Aingeal left the restaurant and headed home. She had agreed to meet some friends and former colleagues for lunch, and although it had been pleasant enough, she was glad when they had to return to work. It was difficult avoiding conversations she didn't want to have, suggestions about changing jobs and staying stateside, or various attempts to set her up with dates while she was at home. At least this time she could feign fatigue and escape more easily. She had to admit that some of the men were pleasant enough but they suddenly seemed rather tepid compared to a certain rough-hewn fisherman she had recently encountered.
She knew Peter was due back soon and wanted to take her to dinner and she began to question whether or not she really wanted to get involved with him. She would be going back to work in another month or so and she really wasn't the type for a vacation fling. But just the few days she had spent in his company had been both relaxing and fun and she really needed a little of both right now. She waged a silent battle with herself. She didn't know what his expectations might be and there was only so much she was willing to give. But she also didn't want to lead him on. Knowing he was also off for the next month did nothing to make the choice easier. She sighed. Maybe she was just over thinking this. She would just go to dinner and play it by ear. She decided to write and accept his invitation. Perhaps seeing him in a social setting would help make up her mind.
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Pete checked his messages one last time before leaving the ship to make sure she hadn't changed her mind. He couldn't believe she had agreed to meet him for dinner. Granted, he had said it was a thank you for helping him out and taking him along on the trip, but it was still a chance to see her again. She had made a reservation for them and agreed to meet him at the restaurant. He really hoped he wouldn't stuff this up.
Aingeal made her way down the street. She had booked a table, strategically placed in a secluded part of the restaurant, so that they would have a chance to catch up in private without any well meaning friends who happened in that evening noticing her and coming over to inquire as to her health. She just wanted to have a relaxing evening with Peter and try to sort out her feelings.
Seeing a couple of acquaintances from the hospital approaching made her slow her steps. She put on her best smile and resolved to end the conversation quickly and be on her way. She geared up in detached professional mode and returned their greeting.
Pete noticed her from across the street and stopped. What a difference two weeks and a change of style made. She was even more beautiful than he had remembered, Her thick, honey hair was loose on her shoulders and she was dressed casually in a short dress that emphasized her long gorgeous legs and willowy figure She held herself with a confident air as she spoke to a couple of well dressed young men who seemed completely captivated by her. They seemed to hang on her every word. He felt an unexpected pang of jealousy.
After speaking to the young men for a few minutes, Ang dismissed them with a glance at her watch and Pete watched them move on as she continued towards the restaurant, attracting more than a few passing glances.
She crossed the street and as Pete stepped out of the doorway she noticed him and smiled. The dress swayed provocatively against her legs, it's rich blue pattern further emphasizing her deep turquoise eyes and Pete felt his breath catch in his throat. He was definitely out of his depth here. He inhaled to gain control and smiled briefly in return.
He was wearing his uniform. It was the first thing Aingeal noticed, and as she approached he seemed to draw in his breath and adopt a definite military stance. The jacket hugged his muscular frame and the hat emphasized the sharp line of his jaw and his dark eyes. He looked so incredibly handsome, and seemingly immune to the bevy of passing female glances, he gave her a quick smile.
After a brief hello Ang led him quickly into the restaurant, the short walk enabling her to regain her controlled demeanor. She stopped at the cozy secluded table she had booked.
After seeing her seated Pete took off his jacket and hung it up, using the movements to hide his disappointment. He was certain she had rushed him in and sought out the most remote location in fear that someone she knew would see her with him. He then put on his best smile and joined her at the table.
After a few pleasantries they ordered their meal and Ang asked him about the boys' reactions to his pictures. It was a welcome diversion and the evening soon progressed into a very enjoyable one. Pete recalled the pleasure of returning to the galley with his evidence and how, amid the many oohs and aahs, a liberal helping of crow was digested and apologies extended. He was a great dinner companion whose easy laughter and light conversation kept her amused and she was sorry when the bill finally arrived.
Once outside, Pete offered to call a cab for her but as it wasn't far she suggested they walk and he was pleased that she seemed to want to extend their time together.
When they arrived outside her apartment she thanked him for a great evening and he shyly asked if maybe they could do it again some time. "I'm on leave now," he said, "so anytime you want will be fine. Or we could do something else," he quickly added when she didn't answer right away.
"That would be good," she said." I was rather hoping to get out to the Tablelands while I'm home."
Pete smiled. The Tablelands. That would be a day trip. Fantastic. " We could go tomorrow, maybe," he suggested.
He seemed so eager that Ang was momentarily at a loss for words and without thinking quickly said. "I think you'll have to lose the uniform though."
He laughed loudly. "Taking it off is not a problem," he chuckled. "Consider it gone."
"I didn't mean it like that!" she returned, her face turning a dark shade of pink.
Pete continued to laugh but he tried to rein it in. It wasn't often he saw a woman blush these days and the reaction made her look young and vulnerable. It drove home her youth and suddenly made him feel too old and too experienced.
"I will dress appropriately and bring my swimmers," he said, still smiling." I guess this means you won't be inviting me up for coffee," he joked.
"You would be right," she replied, her composure returning, but she tempered it with a smile." I should probably get a good night's sleep if we're going to make a day of it tomorrow but you can come up for coffee in the morning before we leave If you like."
"That would be great," he replied, and after a little more discussion of the finer details of the trip, leaving times, whose car to take, etc she bade him good night and headed upstairs.
Pete headed home with a bounce to his step. It was definitely beginning to look like another great leave.