Tossing their cups in the trash Eric leads the way into the masses thronging the mall. "So where does PDA fall into play in this agreement of ours," Eric's eyes rake across her body, lingering in all the right places.
"What kind of PDA did you have in mind?"
Eric's thumb grazes her bottom lip as he replies, "I'd love a kiss." As his body leans into hers Brooke readies herself to be whisked away. Light fingers make a trail down her cheek, grazing her throat, and skimming down her arm to grasp her hand. His lips hover above hers whispering, "But I'll settle for holding your hand." Then he's pulling back. His lips never touching hers. Leaving her heart out of rhythm and her body feeling like Jell-O.
Narrowing her eyes she whacks him in the chest with her free hand. "Ow! What was that for," Eric howls.
Brooke scolds him, "I told you when you do that it makes me go all week in the knees and what have you. The last thing I want to do is swoon in front of everyone all because you kissed me."
A dimple pokes out on Eric's left cheek, "But I didn't kiss you."
Brooke growls, "I know. Which would of only added to my mortification." Eric's chest heaves with his laughter. Glowering at him she tries to yank her hand away and storm off. Instead she finds herself being spun around where Eric's lips take hers in a sweet, blissful kiss. That wipes all traces of angst from her body. Making Brooke wonder if she was more angry with him for not kissing her.
"Better," Eric whispers as he brings his forehead to rest against hers. Brooke nods. The fog was back. Again. At this point she highly doubts she'll ever be able to form a coherent sentence after kissing this man. "Good I can't have you angry with me on our first date."
Brooke leans back one lone eyebrow quirking up, "First date?"
"Of course. What would you call this?"
"Considering the fact I'm already living with you it seems silly to call this a first date. If this is a first date I'll have to find somewhere else to sleep tonight. I don't make it a habit of going home with someone on the first date," she teases.
Eric's voice drops into a deep southern drawl, "Well don't you worry little lady I'll see to it that you're not defiled tonight."
It was dinner time when they finally left the mall. Eric had made a point to buy her plenty of towels and bathroom accessories along with new bedding. Then he'd practically shoved Brooke into Bath&Body Works. When she refused to pick anything he bought one of everything he liked. It'd take Brooke a year before she used it all.
Eric insisted on ending the date with dinner at a little Italian spot a few blocks over. Angelo's was packed but they'd arrived just in time to snag a booth as an older couple was leaving.
Eyes kept roaming to their table followed by excited whispering. The whispers had been following their every move throughout the day. Several times they'd been stopped so Eric could autograph a baseball cap or snap a picture with some kids. It hadn't bothered Brooke. She figured if she was going to be dating Eric she'd might as well get use to sharing his attention.
After their food was cleared away a little boy no older then five came bounding up to their table. He was dressed in a little league outfit clutching a baseball in his tiny little hands. When he peaked up at Eric from beneath the brim of his cap his eyes dance with excitement, "Excuse me Mr. Matthews, can you sign my baseball?"
A woman bustles over exclaiming, "Denis I told you to leave Mr. Matthews alone. He's trying to enjoy his dinner. Just like you're suppose to be doing!"
Denis whines, "Awe but mom! He's done eating and I ate two whole pizza slices." Brooke had to cover her mouth to keep from giggling. His mother purses her lips trying in an attempt to maintain her own stern façade.
Eric reaches out touching the boys shoulder while addressing his mother, "Its all right ma'am. We were just finishing." Grabbing Denis' ball he scribbles a little note and scratches out his signature next to it. Handing it back to the little boy, he carries on some light banter with him. Asking him about his little league team. What potion does he play? Who's his favorite team and player? To the last question the boy proudly announced he routes for the home team. A little more shyly he admits "Ryan Fields is my favorite but Daddy says you ought to be in my top five at least on account of your arm." We all burst out laughing at that. While Eric whispers to Denis, "He's my favorite too but don't tell the others that." Through his giggles the Denis agrees to keep it secret.
Before we take our leave Eric takes a picture with Denis. then snags his little league coaches number. As we walk out to the Jeep I ask, "Are you planning on doing something with Denis' team?"
"We guys usually get together with local little league teams to offer tips and stuff. I might see if the guys want to stop by one of their practices."
Brooke's heart swells melting the last bit of uneasiness she feels towards their relationship. Eric is a good, kind, hardworking man. So what if she is dating her client? They are two consenting adults and if anyone tries to bad mouth her she knows Eric will set them straight in a heartbeat. Right then and there she knew there was no one else she'd rather be with. Werther Eric had meant what he'd said about their future together or not didn't matter. Cause there would be a future for them. Brooke would make sure of it.