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Cass laughed again. “Of course. No romance can be had without energy gels.”

“See, you get me,” Joe said, snickering.

Cass rolled his eyes playfully and then took his foot off the gas. “I turn here? Quartz Hill Road?”

“Yeah,” Joe confirmed. “Left here, and then it’s about a mile, I think.”

Following Joe’s instructions, Cass turned, and they continued on along the quiet, windy road until they reached the trailhead a couple of minutes later. The small, unpaved parking lot was completely empty, and by the time Cass parked and killed the engine, sunlight was barely starting to peek up above the horizon to the east.

They sat there for a few minutes, Joe once again taking the time to reassure Cass that he had no expectations regarding how fast or how far they ran and that he was perfectly happy with whatever pace Cass felt comfortable. Then they climbed out of the car and started off.

The single-track trail was actually not wide enough for them to run next to each other like Joe had expected, but despite all the snow from the week before, it was quite well-maintained and surprisingly not too muddy. Joe insisted Cass take the lead so he could set the pace, though he also joked that being in the back would give him the better view, to which Cass just rolled his eyes.

The run itself was surprisingly not awful. Once they got going, Cass hit his stride, holding them at a steady pace Joe said was about eight minutes a mile—which he could apparently estimate without using any kind of distance tracker or even a watch. They kept up that pace for almost three miles before Cass needed a break. Then, once he caught his breath, they walked the rest of the loop, chatting about anything and everything. It was easy conversation, and by the time they got back to Cass’s car, he was glad he hadn’t canceled.

They drove into town for breakfast at a bistro right on the bank of the Sacramento River near Turtle Bay. Neither of them had been there before, but Joe had picked it for the location and vibe, both of which were on point. The food wasn’t anything to write home about, but the coffee had just the right kick, and once they finished eating, they each got another cup to go and took a short walk over the Sundial Bridge and back.

It was nearly eleven by the time Cass dropped Joe off at his apartment, and even though Cass had enjoyed every minute they were together, he found himself oddly relieved when Joe didn’t seem to expect anything of him—not a hug or a kiss, not to come up to his apartment for something more than that, not even a promise for another date. Joe simply gave Cass one of his kind, enthusiastic smiles, said that he had a great time, and asked if he could text Cass later.

Cass nodded a yes, and Joe’s eyes lit up as he grinned. With another smile, Joe thanked Cass again, held Cass’s gaze for a long moment, and then got out of the car. They waved goodbye, and Joe jogged up the steps to his apartment before disappearing inside.

Almost immediately, Cass’s phone buzzed with an incoming text. He laughed and shook his head as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. Then he tapped on Joe’s name on the notification.

Joe (10:57 a.m.): In case it wasn’t clear, I’d like to take you out again sometime, if you’re up for it. Flowers and a “real, romantic date” this time, minus the energy gels ;)

Cass stared at the message for a second, letting himself sit with the mix of unfamiliar emotions swirling around in his chest as he decided how to answer.

Joe was almost too perfect—he was a kind, sweet man who seemed like he didn’t have a mean or conceited bone in his body. He listened, asked questions, acted like he really, honestly cared and wanted to get to know Cass. And the “date” they’d just had, as unconventional as it had been for a first date, was probably the best one Cass had ever been on.

Maybe that was part of his reluctance. He hadn’t had much experience with dating or relationships, and every experience he’d had, he had absolutely no desire to repeat.

The one date he’d had with Miles had been awful. The man was very good-looking and successful but had been so full of himself that he’d made Cass feel less-than almost right away. The two hours he’d spent with the man had been torture. And before that, when Cass had still been trying to figure himself out the first couple of years he’d been at UC Davis, he’d dated a few other men, all a year or two older than him and all that same “type” as Miles. Not intentionally, of course; it seemed that was just the kind of guy Cass attracted—handsome on the outside but ugly on the inside.

Joe wasn’t like that. Not at all. That had been obvious right away.

Cass also had more maturity and awareness now, especially after Miles, and he had no trouble saying no and standing up for himself.

It seemed he did have trouble, however, accepting when a man really was what he seemed—a good, decent guy who just wanted a chance to get to know Cass.

He bit the inside of his cheek, stopped stalling, and sent a short text back to Joe.

Cass (11:01 a.m.): I’d really like that :)

Joe (11:01 a.m.): Ahh, wonderful. How does Wednesday night sound?

Cass (11:02 a.m.): lol not wasting any time, are you?

Joe (11:02 a.m.): ;)

Joe (11:02 a.m.): Is that a yes?

Cass pursed his lips and stared at his phone. It should be a yes. He wanted to just say yes and not feel any reluctance. He should say yes, without any reluctance. He’d just mentally reviewed all the reasons Joe was a safe person, a good person, someone he should date.

So, why was he still hesitating?

He let out a sharp breath and then texted back.

Cass (11:04 a.m.): Yes, assuming my dad will be home from work on time :) I’ll let you know after I talk to him