“That’s painting guys with a broad stroke.” Leslie shook her head. “I bet he likes cats. And he can’t be all bad. He likes to dance.” She smiled. “Not all guys like to dance.”
Tag crossed his arms over his chest. “Now, who’s painting guys with a broad stroke?”
Leslie frowned and leaned closer to the monitor. “It says here he wants to get to know me before we meet in person. He’s left his email address. That’s kind of nice. That way I can get to know him without committing to a one-on-one date.”
“Oh, yeah,” Tag nodded, “he’s definitely a serial killer.”
“Stop, already,” Leslie said. “He might be just as hesitant to meet someone new as I am. It’s hard to commit to a full-on date when you don’t know a person.”
Tag nodded. “Well, you can start at the top and work your way down the list.”
“At the same time, I can start at the bottom and initiate contact with Joe Fox. That way, while I’m getting to know the others on the list, I can get to know Joe.” She stared at the monitor. “Why does that name sound familiar?”
“Maybe he’s a TV news anchor. Or one of our local movie stars,” Tag said.
“Yeah, I don’t know where I know that name, but I feel like I do,” Leslie said. “I’m sure it will come to me. In the meantime, I’m gonna go ahead and respond to the first guy on the list and see if he’s ready to go on a date…I guess. Ugh. I’m so not ready for this.”
She rested her hand on the keyboard and tried to think of what to say to a complete stranger.
“It helps if you move your fingers,” Tag said with a grin.
“I’m thinking,” Leslie said. Nothing came to her. With a quick flourish of her fingers, she keyed:
Hi, I’m Leslie. BODS thinks we’re a match. Would you be interested in going out with me to see if BODS got it right?
Tag laughed out loud.
Leslie glared at him.
“It’s not easy typing a note to a stranger, is it?”
Leslie sighed. “I should have been more eloquent. I guess it’ll be tomorrow before we get a response from our prospective dates.”
A pinging sound erupted from her computer monitor.
Tag frowned and leaned over her shoulder. “Looks like you got a response, already.”
Leslie clicked the mouse to read the response from Otis.
I’m looking forward to meeting you. How’s tomorrow night sound?
Leslie’s heart raced, and her gaze met Tag’s. “What do I do? What do I do?”
Another ping sounded from Tag’s computer monitor.
Leaning over his arm, Leslie pointed at his screen. “Look, yours responded as well.” She touched his arm. “See what she said. See what she said.”
Tag snickered. “You realize you’re repeating yourself, don’t you?”
Leslie twisted her hands together. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I never do that. Go on. Go on. See what she said.”
Tag read Twyla’s message out loud.
You’re cute! And yes! I’m available tomorrow night.
“I guess she’s going along with your cryptic communications skills,” Leslie said.
“Or she’s used to texting in short sound bites,” Tag said.
“So, are you going?” Leslie asked, her breath catching in her throat. She hadn’t seen Tag go out on a date in…well…ever.
“Absolutely.” He grinned. “She says I’m cute.”
“Good grief,” Leslie shook her head. “It’s not all about looks. Doesn’t she understand that?”
Tag frowned. “Hey, don’t knock her. The woman has good taste.”
Leslie snorted. “You two deserve each other.”
Tag tipped his head toward her monitor. “Are you going out with Otis?”
“I guess so,” Leslie said, less than enthusiastic. “It’s too bad we can’t double date.”
Tag raised both hands, palms up. “Who said we couldn’t?”
“Wouldn’t that be weird?” Leslie asked.
“We could make it look like we’re just old friends who bumped into each other,” Tag suggested.
Leslie perked up. “Yeah, we could do that. I’d feel much more comfortable if I knew someone was there who had my back.”
“Same here,” Tag agreed. “Twyla thinks I’m cute. She might jump my bones.”
“Please tell me you’re not going to sleep with her on your first date,” Leslie said.
“Hey, give me a little credit,” Tag said. “I promise not to sleep with her…unless she asks me. In which case, I’ll go prepared.” He winked. “You know, shield the dagger and all.”
Leslie slapped his arm. “Eww. I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear that.” She shook her head, a smile playing at the corner of her lips. “You’re such a jerk.”
Tag’s grin broadened. “A jerk who doesn’t pass up good opportunities. I guess the trick will be to find out where he’s taking you.”
“I’ll let you know as soon as I know. I’ll have to know where we’re going, if I’m going to meet him there with my own vehicle.”
“Right,” Tag said. “And you still have the tracking app on your phone, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do,” she said.
“Then I can keep track of you, if we get separated and he takes you off into the woods to do away with you.”
“Seriously, Tag. You’re not helping,” Leslie said. “I’m unsettled enough as it is.” She took a deep breath, her fingers hovering over her keyboard. She lowered them.
Okay. Tomorrow night is good. Where should we meet?
He responded immediately.
Leslie frowned. “He wants to meet at a steak house in Cedar Park.”
Tag’s brow dipped. “That’s northwest of Austin. As long as my date isn’t a vegan, we can do it. What time?”
“Kind of early. Six-thirty.”
“I’ll be there.” He keyed a message to Twyla and had a response back. “She’s all for steak, and she wants to meet me there.” He clapped his hands together and grinned. “Sounds like we’ve got dates for tomorrow night.”
Leslie wished she could be as excited as Tag. But she wasn’t. She’d rather go with him to the steak house and be relaxed and comfortable in his company. Instead, she’d be going out on her first date in practically forever, with a complete stranger named Otis.
Tag’s hand reached out and covered hers. “It’s going to be all right. One date is all you have to do with Otis. If he’s not right, you don’t have to see him again.”
“I know. It’s just…” She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad I have you to keep me sane.”
“And I’m glad I have you to help me vet my prospects,” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her knuckles.
Her heart skipped several beats, and then pounded hard against her ribs. His lips felt soft against her skin. She wondered what they would feel like pressed to her mouth.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, softly.