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I steppedout of the steamy shower, grabbed a fluffy towel from the heated bar and wrapped it around my hips, and dialed Reid as I ran through my usual skincare routine. When he answered, I put him on speaker as I worked the lotion into my skin.
“So, I have a date tonight.”
“Ohhh, tell me everything.”
“I found him on a dating app. We’ve texted a few times. We’re meeting up at Limericks Lounge for dinner and drinks.”
I squeezed a dab of gel into my palm and rubbed my hands together before finger-combing my sandy waves into submission.
“At least you’re meeting up in a public place. You’re doing everything right. I just wish you could have magically bumped into your Prince Charming in person and had an easier time.”
Chuckling, I moved into my bedroom, slipping into the navy slacks I chose. “Not everybody meets their soulmate when they’re fourteen, Reid. Some of us have to slog through the obscene world of dating apps to find our Mr. Right.”
“Depending on the dating app, he could just be Mr. Right Now. So, what’s he like?”
“His face wasn’t clear in his profile, just a beard and a thick neck. I asked for a picture, but he said he likes the element of surprise.”
Reid hummed thoughtfully. “I didn’t know bears were your type.”
“They aren’t, necessarily. I just want someone big and cuddly.”
“I’m not sure Grindr is the place to find guys who like to cuddle, but I guess there’s an exception to every rule. Hold on, Riley wants to say something.”
A moment later, my best friend’s husband entered the conversation. Riley and I used to work together at a coffee shop on my university’s campus. At best, he barely tolerated me, so I couldn’t imagine what he needed to say.
“Ryan? Be careful tonight. It’s sketchy as shit that he wouldn’t show you his picture. If anything feels off, bail on his ass and get home.”
His concern touched me. I’d keep to myself the fact he wanted to skip the date and come straight to my condo.
Reid’s sweet voice came back on the line. “Good luck! Call me as soon as you get home. Unless you’re not alone, then call me as soon as you are.”
“Will do. Bye.”
* * *
Walking into Limericks’new downtown location felt transformative as soon as I stepped through the glass doors. The atmosphere was relaxed, but not casual. The glow from the soft lavender overhead lighting looked sexy, the posh decor was sophisticated, and the mellow notes of jazz played by a live ensemble melted away my stress.
I loved everything about this place so far, and I hadn’t even sat down yet. It was self-seating—if you wanted to drink, you sat at the bar. If you wanted to eat or watch the entertainment, you sat in the lounge. I craned my neck to scan the room, searching for someone who appeared to be watching the door for my arrival. No one’s eyes were turned to me, but I spotted a man at the bar with a beard similar to BearTrap’s, so I made my way over and sat down next to him. He was deep in conversation with another man, and neither one noticed me.
He should recognize me if it was him because I’d shared my picture two days ago. BearTrap, whose name was Guy, said I looked delicious. The man glanced over as I sat down, his smile peeking out from his bushy face. His calculating brown gaze raked over my face and shirt, assessing me with twinkling eyes.
“Guy?”
“Hey, you must be Ryan.” His beard twitched when he talked, drawing my gaze to his mouth.
“Yeah, that’s me. Should we grab a table?” I couldn’t help but notice he was underdressed for the occasion, wearing a vintage band T-shirt and black jeans. Did I not merit the effort of throwing a sports coat over his ratty T-shirt? Or did he just lack style?
“I already started a tab, but we can move it over to a booth, no problem.”
Something about his casual answer rubbed me the wrong way, but I chose not to dwell on it. We chose a small booth in the back of the lounge, and not once did Guy’s eyes stray towards me. It was like he was purposely avoiding eye contact instead of stealing glances as a first date should.
Our waiter appeared to take our orders.
“I’m not hungry but I could use another drink,” Guy demanded, never saying please and thank you.
In my opinion, he should have let me go first, not barreled right into the conversation like a charging bull.
“I’ll have the baked brie and a stuffed artichoke appetizer, please, and a Negroni to wash it down.” I smiled politely. “Thank you.”
