness she hadn’t experienced since high school, a notion that seemed ridiculous, and she had the feeling he was about to kiss her again.
“Thanks for today,” she said, wanting to preserve a little distance between them. “And thanks for the riding lesson, too.”
“My pleasure. You’re a natural. You should consider getting your own bike.”
“Maybe one day.”
In the silence, Gabby could hear the engine ticking in the heat. She handed Travis the helmet, watching as he placed it on the seat.
“Okay, then,” he said. “I guess I’ll see you around?”
“Hard not to, us being neighbors and all.”
“Do you want me to check on Molly for you?”
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure she’s doing fine.”
He nodded. “Hey, listen, I’m sorry about what I said earlier. It wasn’t my place to pry like I did, or make you feel uncomfortable.”
“It’s okay,” she said. “It didn’t bother me at all.”
“Sure it didn’t.”
She shrugged. “Well, since you were lying, I figured I’d lie.”
Despite the tension, he laughed. “Do me a favor? If this whole boyfriend thing doesn’t work out, give me a call.”
“I might just do that.”
“And on that note, I think I’ll take my leave.” He turned the handlebars and started walking the motorcycle backward, getting into position to leave her drive. He was about to start the engine when he looked at her again. “Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
She crossed her arms. “I can’t believe you just asked me that.”
“A man’s got to seize the moment. It’s kind of my motto.”
“So I’ve learned.”
“Is that a yes or a no?”
She took a step backward, but in spite of her reservations, she found herself smiling at his persistence. “How about if I make you dinner tonight instead? At my place. Seven o’clock.”
“Sounds great,” he said, and a moment later she was standing in the drive, wondering if she had taken temporary leave of her senses.
Thirteen
With the sun beating down mercilessly and the water from the hose icy cold, Travis had a hard time keeping Moby in one place. The short leash didn’t seem to help much; Moby hated baths, which struck Travis as ironic, considering how much the dog loved to chase after tennis balls thrown into the ocean. On those occasions,