Chapter 10: Tuesday Date
Even though Tanner had called this a date, I was not nervous. It had no date-like feelings, and I was hoping that would change. Tanner was a perfect guy; easy, open, and was a fantastic friend over the years. His sense of humor and ability to read a room made him the life of the party. We chatted often and were even social media friends, but we never had a closeness beyond that. Before Saturday night, I'd never looked at Tanner that way. I've been married for the entire time we've known each other. His flirtatious charms did not tempt me because I knew he was joking. At least, I thought he had been joking this whole time until he asked me out.
On Monday, Tanner texted me to confirm the details, which was surprising. Tanner didn't seem like the planning type. I liked that he reached out directly and asked my preferences. However, I had been putting out fires all day because the Dawes interview was a complete fuck up, and Horatio took this opportunity to micro-manage the five new assignments I received on top of the interview re-do. So when Tanner asked where, when, how, who, what, etc, I shut down and responded that he picked. Tanner picked out a new, trendy French restaurant and asked to pick me up. I looked up the address on my phone and knew it took a lot of work to get a cab or Uber in that city area. It would be expensive to take either. Parking lots/spots were plenty, though, so It would be cheaper to park. I let him know I would meet him there.
When I arrived at the hostess station, Tanner walked in the front door. Exactly on time! This date was already starting on better footing than the last one. While Tanner spoke to the hostess, I checked him out. He was so handsome in his blazer and slacks that I could see the appeal, but no spark happened. There was no panty-soaking need just from seeing him, and that left a disappointed, empty feeling in my stomach. Even when Tanner turned and took a moment to check me out, It didn't give me that wanted hotness. Grant's gaze always did. Tanner's eyes filled with interest and appreciation, but his hazel eyes had no hungry spark. Maybe it was my outfit? Ellie insisted I wear another date-worthy dress, letting me borrow a beautiful long-sleeve black velvet dress. I fit right into the style standard of this fancy restaurant. I made a mental note to forgive Ellie for the horrible blind date as a thank you for the dress.
"You look so sexy." Tanner grinned. He took my hand, giving me a playful twirl, before following the hostess to our table. I gently removed my hand from his. Tanner placed his hand on the small of my back. He pulled my chair out and ordered an excellent wine for the both of us. I liked the wine he rattled off, so I let it go, but I would stick to mainly water as I had to drive home.
Unless this went great, and I rode home with Tanner. I let my mind wander to see if I could envision a night in Tanner's arms. Nothing. I felt no desire to follow through with that plan. The only person at the forefront of my mind was one I was still furious with. Once I settled in my chair, Tanner sat on the other side and looked directly at me. I smiled, feeling awkward, and blurted out the first thing that came to mind, "Turns out our love child was a false alarm. So you're off the hook."
Tanner lets out a bellowing laugh, "Thank fuck for that."
We both grinned. "My cousin was so worried about the scene when she called me. After I explained it, we had a good laugh. It turns out that Mandy hid her secret hockey obsession extremely well and played it up like she had no idea who I was."
"I'm glad your cousin didn't put you in that position on purpose." I laughed. "My sister was horrified when I revealed the details of my blind date. She told me a red flag was now pinned to Steve's digital footprint."
"Your sister sounds scary cool." Tanner looked over the menu.
"You have no idea. She is incredible but very petty." When the waiter came to take our order, like clockwork, Tanner ordered for me. His sexy smile did little to soothe my emotions. I felt a frustration bubble in my stomach. Strike one. It had been going so well up to that point. Why were all men like this? My mind seemed to drift toward a dark-haired mystery man who had blown me off to reschedule the interview. How would he handle a date with me? Not that playboy Grant Dawes dated. He had more women in his arms since the start of his career than I could count. I'm sure our night was nothing new or unique for him. I took a sip of my wine to wash away the sudden sour taste in my mouth.
"Earth to Letty?" Tanner teased, and I realized I'd spaced out daydreaming. Our food arrived, and we fell into a comfortable silence as we ate. I hate to admit it but what Tanner ordered for me was good. The tagliatelle noodles added an irresistibly slithery texture and rich flavor to the beef sauce. Tanner scarfed down a dish called Coq au vin that looked as mouthwatering as mine. He sat back, closing his eyes to savor the full feeling he must have. Tanner looked content.
I smiled sheepishly and took this chance, "I was wondering how Grant Dawes is meshing with the team so far."
Tanner sat back, his expression changing to amusement, "Work talk on a first date? Bad form."
I batted my eyes, "Just honest curiosity. You know hockey is my favorite sport, and the Hot Shots are my home team."
When Tanner hesitated, I laughed, "Off the record, Bright. I'm wondering, as a hockey fan."
He chuckled, "He is an incredible player and has added the needed edge."
I smiled, "How is he on the personal side?"
"Dawes is amazing. Way different than I thought he would be."
"I'm glad." I tried to keep my smile polite, but relief rushed through me. Grant was settling in. I'm unsure why that fact made me so happy, but it did. The conversation flowed easily after that, and I laughed a lot. The waiter brought the check and I handed him my card, "I'll cover my half."
"Hey, no way!"
"Tanner, this is a thank you for taking me on the best date I've been on in a really long time. But I'm a modern woman, so we are going Dutch on the check."
He stared me down and then shrugged. We finished up, and Tanner walked me to my vehicle. Our conversation was easy and light. "Well, this is me," I said nervously, pointing to my jeep.
"Letty, this was so much fun." He said, his eyes flicking to my lips. Did I want to kiss Tanner? I hesitated, but before I could talk myself in or out of it, Tanner cupped my cheek and pressed his lips to mine. I froze briefly, then let his soft, warm lips lead mine into an awkward, deeper kiss. There was no zing, no tightening of need anywhere on my body. It felt weird even to move my lips in response to his. Suddenly, Tanner's lips stopped moving but didn't leave mine. He grunted against my lips, "Huh?"
"Hmm?" I replied in the same fashion, grateful. Tanner pulled back from me completely, looking very confused. "Nothing," he whispered deep in thought.
"Tanner?" I squeaked, feeling very awkward and needing to clear the air.
Tanner ran his hand through his hair, "Um, so..."
I chuckled, "No spark for you either?"
His eyes cut to mine, relief apparent but laced with amusement. Tanner said, "Exactly. I don't understand. You are amazing, funny, don't put up with my bullshit, and so fucking hot, but kissing you...."
"Gives you the ick, right?" I tease, completely understanding what he is saying.
"Yeah. Like I'm kissing my sister." Tanner nodded and let out a heavy breath. Suddenly, his eyes rounded, "Not that I know what it's like to make out with my sister! I just mean--"
"Me too." I interrupt him and laugh. "Don't worry about it. Friends?" I ask, holding out my hand. Tanner takes it, shaking it twice before letting go.
"Yeah, friends." He let the air out the sides of his mouth, "I will say my dick is an idiot for not wanting you. It's just my luck, though; it only responds to crazy chicks."
I laughed loudly, patting him on his upper back before unlocking my door and getting inside my jeep, "Night Tanner!"
"Good night, my beautiful flower! Drive safe."