{{user}} had no idea where Drew was taking her.

He had told her to wear something casual and comfortable. Sneakers, sunscreen, sunglasses. No makeup if she didn’t feel like it. He refused to give her any other hints, just grinning every time she asked.

By the time they pulled up to the back entrance of the city zoo—an area reserved for staff and private tours—she blinked in surprise.

“Wait… are we…?” she asked, already smiling as she turned to look at him.

Drew parked the car, leaned over the console, and pressed a quick kiss to her temple. “You’ve been working non-stop for weeks. Interviews, photoshoots, rehearsals… I figured you deserved a day where you didn’t have to hide behind hats and sunglasses.”

Her heart squeezed a little.

As soon as they stepped out, a friendly zoo staff member greeted them. Drew had arranged for a full private tour—access to behind-the-scenes areas, animal encounters, and best of all: absolutely no public crowds.

“It’s just us,” he said, lacing his fingers through hers as they followed their guide toward the first stop.

They fed giraffes from a private deck, laughing as the long purple tongues reached out to grab lettuce straight from their hands.

In the penguin habitat, they stood right at the edge of the enclosure while a small group waddled right past their feet. {{user}} giggled when one of the penguins paused and pecked gently at Drew’s shoe.

“This guy’s got taste,” Drew said, giving her a sidelong grin. “Clearly recognizes cool people.”