As he closed the white picket gate, the door to the house opened with a loud creak he hadn’t noticed on his previous visit. His heart pounded harder at the sight of Aud standing in the doorway.
“Save yourself a few steps,” Aud called to him. “I’ll come to you.”
A soft smile spread across Leo’s face. He glanced at his watch. “Am I running late?”
Aud pulled the door closed with another loud creak. “No.” He walked down the steps toward Leo. “I’m actually running early. Heather made me leave the gallery before I drove her nuts.” When he reached where Leo stood, he gave Leo a strong hug and soft kiss. “I was a bit excited about tonight.”
Warmth blossomed inside Leo and spread out to engulf his whole body. He was excited. I know I was, but he’s a really hot guy. I’m just me. Kinda average and more than a little geeky. “I was too.”
“Good.” Aud let go of Leo. “Your car or mine?”
Leo shrugged. “I don’t care. Whichever.”
“If you don’t mind, I can drive.” Aud opened the gate and held it while Leo walked back out onto the sidewalk.
“Where do you want to go?” Leo paused as Aud opened the Jeep door for him. This is kinda cool. I’ll have to remember to do it for him the next time I drive.
Aud waited until he was in the driver’s seat to reply. “Can it be a surprise? I called and made reservations.”
“Reservations?” A momentary panic flashed through Leo. Am I dressed nice enough for a place that requires reservations?
Putting the Jeep in gear, Aud chuckled. “It’s not that fancy a place. I just wanted to make sure we didn’t have to wait too long for a table. Actually, it was Heather’s idea. I normally just show up there and wait a few minutes to be seated.”
He paused at the stop sign before pulling onto Colorado Avenue.
Even with a soft sigh, Leo didn’t relax. I don’t even know if I’ve ever been to a restaurant that took reservations. I guess it’s too much to ask to go to Pizza Hut or something.
“Did you have a good breakfast with your friends yesterday?” Aud asked.
The question took Leo by surprise. “What…? Yes, it was fine. Afterward we went to find Julie a new laptop. Her old one died on her.”
“I’m just waiting for that to happen to me,” Aud replied. “I’m notorious for keeping things way past a useful life. How often should you replace computers?”
“Depends on who you talk to.” The geeky turn of the conversation helped Leo relax more. It was territory he was well familiar with. “Some folks go as far as every year, but depending on your usage, every three to five should be fine. If you’re a high-power user, more frequently to stay on top of the latest tech.”
“Some of my artist friends are trying to talk me into using more art programs to give my work a cutting modern edge, but I don’t know.” Aud turned onto the interstate.
“It’s all in what you’re comfortable with. Some of the newer tablets are actually designed for artists, and the stylus and touchscreen tech make it just like regular drawing. At least that’s what I’ve heard. You’ve seen what my drawings look like.”
Another soft, pleasant chuckle came from Aud. “It’s not that bad.”
BY THE time they returned to Aud’s house, they’d discussed a variety of subjects, and Leo was even more comfortable with Aud than he had been two nights earlier. It feels good to meet a guy who’s this easy to talk to. The fact that he’s so easy on the eyes makes it even better.
“It’s still early. Would you like to come in and listen to some music or something?” Aud turned off the car and looked at Leo. The street light above them caught the twinkle in his blue eyes before he turned to open his door.
“Sure.” The nervous excitement that had ebbed during dinner roared through Leo again. His heart thudded and rose in his throat. He swallowed hard as he fumbled with the seat belt. As he reached for the door handle, Aud was already opening it for him.
“Thanks.” Leo stepped out of the car.
“Thank you for coming to dinner with me.” Aud smiled as they walked to the gate.
“It was fun. Thank you for taking me. Next time I get to pick and pay.” The words slipped out before Leo realized what he was saying.
“So are you asking me out this time?” Aud held the gate open.
“I guess I am.” Leo swallowed. I can’t believe I just did that. I’m not normally the assertive one.
“Just tell me when and where. I’ll be there.”
Leo rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants. “Okay. I guess we’ll have to check our schedules.”
“Sounds good.” Aud made it to the door and opened it.
Inside, everything was just like Leo remembered, not that he expected major changes in Aud’s house in two nights. But somehow the consistency made everything seem more real.
Aud flipped on the lights. “So, music or movie?”
“Whatever you want.”