“This is your surprise.” He pulled a thick winter coat out from the backseat. “You might want to put this on,” he recommended as he jumped out and popped the trunk.
Violet got up, shrugging into the warm, down-filled jacket. The sleeves hung well past her hands, hiding her fingers inside the soft, pillowy fabric. She felt like a little girl playing dress-up in her dad’s clothes. But she was glad to have it when Jay met her on the passenger side, carrying a small cooler in one hand, a fleece blanket tucked beneath his arm. He was grinning mischievously.
“A picnic?” Violet asked, looking at him like he’d lost his mind. “Isn’t it a little cold? And dark?”
She took the blanket and he slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. “I promise I’ll keep you warm. And well-lit.”
He led her toward the park, and when she stole a look across the grass, in the direction of the lake, she froze in her tracks, unable to move.
Her heart stopped, and she reached for his coat, drawing him back. “Jay . . .” she whispered. She was sure she was witnessing an echo—a strangely beautiful echo.
“It’s okay, Vi.” He leaned down, his nose tickling her ear. “I see it too. I did this. It’s for you.”
She relaxed her grip, finding her breath again.
Jay pulled her forward and, as he did, she was able to see the splendor of what he’d done. Just for her.
This time, when her breath caught in her throat, it was for an entirely different reason.
At her feet, a luminous path lit the way through the grassy field. It was made entirely from glow sticks; each of the radiant lights had been painstakingly set into the ground at perfect intervals, tracing a curved trail that shone through the darkness.
Apparently, Jay had been busy.
Near the water’s edge, at the end of the iridescent pathway and beneath a stand of trees, Jay had set up more than just a picnic. He had created a retreat, an oasis for the two of them.
Violet shook her head, unable to find the words to speak.
He led her closer, and Violet followed, amazed.
Jay had hung more of the luminescent glow sticks from the low-hanging branches, so they dangled overhead. They drifted and swayed in the breeze that blew up from the lake.
Beneath the natural canopy of limbs, he had set up two folding lounge chairs and covered them with pillows and blankets.
“I’d planned to use candles, but the wind would’ve blown ’em out, so I had to improvise.”
“Seriously, Jay? This is amazing.” Violet felt awed. She couldn’t imagine how long it must have taken him.
“I’m glad you like it.”
He led her to one of the chairs and drew her down until she was sitting before he started unpacking the cooler.
She half-expected him to pull out a jar of Beluga caviar, some fancy French cheeses, and Dom Pérignon champagne. Maybe even a cluster of grapes to feed to her . . . one at a time. So when he started laying out their picnic, Violet laughed.
Instead of expensive fish eggs and stinky cheeses, Jay had packed Doritos and chicken soft tacos—Violet’s favorites. And instead of grapes, he brought Oreos.
He knew her way too well.
Violet grinned as he pulled out two clear plastic cups and a bottle of sparkling cider. She giggled. “What? No champagne?”
He shrugged, pouring a little of the bubbling apple juice into each of the flimsy cups. “I sorta thought that a DUI might ruin the mood.” He lifted his cup and clinked—or rather, tapped—it against hers. “Cheers.” He watched her closely as she took a sip.
For several moments, they were silent. The lights swayed above them, creating shadows that danced over them. The park was peaceful, asleep, as the lake’s waters lapped theshore. Across from them, lights from the houses along the water’s edge cast rippling reflections on the shuddering surface. All of these things transformed the ordinary park into a romantic winter rendezvous.
Violet reached for one of the tacos, amazed that it was still warm.
Jay watched as she took a bite. “Is everything okay, Vi?”
She swallowed, setting the rest down. “It’s perfect. . . .” She wrapped her blanket around her and went to Jay’s chair. She leaned over him, her curls falling around her shoulders like a dark curtain. “You’re perfect.” She smiled as she collapsed on top of him, kissing him.
He groaned and pulled her closer, making room for her as the kiss deepened.
She’d wanted to be in control but had too quickly lost the upper hand. Her breathing became uneven, and she pressed herself against him, squirming to get closer. The warmth between them spread through her like a fever, making her restless and impatient.
He stopped her then, before there was no going back, drawing his face away to create the most microscopic fissure between them. “You taste like tacos.”
Violet gasped as she tried to catch her breath. “What?” She blinked, trying to gather her thoughts. “Really, Jay? Is that a complaint or something?”
He shook his head. “Of course not.”
“Good. Because this is: I hate it when you stop like that.” She pushed herself away from him and sat upright, crossing her arms in front of her.
“Come on, Violet, that’s not what I meant.” The dazed look in his eyes only made Violet feel slightly better. She was glad he was at least a little bit bothered. “It’s just that I wanted to talk to you . . . you know, before we get distracted.”