Page 2 of Rent Me While You Can

“Relax, I do that with all my dates to settle the nerves and be the most authentic we can be when we meet the group who we’ll have to pretend in front of. Tell me. Is it not true? What if we walk in there and don’t look comfortable together? Do you really think they will believe we are a couple?” He quirks an eyebrow at me.

“No, they would not. I guess you’re right. But you could warn a girl first.” He just chuckles.

“Shall we go eat, then?”

“Sure, the details said we’re going to that new restaurant called The Bistro?”

“Yes. Have you been there yet?” he asks and winks. I can feel myself blushing again.

“No, I haven’t.” I don't normally react like this, but I feel my face getting warm, and I don't want him to see it.

“It’s a new restaurant that’s a fusion of French and American cuisine. There’s a large outdoor patio area as well. I think you will love it,” he adds. I stare at him with confusion.

“I’ve never had that before, so I guess that will be alright.”

As he turns and walks towards the door, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I don’t know what just happened, but I’m not sure I like it. I’m also not sure I want to go out to dinner with him. This guy might be more than I bargained for when I clicked add to cart on Holidates app.

Chapter 2

Cole

The drive to the restaurant is painful because all I want to do is repeat that first kiss we just shared. That red dress she has on might as well have had a sash down the front that read, take me now.

Thankfully, it’s not too long before we’re seated at our table for dinner, and as soon as the waiter leaves Amber turns to face me and says, “Yeah, I have definitely never been to a place like this before.”

“Well, I am glad you decided to give the Holidates app a go so you could try this place… and me out. The food is really good here, and you will love the company.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“So, why don’t you start by telling me what you do for a living?” I ask and lean back in my chair. I try to give her some space to get used to this arrangement and to be able to unwind and enjoy our time together. I can tell she’s a little nervous still, and to be honest, so am I. Yet, I’m not going to let her know that.

“Well, I’m still trying to figure out how to do this.” She takes a deep breath and then begins to talk about her job. “I’m an online travel agent.”

“What exactly does that mean? That sounds interesting.”

“It means that people order vacation packages online, and I make sure that they get what they request. Like, if someone wants three days and two nights at a high-end resort in Barbados, then I put all the pieces together. Flight, transportation around the vacation area, hotel, food accommodations. You know, things like that.” She shrugs, and she’s so adorable.

“That sounds like it could be a fun and rewarding occupation.”

“Yeah, it is fun, and I really like seeing people have great, tranquil vacations. So, what do you do for a living? Or, do you only do Rent A Date for your job?”

“I play football.” I’m vague because I haven’t decided how much I want her to know about me.

“Wow, like college ball? I like watching those games on TV.” This woman is too cute and already makes me laugh.

“No, I graduated from college a few years ago. You saw my age on the profile details, right? I play professional football for the Florida Sharks here in Orlando.”

“Yes, I did. Twenty-seven, right? But I don’t know how old you have to be to play college or pro football. Really, no shit, you play for the Florida Sharks? Why would you be working for the agency then?"

“Oh, that’s a little personal on a first date. Don’t you think?” I ask, trying to slow her line of questioning down since she’s already got more information out of me than I’m sure I was ready for. Yet, I feel comfortable with her and for some reason I think I can trust her.

“Sorry, you just took me by surprise.”

“It’s fine. The only reason I do this is because my mother is an investor for the site. From time to time the company gets overloaded with clients needing dates. When the true owner, Lexi launched the app they asked me to help out by taking on a few clients. Then I liked making the woman that I took out happy. And seeing their smiles when they felt comfortable at their events with me on their arm was rewarding. I only do it now when I can fit it in.”

“That’s the sweetest thing I think I’ve ever heard.”

“Enough about me. Tell me about this Halloween event that we will be going to next weekend. Who will be there, and why do you need a date?”

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