Page 43 of Must Be Love - Irresistible Bachelors

“That’s cool. So you just do it for fun?”

“It’s my stress relief. My job can be intense sometimes, especially with researching and developing new products on top of treating patients. My buddy, Mike, and I needed something to do to keep our minds off work. That’s how our monthly bowling meetups started.”

“That’s adorable,” I say, teasing him. “I just meet my friends for lunch. Maybe we should start doing something fun instead.”

“I recommend bowling.”

“I’ve only been a few times,” I admit. “I hope that doesn’t change your opinion of me.”

AJ covers his heart with his hand. “You’ve wounded me. You’re not a bowling enthusiast like I am? Leave my house this instant!”

His tone is playful, and we both laugh.

“Seriously, though. It’s a lot of fun. I think you’ll have a good time tonight.”

Tonight? Does that mean we’re going to bowl instead of going somewhere? I keep my face neutral to hide my disappointment. I should be happy that I’m spending time with AJ. It doesn’t matter where we do it.

Still, the nagging in the back of my brain tells me this is a red flag. It’s just like how Gunther treated me when we were together.

AJ is nothing like Gunther, I remind myself. He would never treat me like that German asshole did.

“I’m excited to try something you love.”

“Good, I’m glad you’re putting up with my old man hobby.”

“Hey, I don’t think this makes you an old man.”

“You should see the people who go to bowling alleys regularly. They’re all old men. I don’t fit in with them. That’s why I needed my own practice space. Those guys can be super judgy.”

“I can imagine. Don’t worry about me, though. I won’t judge you. I have my own old woman hobby.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

I bite my lip. “I love reading romance novels, which is something only old people and spinsters do.”

“Well, look at that. We’re an old couple already.”

“Yet another thing we have in common. Being old.”

“I’ll take it. I may be old in some things, but I’m young in others. I think I’ve proven that.”

There’s a sparkle in his eyes that sends chills through my body.

“Yes, you definitely have.”

My breathing slows as I remember just how young AJ seemed when he was plowing into me last week. If it weren’t for his schedule, he probably could have gone for another round or two. Old men definitely can’t say the same.

“We’re young people with old souls,” AJ says. “I like that about us.”

There are a lot of things I like about us. How easy it is to talk to him about things that are normally embarrassing. How I don’t feel like I need to fill the silence. How just being with him feels right to me.

“Shall we bowl?” I ask, looking down at my hands so that AJ doesn’t see the lust in my eyes.

If we don’t start doing something soon, we’re going to start doing something else. I wouldn’t be opposed to trying out the benches down here for sturdiness, but I meant what I said to Nicole earlier. I think AJ and I need to take it slower now that we’re going on actual dates. If this can even be considered a date since we’re just in his basement.

I’m still a little annoyed that we’re not going anywhere, but I try not to let it bother me too much. I want to spend time with AJ. If he wants to stay in his basement, then that’s where we’ll stay.

Far away from the prying eyes of other people.

Once again, I force that thought away. AJ didn’t invite me here to hide me. He invited me here to show me something he loves. I should appreciate that instead of questioning his motives.

I look up again, feeling slightly more relaxed, expecting to see AJ still in front of me. He’s not there, and I still can’t find him as I turn around to look at the rest of the basement.

“AJ?” I call.

And then the lights go out.

14

Amber

I’m embarrassed by the scream I let out when the basement turns dark.

“AJ?” I repeat. “Are you going to murder me?”

He appears in front of me, laughing. “Not today. Sorry, didn’t mean to freak you out.”

“It’s okay. Did the power go out or something?”

AJ hits a button on a remote, and the lights turn back on, only much dimmer this time. A disco ball spins in the center of the room, sending squares of silver light across the floor.

“What is this?” I ask.

“It’s party bowling!”

“That doesn’t explain much. I’m a bowling newbie, remember?”

“Right, right. Sorry. A lot of bowling alleys have special nights where they turn the alley into almost like a club. They play loud music and have fun lights. It’s to attract a younger crowd.”

“Sounds like fun! But…and forgive me if this is a rude question…but why do you have all this stuff at your personal bowling alley?”

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