world."
Rebecca tasted it. "Very nice. You really are a man of
superlatives. Best kiss ever, best lamb ever. I'm afraid to ask
what else you do that's world class."
Oops. Did I just say that? Rebecca blushed at the sexual
innuendo she had just dropped into the conversation. O.E.
grinned lasciviously. She braced herself for an ego-loaded
response.
His answer surprised her. "Then don't ask. Think of this
as step one in your path to being more like me. Let the
superlatives wash over you, and enjoy them."
She sighed in relief, glad he had restrained himself from
taking advantage of her gaffe. Enjoying superlatives seemed
like a good idea-some of the things he said did make
sense. She leaned back and admired his gorgeous body.
"And step two?" She knew where this would lead and
suddenly felt the urge to banter with him.
O.E. put down his knife and fork, eyes focused on her.
"Learn to surf."
Rebecca shot out a laugh. Once again, his answer was
far from what she had expected. "You really are full of
surprises."
"What's so surprising about that? You saw me dressed
for surfing, and you already told me that you've never done
it. It's a no-brainer that I'd offer to teach you."
"Okay, where do you go to surf?"
"Malibu."
He goes to California to surf? Rebecca's head snapped
up, and she stared at him. She pictured him driving across
the continent, a surfboard strapped to the roof of a beat-up
car. "You go all the way to Malibu to surf? Isn't that a little
far?"
"There's no place closer that's any good. If you want to
go to Hawaii or Australia, I'm game. The surfing is even
more intense there. But Malibu is nice, easier to get to, and
better for beginners."
Rebecca sent him a quizzical look. "You fly across the
continent to go surfing? I am impressed. Next thing you'll
be telling me that you have a private jet."
"Of course. I keep it parked at the airport." His deadpan
delivery made it clear he was joking. "But I don't have a hot
air balloon or an amphibious car." He gave her his best poor me
pout and then smiled.
Wise guy. She could play along with this. "I see. And
which will you be buying next, the balloon or the car?"
O.E. rubbed his chin, clearly interested in the thought-provoking
question. "When I get near water, I want to surf,
not drive. I think I'll take the balloon." He nodded his head,
the decision was final. "Besides, the Wizard of Oz has one.