Page 55 of Breathless Recruiter

“Are you treating this like a job interview?”

Was that a bad thing? For a moment, I thought he was going to get mad. He chuckled. Every time he laughed, the tension inmy body relaxed. If I had to say his best trait, it’d be how he made people around him comfortable.

“I’m interviewing for another date.”

“Who gave you that advice?”

Had Orion and Drew steered me wrong? I thought it better than Janet’s advice of throwing him against a wall and, as she put it, “Rut like animals in heat.” Was this becoming a horrible date story? Did all first dates go badly?

“Orion and Drew.”

“Can I give you some advice?”

It couldn’t be any worse. “Uh-huh.”

“Be yourself.” He pushed the stone to the side of the table and held out his hand. I reached out and let him grip my fingers. “A date is meant for two people to get to know each other. Who is Wyatt as a person, not the man who works for Secret Identities.”

“I’m the same person.” I didn’t quite understand what he meant.

The server placed a glass of water on the side of the table. He had a black vest and red tie, making him more dressed up than me. “Have you decided what to order?”

I let go of Dustin’s hand and picked up the menu. I was about to order the first thing I saw when I realized I didn’t recognize any of the words. A quick scan and not a single thing sounded like food. I peeked over the top to see Dustin staring at me.

“Just the check,” he said.

Had I failed our date? I hid my frown behind the menu. The server tugged it from my hand, leaving me to face Dustin. Had I not asked enough questions? Did I not make enough eye contact? Too much? Getting to my feet, I tried apologizing, but it came out in a choked mumble.

I turned to walk away when Dustin caught my hand. I was about to pull away when he jerked me back. Unbeknownst to thecrowd, he exerted his superhuman strength, forcing me against him.

His hand wrapped behind my neck, pulling me into a kiss. Dustin’s mustache scratched my upper lip as he buried his tongue. His cologne had hints of earth and citrus as I melted against his body. I had no idea what was going on, but as long as he kept kissing me, I’d put aside my worries.

“This is a horrible first date,” he mumbled.

I frowned.

“I think we can do better.” My eyebrow rose. Did we get a second chance? “Let’s try this again.”

I gave him a slow nod. The rest of the restaurant stared, their forks hovering in front of their mouths as they eavesdropped on our conversation. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered when his hand rested on my cheek.

Whatever he had in mind, I’d say yes.

“Follow me.”

I always would.

“Is that a clown… anevilclown?”

The vibrant creature sat on all fours, a tunnel burrowing through its mouth. Every few seconds, it heckled and its mouth shut, blocking the path. Nefarious being. No matter how much energy it took, I’d walk away victorious. This clown had met its match.

“Line up your shot.”

Dustin stood behind me, arms wrapped around my waist. I drew back my club, lifting it over my head. “Whoa, boy.” He put a hand on mine, forcing me to lower it. “You’re not trying to kill the clown.”

But I was. With its white face, pointy hat, and polka dot onesie, I’d unleash the full might of Mr. Supreme. By demand, I took a soft swing. The ball rolled down the greenway. Over the hill and across the bridge, the ball sped toward the waiting mouth of my newest arch-rival. I dropped the club, covering my eyes. I peeked through my fingers, holding my breath as the ball vanished inside the clown’s mouth.

Its nose blinked a bright red as carnival music filled the air. Compared to our first date in a fancy restaurant, this was almost perfect. I didn’t understand humans’ obsession with taking sports and miniaturizing them, but I enjoyed this mini golf. It had nothing to do with Dustin’s hands on my waist as he coached me on how to play.

Dustin gave me a pat on the ass while he took my spot, dropping his ball on the green. “About those questions earlier. Were they what Arthur asked you during your job interview?”

---