Page 27 of The Dating Game

Gosh, I’m so thirsty. I downed a cup of water at the food trucks, but I typically drink 100 oz of water a day, so that 8 ounces just wasn’t enough.

I wish I’d brought my water bottle. I usually don’t go anywhere without one, but Will’s honking threw me off, and I accidentally left it on my kitchen counter.

Wow, it’s getting awfully dark. I wish Will would come back and ride with me. It’s a little scary riding alone on this trail at night.

As if reading my thoughts up ahead I see Will slow, then glance around as if looking for me. He stops then turns back, spots me, and heads back my way.

“Sorry,” he says, when he reaches me, “I didn’t realize you’d slowed down.” He looks up at the darkening sky. “It’s getting dark quickly, we’d better stick together.”

“Not to mention we’re supposed to be on a date,” I mutter under my breath. “Something usually done together.”

“Sorry, I didn’t catch that,” Will says.

“Never mind,” I say with false cheer. “Thanks for coming back for me. You’re right. I was starting to get nervous aboutthe darkness.”

“You shouldn’t be thanking me. I never should’ve let you fall behind at this time of night.” He sounds disgusted with himself. And see, now that’s the version of Will that I like. The nice one. But where does that guy vanish to so regularly? It’s like I’m on a date with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

“I appreciate you saying that,” I tell him, and he offers me the smallest of smiles as he glances my way. We pedal in silence the rest of the way home.

When we reach my house, Will walks me to my garage. I punch the code to open it, then turn to face him.

“Well, thank you for the date,” I say, holding my bike handlebars as the garage door slides up behind me.

“You’re welcome.” He’s removed his helmet and the cool night air blows a breeze through his hair. Whether he’s acting like Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde I can’t deny how handsome he is. He draws in a breath. “Look I really am sorry I left you alone on the trail back there. That never should’ve happened. I got carried away.”

“Carried away with what?” I raise a brow in question, not sure of his meaning.

“You know, my, uh, need for speed,” he clarifies quickly.

“Oh, right.” I study him for a beat, getting the feeling that’s not the real answer, but his expression gives nothing further away. “Of course.” I nod. “Well thanks. I appreciate the apology.”

Will nods back. “Okay, well, can I call you?”

“Sure.” I give him a small smile, then, because I’m worried he might try and kiss me and I’m not fully sure I want him to, (he may be cute, but this has been a weird night, so my feelings about Will are TBD) I put my hands on his chest and rise to my tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

He stiffens under my touch, and when I pull away his eyes are fixed on me, displaying an emotion that I could swear is sadness.

How very strange.

I turn, park my bike in its spot, then head into my house where I let the quiet envelop me.

I put a hand to my lips, remembering the feel of his cheek against them.

What a strange, strange first date.

***

Willcallsthenextday. “Hey, are you free this afternoon?” he asks. “I’ve got something really fun planned for us.”

Wow. He’s already asking for a second date. He must’ve had more fun than I did last night.

“Not skydiving, right?” I say with a little laugh, buying myself some time to decide. I should probably say yes. I’ve got to keep this going for two months, after all.

“Not skydiving,” Will confirms with a chuckle. “No, this is an adventure that I’m thinking will be more your speed. All of my exes have loved doing this with me.”

I wince. Why do guys do that? No woman alive wants to hear you talk about your ex-girlfriends. Even if it’s bad stuff, because it’s not classy to badmouth someone. It makes us wonder if you’ll badmouth us if we break up. Of course, good stuff is obviously worse, since we don’t want to hear about how you’re secretly pining after the one that got away. Basically, it’s all bad. Don’t do it. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk.

“Oh, well, if all your exes loved it, how could I say no.” My voice is dripping with so much sarcasm there should be a puddle forming beneath me, but he still manages to miss it.

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