She lined up to hit the ball again, this time aiming for the side bumpers, and after another three strokes, she managed to sink the ball in the hole. “Took me five. Think you can top that?”
“I thought we weren’t keeping score,” Israel said as he placed his own ball down.
“We aren’t technically, but how about a friendly wager? We won’t keep an overall stroke count, but the person with the lowest strokes wins the hole and the person who wins the most holes is the winner overall.”
Israel leaned against his club for a minute as he thought. “Okay, but what does the winner get?”
A kiss was the first thought that flew into Tiffany’s head, but she couldn’t say that. Could she? “Winner gets to choose.” There; that ought to leave it open. If she won, she could choose a kiss, and if he won, she’d get to see what he wanted most.
“Choose what?”
Tiffany shrugged. “Whatever they want. What we do next, the next date,” she paused, hoping her innuendo hung in the air, “whatever they want.” It wasn’t an offer she would make with most men, but she knew that Israel thought the way she did. Even if he won, he would never choose something that would make her uncomfortable.
“You’re on.” Israel, having the advantage of seeing the ramp was a trap, aimed his ball toward the bumper and managed to make the hole with only three strokes. He grinned at her as he scooped up his ball. “Guess I won that one.”
“So, you did.” She stepped aside to allow him to place his ball down on the next green. He looked at her, and even though it was dark, she could see the confusion on his face. With a smile, she motioned for him to step in front of her. “Winners go first on the next hole.”
His teeth glowed in the dark as his lips parted in a smile. “I see what you did there. Tricky, but I think I’ll still win.” He placed his ball down and then searched for the hole before sending the ball flying again.
He was a better golfer than he claimed, and by the time they reached the last hole, the game was over. He had nine wins to her eight, so the best she could hope to do was tie him, but she was pretty sure she was going to lose the bet. However, she didn’t mind. She couldn’t remember a time she’d had more fun, and a part of her wanted to see what he would choose if he won.
“Four strokes,” she said as her ball fell into the hole at the end. “Pretty sure you’ve got this in the bag.”
He grinned at her as he placed his ball down. “You never know what can happen.”
While that was true, Tiffany felt like she would be a winner either way. She held her breath as he tapped the ball the first time, sending it shooting up the ramp and out the other side. Now he simply had to make it under the rotating windmill blades, and he would be home free. As if endowed with extra luck, it sailed through the blades and into the hole with the very next shot.
“Huh, well, I guess I won.” He seemed almost shocked as he stared at the dark hole his ball had disappeared into.
“I guess you did. Winner gets to choose, so what do you want?”
Israel stepped closer to her, his eyes devouring her face. A surge of heat blossomed between them, and Tiffany felt as if they were enclosed in their own private bubble. “What would you have chosen if you won?”
She bit her bottom lip, unsure if she should tell him. Would it be too forward? Somehow, with the intensity flowing from his gaze, she doubted it. “I would have asked for a kiss.” Her words were soft and breathy.
He took the club from her and laid them both aside. Then he stepped closer, placing his hands on her chin. “Well, I guess great minds really do think alike because that is exactly what I was hoping for too.”
It had been a long time since Tiffany had kissed anyone, and though she knew it was cliche, she felt like her heart stopped beating in her chest as he held her gaze. His thumb brushed across her cheek, sending goosebumps erupting like tiny soldiers down her arms, and while she wanted the kiss to happen, she also didn’t want this moment to end.
As if her face was a book, Israel’s eyes read every inch of her visage before he tilted his face and placed his lips upon hers. She did not hear fireworks or bells. Instead, the moment he touched her lips, she felt as if the world had stopped. Literally paused on its axis and stopped spinning for this moment in time. Tingles shot throughout her body followed with a feeling of pure contentment, as if in his arms was the place she had always meant to be.
“Wow,” she said when the kiss ended and he pulled back. His hands were still on her cheeks, warm and soft. “That was--”
“Worth repeating,” he finished with a smile, and Tiffany couldn’t have agreed more. Unfortunately, their moment was interrupted by a rowdy group of teenagers who had come up behind them.
“Get a room,” one said, pointing his club at the hole, “you’re blocking our play.”
“Sorry.” Tiffany felt the heat rush to her cheeks as Israel grabbed their clubs and they exited the course. They dropped their clubs off and paid the bill, still chuckling as they exited the course and headed back toward the car.
“That was--”
“Embarrassing,” Tiffany said, cutting him off.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. “I was going to say amazing.”
Heat crawled up her neck as his eyes held hers. “But those kids--”
“Were probably just jealous,” he finished. “I didn’t see any of them kissing a beautiful woman.”
Beautiful? He thought she was beautiful? How long had it been since someone had told her that? “Or maybe they were jealous of me. After all, I was the one with the handsome man.” Her arms circled his neck and before he could say anything else, she leaned up and kissed him again.
This time there was no one to interrupt the kiss, and when it ended, all they could do was smile at each other like goofy teenagers.
“It’s not too late,” Tiffany said, not wanting the date to end yet. “Do you feel like some ice cream?”
“I feel like anything that allows me to spend more time with you,” Israel said as he opened the truck door for her again and Tiffany couldn’t agree more.
11
Israel
Israel whistled as he grabbed his keys and headed for his truck. Tonight, he had a special dinner planned with Tiffany. After their glow golf date, they’d spent nearly every day together. When their schedules allowed, they ate lunch together, either in the breakroom or in his office, and every night after work, they got together for a devotional. Most days that too happened in his office as it was quieter, but occasionally they would take their Bibles to a restaurant and have dinner together as well. Now, nearly a month later, he’d planned a special night with dinner, a movie, and a gift that bulged softly in his pocket.
“Well, don’t you look dashing,” she said with a wide smile when she opened the door at his knock twenty minutes later.
“I could say the same for you.” He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her lips. The first kiss with her had been amazing, and unlike some women he’d dated in the past, it had remained just as amazing with every subsequent kiss. He could honestly see himself kissing only her for the rest of his life and being completely happy.
“So, where are we going tonight?” Tiffany grabbed a light jacket before locking the door though Israel doubted she would need it. Summer was drawing to a close, but the evenings were still warm, at least until the sun set completely.
“Dinner and then a movie. I figured we would go someplace a little fancier to celebrate a month together.”
“A month? Is that all it’s been?” Tiffany asked, a teasing note in her tone.
Israel knew she was kidding, so he decided to play alone. “I know. It feels like forever right?”
“Definitely.” She flashed him a wide smile before a grimace contorted her features and she pressed a hand against her stomach, doubling over in the process.
Concern surged within Israel, and he grasped her arms, unsure what was happening. “Are you okay?”
; Tiffany held up a finger and took a few deep breaths before returning to a standing position. “I’m okay. It’s just a stomach cramp. I’ve been having a few all day, but they go away quickly.”
“Is it food poisoning? Did you eat something that disagreed with you? Do you need to stay home? We can do this date later.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s nothing I ate. I get them every few weeks, but they don’t last long and they disappear quickly. Let’s not ruin the night.”
Though she dismissed them as no big deal, Israel wasn’t sure that was the case. “Have you been to the doctor? Maybe he or she could help.”
She smiled at him though the light did not reach her eyes like it normally did. “You sound like Holly. I promise if they get any worse that I’ll set an appointment.”
Israel was pretty sure that if her pain got any worse, she’d be curled up on the floor and unable to call a doctor, but he decided to let the issue go for now. He could tell she was defensive about this for whatever reason, and he didn’t want to push her. At least not yet. “Okay, but promise you’ll let me know if it gets too bad and I need to take you home.”
“I will.” She pulled her shoulders back as if attempting to assure him she was indeed better now. “Now, let’s go enjoy that dinner you’ve planned.”
Though Tiffany kept up a chipper chatter all the way to the restaurant, Israel could not shake the unease from his mind. He didn’t know what her cramps might be indicative of, but he did not miss the slight grimaces she tried to hide even on the way to the restaurant, and every one sent a pang of worry straight to his gut.
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” he asked as he parked the truck and turned off the engine.
“Israel, I’m fine. Let’s just enjoy dinner.”
He could hear the slight note of irritation in her voice, so he decided to push the issue from his mind and focus on the evening he’d planned. “You’re right. This place is supposed to have the best steak in town, so I hope you’re hungry.” He flashed what he hoped was a smile that did not show his reservations before hopping out of the driver’s side and hurrying to her side to open the door for her. He knew that some women in the current culture found the gesture insulting, but his mama had always told him to offer, and thankfully Tiffany seemed to appreciate the act.
He took her hand as they crossed the parking lot, and though he tried to keep his focus forward, he could not help sneaking glances at her to make sure there were no more grimaces. When they reached the door, he finally allowed himself to relax a little.
The hostess greeted them and led them to a candlelit table complete with a crisp white tablecloth and sparkling silver flatware. Israel pulled out Tiffany’s chair for her before taking his own seat and thanking the hostess.
“This place is beautiful, Israel, but what made you pick it?” Tiffany asked as they each took a menu.
“You mean besides the fact that I wanted to take my girlfriend somewhere nice?” he asked, enjoying the way the word girlfriend sounded as it escaped his lips.
A soft pink spilled across her cheeks. “Yes, other than that.”
“When my family came to America, we lived in Texas for a time. I fell in love with the taste of steak, and I honestly haven’t had a good one in a while, so their claim better be true.”
Tiffany smiled. “Well, if it isn’t, maybe we can convince Holly to make you one. She’s an amazing cook.”
“She cooks too? I thought she just owned the restaurant.” Israel had gotten to know Holly a little better over the last month, but he’d had no idea she was a chef.
Tiffany nodded as she picked up her menu. “She does. In fact, I think she may have started as a cook. She still cooks occasionally at the restaurant.”
“She sounds like a woman with many talents, but she still pales in comparison to you.” Israel smiled before picking up his menu as well. A silence fell between them as they perused the offerings.
“Israel? Is that you?”
A feeling of anxiety erupted in Israel’s stomach as he recognized Sofia’s bombastic voice. Ever since the incident where he had asked her not to give him free coffee any more, she had backed off and only smiled and waved when he passed her. He had even ventured into the coffee shop once or twice since then and she’d been on her best behavior, friendly but not flirty. So why was she making a scene now?
“Hello, Sofia,” he said when she paused at their table. “I’m sure you know Tiffany.”
Sofia stiffened as she turned to look at Tiffany, but her voice kept the same sugary tone. “Of course, Tiffany, so good to see you.” She turned back to Israel. “I had no idea Tiffany was the woman you were seeing. How nice.”
“It is. In fact, we’re celebrating one month together.” He let the word trail off, hoping she would get the hint and leave them alone.
“Of course, well, it was good to see you again. Don’t be such a stranger.” She placed her hand on his shoulder for just a moment before sauntering off.
“What was that about?” Israel could hear the defensiveness in Tiffany’s tone though it was obvious she was trying not to let it show.
He shook his head, wishing he had a better explanation than what was about to come out of his mouth. “I don’t know. When I first started at the resort, she was pretty flirty and gave me a free coffee. To be honest, it made me uncomfortable so I never went back. After our first few dates, I came into work one day to find a coffee on my desk. I told her I was seeing someone and didn’t feel comfortable taking free coffee, and she agreed to stop. I’ve barely spoken to her since then.”
“Well, it seems like she’s still interested in you.”
“It doesn’t matter what she’s interested in,” he said, reaching across the table to take her hand, “the only one I’m interested in is you.”
For a moment he wasn’t sure she believed him, but finally her eyes softened and she squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry. You’re right. You can’t control her actions, and I trust you. It’s just my last relationship…”
She shook her head, but Israel understood. She’d told him about her last serious boyfriend and how he’d not only made her feel stupid for wanting a different dream than what society thought women should want but also how she’d found out after she’d broken up with him that he’d been cheating on her as well. Talk about a double hurtful blow. “Hey, I understand, but unlike that last guy, I’m glad you want to be a mom and I’m not looking to date anyone else, okay?”
The corners of her lips lifted in a small smile before another grimace distorted her features. Her hand slipped from his grasp as it flew to her stomach.
“Tiffany?”
“It’s okay.” But from the pained tone in her voice and the breathy words, it was clearly not okay.
Israel felt helpless as he watched her eyes squeeze shut and lines dig deep creases on her forehead. “What can I do? Should we go to the doctor?”
She shook her head. “No, just give me a minute.”
Giving her a minute and watching her body contort in pain was not what he wanted to do. He wanted to soothe her, to take the pain away, anything to ease her discomfort and bring her smile back.
After another few deep breaths, Tiffany’s expression softened once again. “I’m going to visit the bathroom, but I’ll be right back.”
Israel could only nod as she got up from the table and walked away, unsure what else to say. What was going on with her? And why wouldn’t she go to a doctor?
“Is your date over already?”
Israel didn’t think he could feel any worse, but having Sofia appear at his table again did the trick. “No, she just went to the bathroom for a minute. Look, now is really not a good time.”
An expression of hurt crossed Sofia’s features as her eyes widened and her heart flew to her chest. “Well, I’m sorry. I just saw you sitting over here all alone and thought I would come see if I could help.”
“Israel?”
And now the situation had gotten as bad a
s it could. At least he was pretty sure it couldn’t get worse. “Tiffany, I--” He pushed back his chair and stood, trying to see her behind Sofia.
“I think I’d like to go home after all.” Her tone was emotionless and cool, and her eyes did not meet his.
“But we haven’t ordered yet, and I…” His hand went to the gift for her that was still in his pocket. This date was not going as planned.
“I can see you two need to talk,” Sofia said, glancing between them before slinking off again to wherever she had come from.
“Just take me home, Israel. I’m really not feeling like dinner right now.”
Israel hated the resignation he heard in Tiffany’s voice, but he had no idea how to make it better. “Of course, I’m so sorry.” He pulled a ten dollar bill from his wallet and placed it on the table. They’d only ordered water, but he knew they would still have to clear the table and reset it.
Tiffany said nothing on the drive back to her house, and though Israel had a thousand words running through his mind, none of them made it across his lips either. At least not until he parked the truck.
“I’m sorry this night turned out so badly, Tiffany. I really wanted it to be special.”
“It’s fine,” she said, opening the door.
He hurried out to meet her. No matter how she felt at the moment, he was going to walk her to the door. “No, it’s not okay. I know the situation with Sofia didn’t look good, especially with what you’ve been through, but you have to believe me when I say I didn’t ask her to come back. I’m not interested in her.”
She glanced up at him and chewed on her bottom lip before sighing. “I know. It’s just that combined with the pain…” She shook her head. “I just need to rest. Honestly. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
He wanted to argue, to tell her he could take the pain away, but the truth was that he couldn’t. He had no idea what was going on with her or how to lessen the pain, but he did know the one thing he could do was assure her that he would be there for her. “Wait.” He pulled the gift from his pocket and held it out to her. “At least take this. I was going to give it to you at dinner.”
Her First Love Page 6
