Page 35 of Two Guys, a Girl, and a Tripod

“Is she single? Can we set them up?” Brody chuckles.

“Single and has basically sworn off men for the foreseeable future.”

“Ah.”

“You know, I’m having a great time. I want to be clear about that. But,” I cringe, “I have to work tomorrow and I need some rest.”

Brody looks down at his watch.

“Oh shit, yeah. It’s getting a little late, isn’t it?” He glances around for Alexis. “You should have told me sooner, I could’ve asked for the tab when she brought the last round.”

“I honestly wasn’t thinking about it,” I admit. “Like I said, I’m enjoying myself.”

“Well, that’s good.” He catches Alexis’ attention and she hurries over. “Would it be possible to get the check, please?” He smiles warmly at her.

“Absolutely.” Is that a hint of a smile on her lips? “Together or separate?”

Brody silences me before I can offer to help with the bill by covering my hand with his.

“Together.”

I watch Alexis walk away before I speak.

“Ten bucks says she writes her number on the bill.” I grin. “Thank you for dinner, by the way.”

“No trouble at all and you’re on. There’s no way.”

I shrug and take another sip of beer. I’m not going to be able to finish it and part of me feels guilty about that, but the safety-conscious part of me knows it would be a very bad idea to drink the last two-thirds. The tingling in my fingers has decreased a little, at least.

Alexis brings the bill, folded into a little black booklet, and smiles at Brody. She doesn’t spare a single glance at me.

“I’ll be back in a sec.” She dashes off.

I stare at Brody’s hands as they reach for the check. A knowing smile spreads on my lips. He slowly opens the booklet and I watch his expression change to one of utter disbelief. He holds up the paper, discreetly in case Alexis is watching. Along the top, in cutesy handwriting, is her phone number and a heart.

“I win,” I chirp with a big grin.

“I won’t be underestimating you again.”

Sure, you won’t, pretty boy.

Brody pulls out his wallet and after setting a credit card down in the booklet, he pulls out a ten-dollar bill.

“I was kidding.” I hold my hands up. “You don’t have to pay up. You already paid for dinner.” But Brody continues holding out the money.

“You won, fair and square.” Then he pauses. “Well, maybe not fair. You’re a woman, you have experience here. But still, a bet is a bet.”

“I’m not taking your money, Brody.” I cross my arms over my chest yet again and this time, when his gaze drops, I see a sharp intake of breath. His eyes meet mine again.

Brody leads the way out of the restaurant and holds the door for me when I follow.

“Are you parked in the lot over here?” He motions to his left and I nod.

We walk slowly and I steer us toward my car. This is the most awkward part of any first date–do I expect a kiss? A hug? Is he going to invite me home with him or expect me to invite him over? Just because I said I have to work tomorrow doesn’t mean I’m off the hook here.

I swiftly pull out the keys and unlock the door, but as I reach the driver’s side handle, I turn to face Brody. He’s closer than he was just moments ago and I gasp. My eyes are atchest level and I have to crane my neck to meet his gaze. Sitting at dinner, I forgot just how tall he is. I swallow hard when our eyes lock because those emerald depths are definitely staring down at me with something akin to lust. Even in the near dark of the parking lot, I can see it.

Brody brings his fingers to my chin, tilting my head up just the slightest bit more. My lips part and he leans down, his lips just ghosting over mine. He doesn’t kiss me, instead touching his forehead to mine, and this is somehow far more intimate. My eyes close and I feel his warm breath on my chin.

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