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“So, what brought you back to Foster Grove? If you don’t mind me asking?”
After high school graduation, Aaron had felt the need to take a few risks and step outside the small-town box he’d always lived in. He’d packed his bags and headed to California. After getting his degree, he’d stayed, found a good teaching position, and was happy—for the most part. “LA kind of… well, it kind of went bust. Budget cuts slammed down hard and, luckily, Pam swooped in like my guardian angel and offered me the job here. How about you? What’s it like being back after so much time in New York?”
“I love my life, but sometimes you need to escape, know what I mean? I’m enjoying the quiet of being home,” Caleb said before leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, “and spending time with old friends. For it being so close, I don’t get back nearly enough.”
Aaron was struck silent. Caleb’s intense gaze left no doubt that he was the old friend that Caleb was most interested in spending time with.
“You want to go out sometime?” Caleb asked without breaking eye contact. “Grab dinner or something?”
Aaron deflected the offer because he didn’t know what else to do. “Wouldn’t you enjoy that more with you sister? Spending time with her, I mean? Give you guys time to catch up?”
“Pam and I talk all the time. I was thinking that you could show me some places that you enjoy or discovered since you’ve been back in town.”
Show him some places?
Aaron didn’t know what to say. Caleb’s simple invitation sent his brain into overdrive, his thoughts scattering in a thousand different directions. He swallowed, then opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Despite the chill in the air, he felt heat rising in his cheeks and his pulse tick up a notch. Caleb apparently could force him to blush.
A date? With Caleb Carter? Wow.
Wait. Why did he think that? Caleb didn’t say date. There was no way Aaron could go on a date with him.
“I mean, we don’t have to if you’re busy or something,” Caleb backpedaled and poked at the pavement with his cane, moving some pebbles around. The crestfallen look on his face was proof that Aaron had let the question hang for too long. “You’ve probably got papers to grade or a boyfriend to hang out with or something.”
Tires crunched on the loose gravel of the parking lot as Grant pulled up. Caleb turned to the passenger-side door and opened it. He tossed his cane inside and, careful of his foot, angled himself to get into the seat.
“I’m single,” Aaron offered lamely. “I mean, I don’t have a boyfriend. Though my relationship status doesn’t really matter, since if we got a bite to eat, we’d be, um, going out as friends.”
Caleb flashed that gorgeous smile of his. “Okay, then. Two single friends having a night out. Or at least what passes for a night out in Foster Gove.”
What would that even be? Aaron was never good at coming up with things to do.
“Let me think about it. Not the getting-together part,” Aaron quickly added before Caleb could misunderstand. “Gotta figure out where to go.”
“Cool. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at seven.” Caleb got in the SUV. “See you then.” He pulled the door closed, lowered the window, and leaned out. “What’s your number?” After Aaron recited the number, Caleb entered the number and in a couple of seconds Aaron’s phone rang. “Now we’re connected.” Caleb raised the window and waved before Grant drove them away.
Aaron stood alone in the elementary school parking lot.
He’d just agreed to go out “as friends” with a man who was the best-looking and one of the most famous players in the entire NHL.
A “friend” whose smile sent Aaron’s pulse racing.
He was so screwed.
Chapter Five
CALEB had been looking forward to his friendly date with Aaron all day. He couldn’t help but smile as he rounded the street corner and pulled up to the curb where Aaron stood in front of his apartment complex. He wore a sage green sweater and a pair of well-tailored slacks that, despite their conservative style, looked damn sexy on him.
Caleb had spent an inordinate amount of time selecting his wardrobe for the evening. It was important that he looked good, but not like he was trying too hard. He’d chosen a blue pullover and dark jeans, an ensemble that, stylewise, was nearly identical to his date’s.
Wait. Totally not a date.
Just two guys having a friendly meal together.
Aaron got into the SUV and buckled his seat belt.
Caleb pulled into traffic and headed toward downtown. “I know part of tonight was for you to show me what you like,” he said, “but I thought we might try this new place that Pam took me to the other morning—FG Plate.”
“Great. I’ve had coffee at their café a few times and have always wanted to try the food. I hear their menu is fantastic.”
