Chapter 7

Note to self: Don't be a dork.

Alex's heart raced with a cocktail of anticipation and anxiousness as he stood before the mirror, scrutinizing his reflection. The blue shirt he initially donned now lay discarded on the bed, a casualty of second thoughts. In its place, a shirt one shade darker and decidedly less casual. He was being ridiculous. This was Ryan being nice, apologizing for being such a dick two times in a row and not a real date. Though Ryan was the hottest guy he'd gone on a date with in ages. His ex had been cute, but not hot like Ryan. His stomach clenched. Could he do this?

He paused in the doorway of the kitchen, his gaze landing on the picnic basket perched on the kitchen counter. Inside the basket's cool compartment were gourmet cheeses, fruit, a few meats, and wine. In the regular compartment was bread, some crackers, and a few treats for after they ate. He also had a hot container with lobster mac and cheese. He grabbed the basket and stored it in the back of his car, hoping Ryan would be satisfied with his food choices.

Ryan was meeting him at the bowling alley instead of him picking the man up. It felt better this way. Somehow picking Ryan up and driving him to their date felt way too formal and serious. This was just a man who wanted to give to the charity and apologize for being a jerk. Nothing more.

The crashing of balls and pins wafted out into the parking lot. Maybe this wasn't a great place. But they weren't having an intimate get-to-know-you date. They were meeting as friends. He needed to keep that in mind. Friends only.

He was surprised Ryan hadn't withdrawn his bid after the way Alex had babbled backstage, stating that he was gay. Goodness, Ryan probably regretted placing the bid. His nervousness was on high vibration as he made his way inside.

His gaze swept over the busy lanes, wondering how many people showed up here in the evenings. It was packed with teams and family groups.

Alex drew in a slow breath and squeezed his fists. Then he spied Ryan striding toward him, and heat washed over him. If he'd thought Ryan was hot before, the man looked absolutely amazing tonight. Alex's heart skittered with excitement.

The space between them shrank, and Alex's arm shot forward, his palm ready for a handshake. But Ryan, with a grin that could melt glaciers, stepped in for an embrace, his arms wrapping around Alex in a warm hug. Molten lava filled his veins, and he couldn't breathe. He froze for a second, unsure if he could withstand the excitement of hugging this man.

"It's good to see you," Ryan said as he stepped back.

"Yes. It's good to see you. I have everything arranged. We just need to get shoes."

"Sure."

Together, they navigated to the counter, exchanging their shoes for a pair of well-worn bowling shoes. The clerk pointed them to the far end, away from the squeals and cheers of youthful bowlers, granting them a reprieve of semi-privacy. Ryan led the way, fingers trailing across the selection of colorful balls until one met his approval—a glossy red that somehow fit Ryan. Alex picked a teal ball that wasn't exciting at all.

They entered their information on the screen, and Alex watched as Ryan took position to roll his ball down the lane. The man took three graceful steps and let go of the ball so smoothly that there was no plop or bang. Seconds later, all the pins seemed to explode in a dance of defeat. A strike. Alex felt his stomach do a flip-flop, his own hands suddenly clammy as he picked up the less impressive, teal ball.

His turn came and went, a mere scattering of pins conceding to his effort. Ryan said nothing about his lackluster ability.

Ryan lined up another shot, which hit the pins for another strike.

"Wow, you're good," Alex said.

Ryan shot him a grin that made his insides wiggle. "I'm good with all kinds of balls."

The words spun through his mind and shot straight to his balls. He was sure his face was red as he picked up his unexciting teal ball and flubbed it down the lane, rolling it straight into the gutter.

"Ouch," he muttered before he turned. But Ryan was there, shaking his head.

"Looks like you need help with balls. I could show you how to hold them just right to make it flow well."

The words brought laughter so hard that Alex had to sit down. His stomach cramped, and tears streamed down his face. He wasn't trying to misbehave, but Ryan's words had pushed him too far.

Ryan bowled another strike and came over, sitting in the chair next to Alex, putting his arm over the back of the chair. His lips were ticked up in a sexy smile and his knee brushed against Alex's leg.

"Did you see that?"

Alex burst out laughing again as he shook his head. "Another strike."

"See, I'm good with balls." Ryan put his hand on his own inner thigh and leaned in, his lips at Alex's ear. "I can help with your balls if you need."

Alex sucked in air through his nose, having to rethink everything he'd assumed about this date. "Oh God, you're so bad." Alex stood and went to retrieve his ball.

The game continued, and Ryan didn't say much more about balls because a family had been placed close by. They'd moved from an awkward start to enjoying their time together, though Alex was still awkward because that was just him.

After the game, they returned the bowling shoes, and were about to head out when a jagged bolt of lightning zipped through the sky, branching off in at least six splits.

They both jumped, then laughed, but Alex sobered fast. "Oh no, the picnic, it's ruined."

"Guess Mother Nature has her own ideas for tonight," Ryan quipped as he pushed the door open. Alex followed him outside, not wanting the night to end.

Wind whipped through the lot, and the scent of rain filled the air. They'd made a connection, and if they delayed, he feared they wouldn't feel the same.

Ryan stopped and turned to face him. "I have an idea."

Hope filled Alex as he met Ryan's gaze. Maybe they could salvage the night.