Page 42 of My Killer Blind Date

‘Definitely,’ I gasp, trying to get a hold of myself and get back into a horn-grabbing mindset.

He slings one arm around me and, with the other arm, gestures to the boats. ‘I thought I’d surprise you with a little kayak trip up the river. We can head toward downtown and then turn around? There are supposed to be some lovely views.’

‘Sounds awesome.’

We put on our life vests, then drag the kayaks down the paved embankment toward the water.

‘Oh, and thanks for the flowers.’

‘You liked them?’ He seems boyishly pleased.

I study his face. It is fucking with me a little bit that he’s back to his original golden retriever energy. Nothing like the man I saw at the end of our last date, who looked like he was going to pummel the living daylights out of that thief.

‘Yeah. It was thoughtful.’ I set my kayak down as we reach the water’s edge. ‘Do you normally send flowers to the girls you’re seeing?’

‘Oh, is that what we’re doing?’ he teases. ‘Seeing each other?’ He gestures to my kayak. ‘Here, get in and I’ll push you off.’

‘OK. I’ve actually never done this before.’

‘You’ll do great.’

I carefully work my way into the seat, then stretch out my legs. Liam hands me the paddle. Then, he shoves the boat forward and I’m in the water, bobbing a little from side to side. Liam isn’t far behind me.

I stroke my paddle through the water on one side, then flip it and stroke with the other side. It feels surprisingly natural, and I find myself laughing. The trees on either side of the embankment make me forget we’re even in the city.

‘Wow. This is so delightful! How have I never kayaked before?’

Liam chuckles. ‘I hoped you’d like it.’

The sensation of gliding across the water so effortlessly is lovely. Downtown is ahead, cast in a play of light and shadow. A few clouds have rolled in, and one momentarily blocks the sun.

We propel ourselves forward in silence for a while. A breeze tosses my hair around. It feels peaceful on the river. There’s no one else on the water.

I remind myself very sternly that I’m not actually here to have fun.

‘But back to the flowers,’ I say. ‘Is that your trademark, with girls you’re interested in?’

‘I wouldn’t say I have a trademark.’

Oh, he is good at evading questions.

‘You figured out where I work.’

He gives me a funny look. ‘You told me.’

‘Did I?’

‘How else would I have known?’

There’s a bridge ahead. We both fall silent as we paddle underneath it. The sounds of traffic rumble down, and then we’re out the other side. The sun peeks out from the clouds and I squint. I’m starting to feel a slight burn in my arms.

‘But back to your dating habits,’ I insist. ‘Are you one of those love-bombing types?’

‘I’d hardly call a single bouquet love bombing.’ His forehead wrinkles with concern. ‘Did I do something wrong, Margot? I’m getting a vibe like I’ve messed things up here.’

‘No, no!’ I assure him. I add a laugh for good measure. ‘Everything’s fine.’

Even though it’s not. This guy is impossible. Every question I ask, he dodges. Maybe it’s time to drop a bomb of my own, and not of the love kind.