"Now can I find out?"
"If you are talking about the menu, NO, for the last time. You really are a pest and I bet your mother let you get away with this kind of behaviour all the time."
"Nope. Not a chance. She's just as tough as you are. But you can't blame a guy for trying." Heaving an exaggerated sigh, Russ muttered, "Guess I'll just have to wait."
"Guess so. So tell me what's happening with your house construction."
"Everything is coming together nicely. The house should be ready for furniture early in September. Can't wait." Russ went over and turned the trout, checked the temperature on the barbecue, and said, "Looks like they'll be ready in about ten minutes."
Melanie rose and began setting the picnic table with dishes, cutlery and napkins. She set out cans of lemon iced tea and glasses, and then sat back down.
"Where's the food?"
"You'll get that when the fish is done, not before."
"You're a real tease, you know that?"
Ten minutes later, Russ turned off the barbecue and brought the fish packets to the table. Melanie went inside and began bringing out the potato salad, cabbage salad and veggies and dip. She left the brownies out of sight.
"Okay, Russ. Have at it."
They ate in silence for a few minutes, and then Russ said, "Worth the wait." and kept on eating.
"Ah, but you haven't seen dessert yet." Melanie grinned at him.
"And you aren't going to tell me what it is."
"Chocolate brownies."
Russ burst out laughing. "You never cease to amaze me!"
Much later, as they were walking over to the truck, Melanie stubbed her toe on an exposed root and started to fall. Russ dropped the cooler and grabbed her by the arm to steady her. She looked up at him to say 'thanks', and suddenly everything changed. He was staring at her mouth and she was sure he was going to kiss her.
Pulling back quickly from his grip, Melanie muttered, "Thanks. Clumsy of me."
Russ let her go, knowing he had almost made a mistake. "Not your fault. I've been dealing with those roots whenever I find them, so you actually did me a favour, finding this one for me."
As he drove home, he tried to keep the conversation light, but she was quiet and reserved with him, and he cursed himself for coming close to ruining everything.