Page 9 of Wrong Number, Right Valentine

“Hi.” I didn’t wait for him to reply. “When are we going on our date? Tonight?” I hated the big are-we-or-aren’t-we routine, where alphas and omegas danced around one another. Besides, we’d agreed to go on a date. Showing how eager I was… that was a good thing, not something to be embarrassed about.

A chuckle burst through the phone. “Let me see. I’d have to check my diary. How about… tonight? The restaurant is closed, so we should take advantage of that.”

If hearts could sing, mine would be trilling right now, higher pitched than any bird or musical instrument.

“Yes, please.”

Reg laughed, and I wished I could see his face. But work called—literally—and he said he’d pick me up at seven.

I made sure to leave the office at five. No staying late to get ahead. I had to shop for a new shirt, shower, and wait by the door for twenty minutes anxiously hoping no disaster prevented us from going on our date.

There was a menswear store not far from the office, so I zipped in there, hoping the perfect shirt would leap out at me.

A sales assistant hovered at my elbow. Usually, I preferred choosing clothes alone, but I gushed that I was going on a first date.

He eyed me, as if judging my size, but he could have been thinking about his dinner.

“This color is not for everyone, but pastels are big right now.”

I nodded as if I paid attention to the menswear collections and the hot models that trotted down the runway.

The guy pulled out a pastel pink shirt, and I fingered the soft cotton fabric. Who was I, the guy who hated pink and disliked all pink associated with Valentine’s Day? Last night I’d shared chocolate-coated strawberries with Reg, and we’d agreed they were the best thing ever. Especially when his lips were smeared in chocolate and he licked it off.

I gasped as the memory came to the forefront of my mind.

“I agree it is a bold choice.” The sales assistant led me to a changing room.

It fit perfectly, and the guy steamed it for me so I could wear it without a wrinkle.

Dashing into the shower at home, I washed my hair and lathered myself in my favorite body wash.

Thirty minutes before Reg was due to arrive, I dried my hair and got dressed, making sure to wear my tightest briefs. He might not see them and keep his hands to himself, but I couldn’t take the chance and wear boring old gray ones.

My ass looked so good in the dark gray pants I’d bought earlier this month. Checking myself out in the mirror, I pronounced myself ready and went down to the lobby. While I didn’t know what car he drove, I’d leap out at the first vehicle that pulled up. I’d probably scare a dad and his kids, or someone coming home from work, but I didn’t expect Reg to get out and come get me.

My palms were sweaty, and I had nothing to wipe them on, so I waved them in the air, hoping the gentle breeze created by flapping my arms would dry them. People coming into the building gave me odd looks, but I didn’t care.

A red car pulled up. It was so Reg, and I waved my arms over my head as I made it to the passenger side.

“You’re here.”

“Right where I want to be.”

8

REG

After our plans were set, I Googled date ideas, trying to figure out what the best one for us would be. Of course, dinner came up near the top of my search, but we’d just had dinner together the night before, and after working in the restaurant all night, he might not want to see the inside of one for a while. Another popular choice was going to a show or a movie, but something like that wouldn’t give us a chance to talk. It was also too cold for most outdoor activities like a trip to the zoo, a picnic, or even miniature golf.

There had to be something we could do that would give us time together, allow us to communicate, and still be fun. Thankfully, Hank called to give me an update on his son, who was doing much better. When he asked how the night had gone, I told him about the dishwasher confusion after Foster broke his foot, and how I now had a date. He laughed at the irony of me putting Banks to work on what he thought was a date. In hindsight, it was funny

“Just take him to the town ice rink,” Hank suggested. “It’s still set up, and there are lots of little shops around if you get cold. Plus, it’s not as crowded this time of year.”

He was right. When the Christmas fair was in full swing, that place was packed. But now that most people were all ready for spring, it was often near empty.

“You’re a lifesaver, Hank. Thank you.”

“Nah, no need to thank me. I’m just glad everything went smoothly for Valentine’s Day.”

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