Adam's List(19)

He chuckles in the deep, rolling sound I’ve decided I adore. “Within reason. I’m not going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or anything that extreme. You’ve been to a lot of places. I’m curious where you’d tell someone like me who hasn’t been outside of the state to visit. I have no idea where to start.”

For the smallest second I’m extremely jealous. If I had that kind of time and money, I probably wouldn’t hesitate executing my own bucket list. Still. Who does this kind of thing? What if he’s actually a complete nut job?

“Wow, this is a lot of pressure,” I tease, playing with the tip of my braid as I think.

A list of my favorite family trips rolls through my head. Ever since I was little, I’ve been the type who appreciates a trip anywhere. Anything outside of Wisconsin feels like an adventure. But my favorite trip of all-time was with my parents the summer right after I graduated high school, when things weren’t so complicated.

“What about New York? Everything in that city is so iconic. You wouldn’t believe all the buildings in Manhattan. You can walk for hours without leaving the city. It makes Milwaukee look like a skating rink. When they say that the city never sleeps, they’re not being facetious. There’s literally something fun to do any time of the night. There was this little bodega that we would visit every night before checking into our hotel, they had the most amazing pastries...” When I realize I’m babbling and he’s watching me closely, I blush. “I mean, it’s cool, if you like that kind of thing.”

He licks his lips and nods. I swear he’s taunting me to kiss him.

“Maybe. It sounds like a pretty big place.”

“Well, New York would probably have to have a list all on its own. For sure the nine eleven memorial. The Brooklyn Bridge and skyline are a must see. And for sure the top deck of the Empire State Building. The view at night is spectacular.”

Laughing, he says, “For someone afraid of heights, you really seem to like high places. So New York is a definite. What else?”

Folding the list back up, I hold it out for him. “It was fun when we were just talking about this hypothetically. Now that I know you’re serious, I think you should hire a real travel agent. What if I choose things that you find incredibly lame? I can’t be responsible for a bad trip.”

He pushes the note back at me. “I get the feeling you’re not capable of that. And I think instead of telling me about all these places, you should be my tour guide.” His eyes hold the intensity that drives me wild as he beams back at me. “Jewels, I want you to come with me.”

Staring back at this handsome stranger I’ve known for less than twenty-four hours, I giggle. Any girl would probably jump at the chance to travel with him as he’s suggesting, if he was actually serious about it. He’s like one of those shirtless models they put on the bags of trendy clothing stores, and seems impossibly sweet.

“Yeah, right. Maybe if I won the lottery.”

Adam’s intense gaze doesn’t break. “You can get cheap flights through your dad, right? I can take care of the rest. I plan to hit the road for most of the places. It wouldn’t have to cost a lot if we camped some of the time and rented timeshares.”

A burst of intense feelings races through me. Ever since I first met Adam, I’ve become a new version of my old self. Not only am I completely charmed by him, but I’m thrilled by his proposal.

Still.

“Dude. I can’t just up and leave on the kind of trip you’re talking about.”

“Why not?” The right side of his mouth turns up. “Is it because of this non-committed guy you’re seeing?”

“No. It’s because I have school, and my parents would never agree to it!”

With the elevation of my voice, the parents of the two little boys both glance our way.

I pull at my braid, completely flustered. A million more reasons pass through my mind before the biggest reason that should’ve popped into my mind first hits me.

“I don’t even know you, Adam,” I tell him, trying to calm myself. “We just met.”

My heart races at the thought of actually doing what he’s suggesting. Of course, it would be exciting, and probably the trip of a lifetime, but I...can’t go. I just can’t. This is ridiculous.

He holds his hand up, obviously seeing how worked up I’ve become. “Just hear me out. It’s less than a month until the end of the semester, right? You can finish your classes for the year, and we can get to know each other in the meantime. If you decide I’m not the kind of guy you want to spend your summer with, I’ll just go alone. There wouldn’t be any pressure.”