I had done everything to prepare. I started of with yoga, then had a warm bath with a glass of red. I should have been more than calm. But as I sat pointlessly flipping through magazines waiting for 7 to roll by, my nerves got the best of me. I was going on a date with James Neal. Wait, was it a date?

“It’s a date!” My friend Kelsey insisted earlier. Rebecca thought so too, but I wasn’t too sure, I also didn’t want to get my hopes up. “The guy brought you flowers, and is now taking you out to dinner. He didn’t have to do that. A simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed. He’s clearly into you Annie!”

Her positive thoughts encouraged me, but I was still going to play it cool. It all depended on how he acted, and where we went. Small touching meant a date. A hand on the small of my back, arm around shoulder etc. No touching but the friendly hug or nudging meant it was certainly not a date! An intimate dinner, or close corders at the movies was a date. A bar or restaurant with a friendly atmosphere meant I had hit the friend zone. I wouldn’t be too disappointed if I had, but I had been crossing my fingers all day for a kiss goodnight.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and caused my heart rate to quicken. I stood up and straighten out my sweater and smoothed out my jeans. I pulled on my leather jacket on the way to the door and swung my purse over my shoulder.

I took a deep breath then pulled the door open and was met by a very handsome looking James Neal. We both let our eyes wander over the other and then shared an embarrassed smile.

“You look great, Annie.” He said

“Thanks, so do you.” I blushed slightly.

“I would’ve brought you flowers, but I already did that so...” He handed me a box of Ghirardelli chocolate. I ran my fingers over the box and smiled brightly up at him.

“Rebecca told me it was your favorite.” He offered, and my smile widened knowing he was asking his sister for advice on me. Maybe I’d get my goodnight kiss after all.

“It is! Thank you!” I leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

Crimson ran up his cheeks. “You can bring them, we can have them during the movie.” I nodded then turned to shut and lock me door.

He offered me his arm which I gladly accepted and led me out to his car. I small feel I got of his biceps made my knees weak.

As he pulled out into the streets he looked at me sideways and asked, “Does dinner and a movie sound good?”

“Sounds perfect!” I said with a smile.

“I thought we could stay in tonight. I just got a new movie theatre that hasn’t been broken in yet.” He said teasingly, I smiled back and accepted.

The car ride was filled with a comfortable silence and soft music. As we arrived at his house I leaned down to pick up my bag and he helped me out of the car. Slipping his hand in mine he led me into his house. We stopped in the dining room where he had set up an intimate dinner for two. I bit my lip to hide my smile as he took off my jacket and pulled out my chair.

The light was set to low and two candles were placed in the center. James came back carrying two plates and set them down.

Baked Chicken, mashed potatoes, assorted veggies and a dinner role.

“This looks amazing! Smells great too!” I complimented him, although I was having trouble believing he had pulled this all off by himself.

“Okay, I have to admit my friend Pauly helped me out. I am completely useless in the kitchen.”

I laughed and placed my hand on his arm, “Still, thank you.” He nodded and we dug into our food. I moaned appreciatively once the food hit my mouth.

“Oh my gosh, this is so good!” I stated after I had swallowed.

James agreed, “Yeah, Pauly’s pretty awesome in the kitchen. I

“So how was your practice this afternoon?” I asked curiously.

“Tough.” He groaned dramatically making me giggle. He flashed me a smile before continuing, “It was more of a training in the gym then a practice actually. Since most guys aren’t back yet there’s not much we can do on the ice.”

I furrowed my brow, “Why aren’t most of your teammates back? I mean it’s August shouldn’t you guys be getting back in the swing of things?”

“Yeah, well, there’s some speculation of a lockout so a lot of guys are staying back either overseas with their off-season teams or at home until it’s confirmed.” James rubbed the back of his neck as his body tensed. This was obviously not good for him.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope everything works out.”

He nodded appreciatively and smiled at me warmly, “Thanks Annie, but I don’t really want to talk about that tonight. Lets talk about your day!” He suggested on a much happier tone.

I chuckled softly since my day pretty much amounted to nothing.

“Well, let’s see. I slept in late which was very nice, and then I had some very nice company for awhile. I worked on some new art pieces, did some yoga, and got ready for tonight. Very productive day, I know.” I said sarcastically which made James chuckle.

“Sounds like a great day to me. How are your pieces coming?”

“Ehh, they’re alright. Not some of my best work that’s for sure. I don’t know I just haven’t had much inspiration in awhile.”

“I think you’re just being modest. If they’re anything like the piece I have, they’ll be very impressive. You know, I would never tack up a portrait of me in my own house, but when Rebecca showed it to me, I was amazed. I didn’t hang it up because it was of me, I hung it up because of what great work it is. You’re an amazing artist Annie, don’t sell yourself short.”

I was shocked, and his words were definitely an ego boost.

“Thank you James, that really means a lot to me.” I said honestly.

He smiled softly and then gestured to our plates, “How about we go see that movie? I hear it’s the best movie theatre in town.”

And just like that James transitioned our date back onto a more playful track. I laughed out loud and nodded accepting his outstretched hand allowing him to lead me downstairs.

..................................

I stared at my phone in disbelief. It has been exactly four days since my ‘date’ with James and I had all but given up when I finally heard from him. And now, I had definitely given up.

From: James

Hey, I’m having some guys over for a barbecue, would you like to come?

I mean, come on! Either he’s completely clueless, or he’s not interested. But if he wasn’t interested in me, then why the so intimate dinner? I’ve never been so confused by a guy since middle school.

One date and then he invites me over with his team mates? He totally just friend-zoned me.

..................................

James’s POV

“Dude! You totally just friend-zoned her!”

“What? No I didn’t.” I insisted but then got nervous, “Wait, did I?”

“You only had one date with the girl, where you didn’t even kiss her! You take relationship advice from a rookie not to call her for three days and then you invite her over for a barbecue with your team mates?”

My eyes widened in shock, “God, I am such a fucking idiot!” I groaned and threw my head back on the couch.

“Yeah, you can say that again. You haven’t even made a move, and now she’s coming over to hang out with a bunch of single guys!” He throws his head back laughing as I glare at him. “Man, Nealsy! You’re setting up her up with other guys!”

“Fuck off!” I snap at him and run a hand through my hair. “She knows I like her.”

He rolls his eyes, “Whatever you say man. But just in case you might want to alter your guest list a bit.”

That might not be a bad idea.

................................

Annie’s POV

“He’s an idiot Annie!” Rebecca stresses over Skype while I get ready. “He’s never been in a serious relationship. He has no idea what he’s doing! But he likes you, trust me! You just have to help him out a bit.”

“I don’t know Rebecca...”

“Don’t over think it! Just go. Go and make the most of it.”

“Okaaaay” I sighed heavily. Rebecca squealed loudly and I flinched. “But I swear Beck it’s the last time! If he doesn’t make a move tonight, I’m done pretending, and so are you!”

“Annie that’s not-”

“No Becca!” I cut her off quickly, “If he doesn’t make a move, he’s not interested. And that’s it. No more, got it?”

She lets out a frustrated sigh, “Yeah, okay Annie, that’s it.”

“Thank you! Now he’ll be here any minute so I have to go.”

“Alright! Love you Anne!”

“Love you too.” With that I clicked off and finished my final touches.

Deep down I hoped this wasn’t it. I really like James, and I was really disappointed after our first date. I had racked my brain all week thinking of things that could’ve gone wrong and I found nothing. My insecurities got the best of me and when he asked me to hang out with his friends my suspicions were confirmed.

I walked to the door after a loud knock echoed through the apartment. I slung the door opened and was greeted by a very nervous looking James. I greeted him warmly and softly shut the door behind me. After a few seconds of just standing there self-consciously in front of him I broke the silence.

“Do you wanna head out?” His eyes already locked with mine widened a bit and a faint hint of embarrassment graced his cheeks. I smiled lightly and he cleared his throat and re-gained his composure.

“Yeah, I just-I want to umm...” He stopped himself and conflicted emotions flashed over his face before he quickly stepped forward. He softly pushed me back against my door one hand gripping my hip the other softly cupping my cheek. His lips met mine in frantic need. I kissed him back with just as much urgency my free hand clutching his arm as he claimed my lips as his own.

He pulled away slowly resting his forehead against mine as our breathing slowed. I pulled away and grinned up at him.

“I’ve been waiting all week for you to do that.” I told him seriously. He chuckled softly and nodded his head.

“I know, I’m an idiot. I should’ve kissed you on our first date but I chickened out.”

“You? The Real Deal chickened out?” I asked teasingly.

He laughed deeply and wound his arms around my waist pulling me into him. He dipped down caressing my lips against quickly before pulling away to answer me.

“You make me nervous and excited at the same time and you make me doubt everything. You have no idea how many times I called Rebecca before our first date, she even picked out my outfit” He admitted.

I giggled at the last part and gleamed up at him.

“I played this out all wrong Annie. And now your coming over to hangout with some of my friends and I just wanted you to know where I stand, where we stand.”

“And where’s that?” I asked because I really had no idea. We had only been on one date after all.

“I like you Annie, and I’d really like to take you out again.”

“I like you too James” I breathed out and he shot me a gorgeous smile before connecting our lips once again.

Notes

Sorry this took so long to get out! I have been swamped with school and finals. Hope you enjoyed it, let me know what you think.