The Reaper's Hand

Sea World

"Sea world?"
"Yeah." He starts laughing.
It's infectious as I start laughing myself.
"They better have penguins." I huff and cross my arms.
He laughs again. "Let's go and find you a penguin."
As he parks. We get out of the car and make our way to the entrance.
He gives his name and we are given tickets and a map.
"Right. Let's have some fun then."
His smile was growing on me. He is handsome. He's still talking but I can't take in anything he is saying.
"Which way?" I blurt out. He smiles and points to his right.
We start walking and we make small talk about the location and the information boards we pass.
My phone goes off in my pocket. The unknown number comes up and I glance through the message and see it's Jay.
'Stole your number from Ash. J'
I smile and quickly reply.
'K x'
"Ryah, penguin." Taron's voice comes from a distance.
I slightly scream and run towards the enclosure. Taron also starts running and beats me. He was closer he cheated.
I find myself putting my hand on his arm while looking at the penguins. He puts his hand on mine. I look at it and pullback.
"I'm sorry." I mutter.
"Don't be."He says and puts his arm around me.
"Penguins mate for life." Taron reads from the information stand.
"And the males look after the babies." I add.
"They do." He looks at me. Then back to the board.
I watch the penguins dive into the water and swim around.
"You can chose the next one."I say while taking my camera out of its bag. "I just want to get some photos." I click away and then ask him to look like he's holding a penguin. I take more photos and let him see them.
"Sharks next!" He says excited.
* * *
We had done the sharks.Bottle nose dolphins. I needed a drink but before I could suggest it Taron asks me.
"Let's grab a coffee."
He gets the drinks while I get a table outside. It's turning into a lovely day.
"Ryah Smith?"
I look around and see a young girl in a Seaworld uniform.
"I have read your book twice" She says as Taron sets the drinks tray down.
"Thank you. Glad you liked it."
"Please say there is going to be another?"
"I'm working on a few things."
"Awesome.Fit partner by the way."
Taron laughs.
"Er. We."I can't finish as she has already walked away.
"Well."I look down and I know my cheeks are burning red.
My phone goes off and I'm curious I apologise and look at it.
'Who is the cutie?' Ash messages.
'Who?'I reply not knowing what or who she is going on about.
A picture comes through. It's me and Taron. Looking at the penguins.
I show him the picture.
He looks around. Then at his own phone.
"It's a gossip site. It says new hot couple. It's named you." He keeps scrolling. "There's another picture of us by the penguins. Oh god."
"What?"
"The tag for this one is will these two mate for life like the Penguins?"
I laugh.
"Are you serious?"
He hums a response.
'Taron Egerton.'I message Ash back.
"Right phones off."
Taron looks up from his.
"I was having a nice day until I realised we are being followed. Can we just enjoy the rest of the day?"
"Yes we can."
"So tell me about You?" I prompt and zip up my bag.

We talk for the rest of the day. Past Present and future.

"I feel really at ease with you." Taron says while opening the door for me.

"You too." I blush.

The drive back was silent while the radio played. I watch the scenery go by and we are soon back at my rental.

"Is this where I as if you would like to come in for a coffee?"

Taron laughs, "Sure."

Shit.