Chapter Ten
Ella
“Well, did he make the shot? Did you guys win?”
Jeremy shakes his head. “Absolutely not. He threw the ball over the backboard. We lost the championship game by one point.”
I cover my mouth as I laugh heartily. Before this date, I was so nervous. But I must admit, Jeremy is a great guy. So far tonight, he’s held doors, pulled out my chair, made me laugh non-stop, and listened intently when I talked. The man checked off all my boxes. Add to that, he is very attractive.
“Aww,” I chuckle. “Poor Ricky.”
He waved his hand through the air. “More like poor me. That kid has thick skin. The next season, he was back talking noise before every game. He didn’t learn his lesson.”
We both laugh until it fades. Picking up my glass of wine, I take a sip. Jeremy watches the glass go to mouth, his lip slips between his teeth as if he likes what he sees. Just the way this man has respectfully checked me out all night has made me feel absolutely gorgeous.
“What?” I ask when he continues to just stare at me.
He lets out a low laugh. “Can I be honest?”
“Absolutely.”
“I’m trying to find your flaw.”
This makes my brows bunch. I place the glass down on the table.
“Excuse me?”
He quickly waved his hand. “No, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just, you’re so freaking gorgeous, you’re funny, you have your own job and you say you can cook. I'm trying to figure out how a man could let you slip through his fingers.”
His words properly heated my face, turning my anger to a blush.
I shrug, glancing down at my empty plate. “It happens.”
“Hey, I didn’t say that to bring the mood down.” He reaches across the table, placing a hand over mine. I look up into his eyes. “I’ve been on a lot of first dates, Ella. This is by far my absolute favorite one. And that’s the truth.”
His words bring me comfort. It’s good to know he’s enjoying my company just as much as I’m enjoying his.
“I haven’t been on many dates,” I admit. “But this one is my most memorable.”
If this is what getting back into the dating world is like, I should’ve done it sooner. I can’t believe I got lucky enough to find the perfect guy on my first date.
“How about we leave here and head to the lounge? You’re going to love the place. They have the best live band.”
We summon the server over, pay for our meal, and leave a tip. The jazz lounge is within walking distance, so we opted to walk.
Two hours later, we left the lounge hand in hand.
“That guy on the saxophone was so good. I could listen to him play all day.”
“I told you,” Jeremy says with a smile. “That’s my favorite spot to visit. Every weekend they have live music.”
We stop at my SUV, facing each other. This night has been outstanding. Great vibes and amazing company. I’ve laughed, had great conversations, and genuinely enjoyed myself. I couldn’t wait to tell the book club ladies about this date.
Jeremy steps closer to me, his six-foot height dwarfing mine.
“I had a really good time with you, Ella.”
“Same.”
