Page 22 of Driven to Love

“Have a seat. Would you like some wine?” He opened a built-in cabinet that hid a wine cooler.

Hell, yes! “That would be lovely.” She smiled politely.

Ted set a glass of white wine in front of her, then disappeared back into the kitchen.

Addison took a drink and glanced back into the other room. She shuddered and raised the glass to her lips for another healthy swig. Calm and cool. Breathe in confidence. Breathe out doubt. Or, in this case, anxiety. She took another sip of her wine.

Swirling the liquid in the glass, she pursed her lips. “The guy may have a whole zoo of stuffed animals, but he has good taste in wine.”

“Thank you.” He entered, silent as a mouse.

She startled. Her cheeks heated. Way to make it weird.

With a self-deprecating grin, he set two plates with steaks and baby potatoes and carrots on the table.

She focused on adjusting her napkin in her lap, but the aroma of the food overwhelmed her senses. “It smells delicious.”

She cut a dainty piece and took a bite. Mmm. Melt-in-her-mouth good.

Lord, I hope it’s beef. She swallowed. If it wasn’t, she didn’t want to know.

“How was your first week of work?” He genuinely looked interested.

“Good. Actually, it’s going really well.”

They fell into a relaxed conversation throughout dinner, talking about their jobs and hobbies. The stories about his travels were entertaining, and the time flew by.

“Would you like to watch a movie?” he asked as he cleared the table.

Her gaze drifted to the doorway. A flash of black and white stripes peeked out from the room beyond. Before she could catch herself, she asked, “In the living room?”

“Yes.”

She faked a yawn. “I’m a little tired. It was a long first week at work, and I’m going in again tomorrow to familiarize myself with the systems.”

He slouched against the doorway. “It’s the animals, isn’t it?”

“No. I love animals.” She glanced from animal to animal. Just not dead, stuffed, and mounted on the wall.

“Well, maybe we can get together next weekend, if you aren’t too tired?” He watched her, waiting for a sign.

Addison smiled. Her head wobbled like a stupid bobblehead. The taxidermy had her off her game.

He slid an arm around her waist as he walked her to the door. She dropped her gaze to avoid the eyes… both the animals and Ted’s.

“I’ll call you.” He paused at the door.

Addison knew that look. He was going to kiss her. She should have stopped him, but she was still in shock that he was so normal, then… Bam. Dead animals.

His lips touched hers, soft with just enough pressure.

It was a good kiss. She went up on her tiptoes and gave him another, this one longer. When she pulled back, she smiled and waved goodbye before heading down the path to her car.

Addison realized two things tonight. One, Ted was a great guy. He’d make some woman very happy. And two, that woman would not be her.

On her way home, she passed Merc’s Pizza. Laney’s and Marti’s cars were in the parking lot. She really wanted to fill them in on her date, but… she saw Nash’s vehicle.

When did she let a man stop her from seeing her friends?