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“Precisely. So, how about it, Maeve? Would you like to train with me a couple times a week?” Alex asks, smiling broadly.
How can I say no to this six-foot four-inch mountain of a man with broad, muscular shoulders and thighs that could effortlessly crush a whole melon between them? Maybe the whiskey plays a part in my decision-making process tonight, but I’ve spent too much time putting myself second. I need to put myself first from now on.
“You know what? You’ve got a deal,” I tell Alex. “We’ll train together. Thank you so much. I’m actually looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I do need the self-confidence.”
Jack leans over the counter to get a better look at me. “Is that what you wore for your date today?”
“What’s wrong with it?” I ask with a shrug.
“Shirts and jeans don’t inspire much,” he says. “Especially for a first date.”
“I had some nice boots and bracelets to give the whole thing some pizzazz, though.”
Noah shakes his head. “Are you looking to date college grads or real men?”
“Ouch, that was brutal,” I mumble, only partially amused. Then again, the truth is never comfortable. “I didn’t really feel inspired to wear something else. I’ve been going on these dates for a while and they never go anywhere. Why go through all that dressing up and makeover trouble for a guy who’s not going to stick around, anyway?”
Jack smiles gently, making my heart flutter frantically, the rhythm throbbing in my ears as I pour myself another shot of whiskey. “Maeve, the way you dress should be for you, not for the guy you’re dating. The purpose of a little black dress and a pair of shiny, sexy pumps isn’t to impresshim, it’s to bring out the best and most feminine version ofyou.I’ll be honest with you, we tend to want to do more for women who inspire us to rise to their level.”
“And me showing up in jeans and a T-shirt isn’t exactly inspiring,” I conclude with a heavy sigh.
“Exactly. I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you let me take you out shopping one of these days? I’ll show you some stores that might be better suited for your particular style and age. You don’t have to sacrifice your personality and what you like in order to look hot, you know. I realize that sounds strange coming from a hockey coach but I was married to a fashion designer who was very particular and very skilled with a keen eye for style. I suppose I picked up some tricks of the trade, so to speak, along the way.”
“That sounds nice, actually. Thank you, Jack. It’s so thoughtful of you,” I reply, blushing once again. “Might as well change my wardrobe and try some new stuff, too. I may even surprise myself in the process.”
“Of course, and we could stop by a restaurant, too, and practice some conversation starters, some do’s and don’ts for a first date. The kind of stuff you should know going forward,” he says. “You’re a brilliant and beautiful woman, Maeve. Most guys would thank every star in the universe to get a chance with you.”
Another blush.
Noah raises a hand as though we’re in class. “Speaking of flirting style, I could teach you a thing or two about body language, like I said earlier.”
Right. Earlier when we almost kissed. My pulse starts racing at the mere memory of that fleeting snippet of time. I love Nala so much, but I really wish she would’ve just stayed upstairs in Kyle’s bed for another frickin’ minute. “Okay,” I manage, my voice barely a whisper at this point.
“I mean it. There’s a lot a guy can pick up on what you subliminally deliver. I will gladly teach you everything you need to know.”
“You could be my dating coach,” I giggle, trying to let go of some of the tension rapidly unfurling in my loins as I take a seat at the island counter and ravage another slice of pizza—anything to stop myself from drooling over him, and over Alex, and over Jack. Sheesh, I’m a never-been-kissed virgin rapidly walking into her thirties and I’m already greedy. How about we start with one guy, Maeve?
The guys exchange glances. I sense curiosity and interest as all three then briefly glance at my brother. Kyle is still deep in the game, Nala half-asleep by his side. I doubt he even heard one word of the entire conversation we just had. Surely, he’d have an opinion about his friends chiming in to upgrade my dating game. He can be overprotective sometimes. Or maybe he just can’t let go of his sister yet. Either way, I need to do this. I need to spread my wings and soar for once.
“Gentlemen, what would you say if all three of us became Maeve’s dating coaches?” Jack offers, nodding at both Noah and Alex. “It seems to me like we each have something to offer. What do you think?”
“It sounds reasonable,” Noah replies. “It does make it easier to focus on one aspect at a time without overwhelming Maeve all at once.”
“And it also gives her an opportunity to spend time with other men before she goes out to date others,” Alex concludes, though he doesn’t seem too happy about that last part. Or maybe I’m just imagining it. In the end, he, too, nods in agreement. “Yeah, I’m down. What do you say, Maeve?”
Their eyes are fully dilated and fixed on me. I’m getting goosebumps all over and trying to keep a straight face while I ponder this unique proposal. In hindsight, I was looking forward to having only Noah as my dating coach, but I’ve got three of them willing to help me now. I’d be an idiot to turn them down, especially since Jack made a good point—each has something unique to offer. And I’m hungry for more out of this life.
“It seems like we’re on to something,” I say, prompting the three to smile delightedly.
3
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of working for the Lansing Museum. Our town may not be listed among the cultural giants of North America, but our collection of Native American artifacts is noteworthy, to say the least. Each year we have scholars that come to study our collections, some all the way from the Smithsonian Institute. We’ve even loaned some of the pieces to special exhibits across the United States. So, professionally speaking, I’m a proud and happy anthropologist. It took some years and considerable sacrifices, but it was worth it. I like where I am and what I’m doing. There’s room for me to grow, too. Maybe that’s why the concept of dating has finally settled at the center of my consciousness. I feel like I’m ready to take things to the next level.
The only problem is I’m clearly a “noob” and I need all the help in the world. Thankfully, I’ve got Alex, Jack, and Noah ready and willing to support me. Therein lies the second problem, because I find each to be particularly and dangerously appealing, and I’ve known them for long enough to understand what kind of men they are. The flames run high and hot.
“How was your weekend, honey?” Margo asks as she comes into the back office.
We’re in the east wing of the museum this week, going over new artifacts discovered at a recent archaeological dig near Owosso.
