“Really? And what did you say?”
“I told her you were all grown up.” He looked my way and winked.
I scrunched my face at his feeble attempt at wit and he laughed at me.
“Honestly, I told her that you were smart and beautiful and she said, ‘Tell me something I don’t know.’”
“I always did like your mom. So, what new piece of information did you throw her way?”
“Only that I decided to rob the cradle and take you out.”
“You know, you’re not that much older than me.”
“Are you kidding me? When I graduated from high school, you were still in elementary school.”
“Okay, that sounds a little bad, but when you’re seventy-eight, I’ll be seventy.”
“I’m not sure that makes me feel better.”
“Does our age difference really bother you? I thought guys liked to date younger women. Did your mom say something against it?”
“Not at all. In fact, she thought it was great.”
I love that woman.
“I just don’t want to be one of those guys.”
“You need to elaborate.”
“You know, divorced and desperate.”
“Did you say desperate?”
“Wrong word.”
“Yes, let’s pick a different word, please.”
“Charlee, being here with you has nothing to do with desperation. I just don’t want people to think I’ve preyed on you.”
That made me laugh out loud, maybe even snort. “If it makes you feel better, you can tell them I preyed on you.”
He gave me a wry smile. “Have I ever mentioned how annoyingly charming you are?”
“I think so, but feel free to remind me.”
He surprised me and reached over and held my hand. Our fingers interlaced perfectly. “You’re so annoying . . . and charming.”
He kept my hand in his practically the whole drive. It drove my senses crazy. I think there is something lovely about holding someone’s hand. In a way, it’s even more intimate than kissing for me. He only let go when we hit I-70 and the traffic became congested and tricky to maneuver. It seemed like everyone was headed to the concert. I wasn’t surprised, One Republic was amazing, and this was their hometown.
I didn’t mind the extra time with him in the car. We were having a riveting conversation on the sordid affairs of his brother, Evan. I still thank my lucky stars I never snuck off with him at Ryan’s wedding. He hadn’t grown up like his brother. He was successful, but he sounded like a real louse. Never married, but with three kids, all from different mothers. He had been really busy, apparently.
“What do your parents think?”
“I think they try not to think about it. They do their best to try and have some contact with their grandkids. Two of the moms are amenable, but this last one won’t let anyone, including him, have anything to do with their daughter.”
“That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, well, my brother only has himself to blame. He’s great on making promises, but not on following through.”
“So you’re the favorite son.”
He chuckled. “Probably, but my parents are too good to ever say it.”
“Well, I always knew you were the better of the two.”
“I’m glad, because my brother always had an eye for you.”
“Really?”
He laughed to himself. “I always warned him to stay away from you because you were too young. Now look at me.”
I didn’t respond. He was going to have to get over the age thing on his own. I for one didn’t have an issue with it.
We parked in the top lot near the visitor’s center where the restaurant was located. It was beginning to fill up quickly. Ryan was every bit a gentleman. He came around and opened my door for me. He held his hand out to me, and I gladly took it and didn’t let go. He looked down at our entwined hands and smiled.
“Don’t worry, I don’t think anyone will guess how much older you are than me.”
“Come on annoying woman, let’s eat.”
“You know you like it.” I leaned into him and breathed him in. I could get drunk on that smell.
“That I do.”
Everything on their menu looked yummy. It made it hard to decide what to choose, but I finally went with the Blue River Salmon Salad and Ryan chose the Chipotle Turkey BLT sandwich. We talked easily while we waited for our food. I was still impressed he swung reservations and tickets. I needed a friend like his. The restaurant was filled to capacity, but the service was excellent and timely, as was the food. I was still enjoying the freedom of eating whatever I wanted, within reason. The red dress and I parted friends, but I was happy not to ever wear it again.
We split a piece of to-die-for apple pie, topped with ice cream and caramel. For a moment, it was like I really had gone to heaven—perfect man paired with the ultimate dessert.
Ryan paid our check, and I made a quick trip to the ladies’ room. While washing my hands, I looked in the mirror. I don’t think I ever looked so happy. I hurried out to my waiting and smiling date. He held his hand out to me and pulled me close to him. “You really are looking quite grown up,” he teased and whispered in my ear as we walked out into the warm night air.
“You know, it’s a good thing I like you.”
“I like you, too.”
I had to say Red Rocks is the most amazing place to see a concert. For one, it’s called Red Rocks for a reason. The red rock formations are incredible, I can’t even begin to adequately describe them, so I won’t. The amphitheater was set against the foothills of the Rockies, another amazing feature, and then there was the structure of it all. The amphitheater was sixty-eight rows of perfect acoustic sound and unobstructed views of the stage, so no matter where you sat, the show would be amazing. That’s why I was completely blown out of the water when we kept walking closer and closer to the stage. Ryan kept grinning at me as we made our descent. We landed at row five, center stage.
“Ryan, you didn’t mention how good of a friend you have. I have to insist on paying for my ticket.” I knew how expensive those seats were.
“Not a chance, Charlee. I wanted our first date to be memorable.”
I kissed his cheek before we sat down on the stadium cushions Ryan brought with us. “I’ll never forget it. Thank you.”
He flashed his breathtaking smile at me. “Don’t thank me yet, the night has only begun.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I plan on thanking you again.”
He raised his eyebrow at me, and that breathtaking smile turned seductive; I went a little weak in the knees. Seriously, best night of my life so far.
While we waited for the opening act to come out, the skies began to darken as the sun set behind the glorious mountains and some non-threatening clouds rolled in. The mood of the amphitheater shifted the darker it became. Inhibitions were lowered as blood alcohol levels rose all around us. Ryan and I observed and commented on all the hooking up going on.
“There’s going to be some serious regret in the morning. I guarantee it.”
“Are you speaking from experience?” he asked.
“Uh, no. I never drink or leave with random men I meet at concerts, or anywhere else for that matter.”
“Why don’t you drink?”
“For one, alcohol and I don’t get along well, and most importantly, I don’t ever want to lose control of myself or my surroundings.”
He nodded. “I’m impressed. Do you mind if your dates drink?”
“As long as it’s responsibly and they act appropriately with me, I don’t mind at all.”
He reached up and touched a tendril of my hair that framed my face. “I promise, whenever we’re together, I’ll always do both.”
“Are you saying you want to see me again?”
He leaned in closer and the butterflies in my stomach said, well we won’t mention it. Let’s just say I didn’t need alcohol, his breath and everything about him was i
ntoxicating.
“I think you can say that’s a safe bet.”
I almost leaned in and kissed him. Our faces were inches apart, and I had the feeling he wouldn’t mind as he gazed into my eyes, but in a split second, he broke the connection and sat up straight and looked forward. At least he took my hand.
“Just so you know, I’m amenable to that.”
He glanced my way and grinned.
It was about that time. Music began to play, and the crowd’s focus and attention shifted to the stage, at least momentarily. I felt sorry for opening acts; even if they were good, most people hardly paid attention to them, and some people didn’t even show up until the main attraction was ready to come on. Admittedly, I was anxious for the main attraction as well, but having Ryan by my side helped pass the time in the best sort of fashion, though it was getting harder to hear each other. That was okay too, it meant we had to be closer to each other.
Finally it was dark, everyone around us was thoroughly trashed, and the set on the stage was primed for my favorite band. The excitement was building up. There was an energy in the air when the music started. The crowd all jumped up, including myself. There was a roar when my other favorite Ryan and all his bandmates took the stage. They sounded even better on stage than the radio, and that’s saying something. Ryan Tedder had the most amazing voice. When he hit the high notes, I wanted to swoon. Not like Ryan Carter swoon, but pretty close.
I think Ryan watched me more than the show as I sang along and danced to every song. Once in a while, I got him to let loose a little. His cell phone even came out, and he waved his hands with me during one song. I could tell he felt ridiculous doing it, but he was a good sport about it. I had to laugh at him when, after the last song of the night and the band exited the stage, Ryan made his way to leave.
I tugged his hand and pulled him back. “When’s the last time you’ve been to a concert?”
“It’s been a while. Why?”
“Because you can’t leave yet. The band always comes back out and does one or two more numbers.”
“But if we leave now, we’ll miss all the traffic, and I’m pretty sure any minute now it’s going to start to rain.”
I looked up at the cloud-covered sky and then back to Ryan. “A little rain never hurt anyone. Come on, live a little.”
He shook that gorgeous head at me. “Why do I always find myself doing the exact opposite of what I normally do when I’m with you?”
I took his other hand and pulled him closer to me. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
Ryan stared down at my lips and for a moment, I could sense I was finally going to get to taste the sweetness of his breath. I held my breath in anticipation, but I almost turned blue in the face. The kiss never came. In its place were confused, almost worried, eyes. I wasn’t sure what to make of it, and I don’t think he knew either.
He let go of both of my hands and backed away. “I’m up for staying.”
I faced forward and found it hard to get back into the anticipation and calls for the band to come back out. I was wondering if I kept doing something to turn Ryan off. Fortunately, the band came back out and I had something else to throw my attention at. Their last two numbers were incredible, as I knew they would be, and they ended as I felt the first raindrop on my cheek.
Ryan reached for my hand as we maneuvered with the crowd of people toward the exits. “I told you it was going to rain,” he yelled back at me so I could hear him.
I shrugged my shoulders. The rain didn’t bother me in the least bit. I enjoyed being out in a good rainstorm. When the drops became many, Ryan tried to protect my head with the stadium seats. I laughed and told him it wasn’t necessary. He gave me that look again that made me think he thought I was off my rocker some. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway; the rain went from a sprinkle to pouring in seconds. You gotta love the Colorado weather. We were drenched as we ran across the parking lot.
In a way, I found it very romantic. I wanted to stay out in the rain and dance closely to Ryan, but he was practically dragging me to the car, trying to get out of the elements. Once we reached his car, he dropped my hand and the stadium cushions as he fumbled to get his car keys out. I couldn’t help but laugh at him in his hastiness.
He paused for a moment and looked over to me. I’m sure I looked like a drowned rat at this point, but I had to say he looked sexy when wet. The look he gave was sexy too. He purposely shoved his keys back in his pocket and, to my shock and utter delight, he took me up in his arms and this time he didn’t hesitate. His lips collided with mine, but I barely caught a taste of how sweet his lips were. Just as my lips were about to part, he released me.
“I’m sorry.” He backed away.
I took a deep breath in. Though the kiss was short, his touch had left me feeling a little breathless. “Why are you sorry?” I wiped the water from my face. I had never had a guy say that to me after we kissed, especially the first time.
“I’m not usually this forward, but there’s something about you.”
I stepped closer to him, pulled on his wet shirt, and drew him to me. “Please don’t apologize for kissing me.”
He smiled before he leaned down and hovered over my lips, teasing me with his indecisiveness. My heart was racing and I wanted nothing more than to meet his lips, but there’s something about anticipation and that moment before you kiss that’s magical. I didn’t have to wait long, he kissed me once more. Again, it was brief, but sweet. He hugged me quickly and looked me over. It was then that I realized I was wearing white and soaked. Thank goodness for slips, but it was still a little uncomfortable. Ryan helped me in, grabbed a jacket from his backseat, and handed it to me like a gentleman. He got in the car, and as soon as he started it, he turned the heater on to blow on me. One thing about rain in Colorado at night, it can cause a chill. I hadn’t noticed, until we got in the car, that I was cold. Ryan had done a great job of warming me up outside.
I pulled his warm fleece-lined jacket over me as we waited in what looked like a never-ending line of cars. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to turn this into a wet t-shirt contest.”
He chuckled and looked my way. “As always, where you’re concerned, I get more than I bargained for.”
“Is that a bad thing?”
He reached over and ever so gently, touched my cold, wet cheek. “Not at all.”
Chapter Fourteen
“There’s one for the books” perfectly summed up my first date with Ryan. We didn’t get home until right before 1:00 a.m. I would say the only thing that was a little off was Ryan’s unsure way of handling me. At times he was all in, but then suddenly it was like he thought about it and decided caution was more appropriate. Even when he walked me to my door, he was thoughtful, gentle, and held my hand, so I assumed he would be kissing me goodnight. Then we got to the door and the confusion returned to his eyes. He kissed me on the cheek and left me there. I had to call out “Thank you,” to him, though thank you seemed inadequate for the kind of evening he had shown me. I tried not to think about how much he’d spent on our date. I wasn’t used to someone spending that kind of money on me, and I’d been surprised by it.
Sleep didn’t come easy. The butterflies were on an all-night bender with all the excitement of being kissed and held by our favorite Ryan. Second favorite Ryan had also done his job admirably. I loved a man who could sing. First favorite Ryan did not sing well, but I wasn’t holding it against him. He did plenty of other things well, and they more than compensated. I was drawn to him like I never had been drawn to anyone else. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, but I wanted to keep exploring it with him. From the sounds of it, so did he, though we didn’t set another time to see each other again, well, at least not as in a date. We would see each other regardless, except we decided against running in the morning, or I should say later that morning.
I rode in with my dad; I was too tired to drive, and I knew my dad liked the company.
“So, are you going to tell your
old man how your date went last night?”
I was leaning my sleepy head on the window. I sat up and smiled. “It was fabulous.”
“So I take it there will be another?”
“I hope so, but I’ll leave that up to Ryan.”
“Just no making out at the office, okay?”
“Daddy! Why would you say something like that?”
He laughed at me. “I know how you kids are today,” he teased.
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t need to worry about that. Besides, Ryan is totally old school, he thinks he’s ancient, and I’m sure he’s above such antics.” I probably was too, but I could see if the moment was right, and it was discreet, I probably wouldn’t turn him down.
“You think so, huh?”
“Yeah. Ryan has some hang ups about our age difference.”
“And what do you think?”
“It doesn’t bother me at all.”
“So, you think it’s okay if men and women that fall within different decades date?”
I lowered my shades and looked at him. The way he asked felt different, like he was asking something else.
My dad cleared his throat.
Hmmm… “I don’t see any issue with it. Honestly, I think as a society we’re too caught up in age. I say if it’s within legal bounds, you shouldn’t let age be a factor.”
“Interesting.”
I eyed him carefully. “What’s the interest?”
He shook his head as if he was trying to clear out a thought. “Nothing, I’m just making small talk with my girl.”
I had the feeling there was more there, but I didn’t push. I was a little worried about how to be around Ryan today. I knew it was only one date, but I wanted to explore the idea of seeing him more, and even exclusively. I hoped that didn’t sound desperate. I figured since we had spent copious amounts of time together for the last couple of months that could at least be an option. I wouldn’t push for it if he wasn’t interested, but I was up for it. Being with him had made me realize that with all my other relationships, there was something missing. I wasn’t sure what that missing piece was, per se, but Ryan had it. I didn’t want to blow it, so I was going to let him take things at his pace, since he was the one with reservations. And I admit, they were valid reservations, but we also had some pretty valid reasons for at least giving it a go.
Trouble in Loveland (The Loveland Series Book 1) Page 17
