The dinner had been a perfect evening out. Ivy enjoyed Drake's company. Never before had she been taken to a nice restaurant without anything expected in return. It's refreshing. Something mysterious about her new roommate made her want to find out more about him. Ivy could have listened to him talk all night long. In fact, when the restaurant shut at one in the morning, the pair spent the next hour chatting in his kitchen. Drake decided they couldn't go to bed without dessert. Finally, when they both agreed to go to bed, Ivy found her dreams filled with lustful imagines of Drake.
A faint tapping on her door, woke her from slumber. Looking at her phone, she let out a little groan. Nine in the morning. She was still sleepy. Slipping her robe over her pajamas she opened the door to find Drake standing there, a cup of coffee held out towards her.
"I thought you might like this."
Ivy couldn't help but grin. "Thank you." She said.
"You're welcome." He said. "I wondered if you would like to go on a picnic with me this morning?"
"As friends of course." He added. Ivy's face lit up.
"Sure. I'll finish this and dress. Shall we meet downstairs, say in an hour?"
Now Drake grinned. "Sounds like a plan. See you in an hour."
"You look very nice," Drake said as Ivy entered the room. shorts
"Thanks, you look nice too." She said. He had dressed casually, in jeans and a nice button-down shirt.
Drake placed his hand lightly on her back. "Shall we get going? I have the car waiting outside."
A black Audi R8 sat in the drive with the passenger door open and waiting. Ivy slid into the seat, happy she chose to wear shorts with a dark blue blouse and navy wedge shoes.
Drake drove them to a quiet little park next to a river only a couple of hours from the house. He opened her door. "Welcome to my secret little getaway."
Ivy slide out of the seat and took in the view. The scenery breath-takingly beautiful. Lush green grass lined with hundreds of trees in pretty rows. Crisp. mountain air filled her lungs. The soft bubbling of the river as the water flowed over rocks sounded in the distance. Drake took her hand in his. A picnic basket in his other hand. He led her down a row of apple trees before picking one to sit under with a view of the river's edge. Drake laid the blanket on the ground, placing the champagne in a bucket before laying out a spread of different treats. Ivy couldn't help but wonder if this was a date. There'd never been a more romantic setting. At least not a setting she ever experienced before. A loud pop rang out, causing her to jump. Drake poured champagne into a flute. She took a long sip. The bubbles tickling her throat.
"Here you go," he said. "Too new friendships."
"To new friendships," Ivy repeated, tapping his glass with hers. They both drank. The bubbles rushed to head. She became lost in his bright blue eyes. Ivy wondered if he would try to kiss her. He didn't. She wondered if she were reading the signals wrong. From dinner last night to a picnic today, wasn't that a sign of interest? She nibbled on a cracker. Listening to Drake talk about his work. Maybe he did just want a friend? She thought as she drank another glass of champagne.
The sky, a mix of pinks, purples, and oranges as the sun descended. Two empty champagne bottles lay on the blanket along with a few uneaten treats. Ivy's head buzzed. She rested on Drake's jacket.
"What are you thinking about?" Drake said, his hand gently stroking her hair.
Ivy turned towards him. "I was thinking how today has been better than any date." She said, the alcohol giving her courage to speak the truth.
"This wasn't a date unless you wanted it to be?"
The trees were slightly spinning as she propped herself up on her elbow. "We toast to friendships. I like friendships." She paused. Her heart beat hard against her chest. Did he really offer her more? Was she even worthy? The world around her began to spin faster. "I don't..."
Drake placed a finger to her lips. "I like friends too." He murmured "However I want to ask you something."
"Yes." Her voice came out breathy.
Drake tilted forward, his body barely an inch from hers. "May I kiss you?"
Ivy's lips quivered. "Do you often kiss friends?"
"I have been known to kiss a few of my friends."
Ivy pushed her body into his. So warm. "Yes. I don't mind a kiss between friends."