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Clara: A very glamorous salad and side of Nellie’s mac and cheese.
Me: Ah, mac and cheese, one of Sage’s four food groups at that age.
Clara: She has your eyes, you know. Her mom’s personality.
Me: Nah, she has a personality all her own. She had a lot to say about you and Nellie.
Clara: Good things I hope. I admit, I was somewhat shell shocked during the whole encounter. Luckily, she was smitten with Nellie, so I didn’t have to try too hard.
Me: Good things. She liked your outfit and said she was surprised I was able to have such a cool friend.
Clara: Great. I nearly cracked my screen from laughing so hard. I should show her a picture of me when I was her age. I had chicken legs, braces, and the biggest, frizziest hair ever. Plus, I was captain of the math team. The epitome of uncool.
Me: What you’re telling me is, you did what you liked and were good at it? To me, that’s the coolest.
Clara: That’s a nice way to see it.
Me: Now that I’ve softened you up, what do you think about going on a date with me?
Clara: I think…yes. I would like that, if I can find a free night.
Me: Bet you can if you set your mind to it.
Clara: I bet you’re right. Good night xx
Me: Night, sweetness.
When I put my phone down, I realized I’d been grinning the last couple minutes. I didn’t know how this thing with Clara was going to go, but I had a feeling there was more goodness to come.
Chapter Twenty
Jake
A woman like Clara Rossi didn’t quite fit in at a seen-better-days-but-still-fucking-charming bowling alley, but she didn’t seem to care. Once she got over her surprise at where I’d brought her, her enthusiasm turned up, along with her competitive nature.
I did not mind being beaten by her. Not when I got to sit back and watch her wiggle her round, biteable ass in tight jeans as she lined up her shots. That was enough of a win for me.
Hell, having her here with me tonight was enough of a win. I’d been on edge all week, thinking she’d cancel on me. When she’d walked out her front door, a smile on her face, the knot in my chest had unfurled. She’d been just as eager as I had. As quickly as I could, I got her on the back of my bike, like I was getting away with a crime.
Clara spun around, her hands over her head, bouncing on her toes. I told myself tonight was about getting to know each other, not fucking, but when she made moves like that, it tested my resolve.
“Nice job, mama,” I called. “How about you save some pins for everyone else? You’re destroying them.”
She sauntered over to me, a pretty flush in her cheeks, confidence in the sway of her full hips. “I can’t believe how well I’m doing.” She tapped her arm. “I guess it’s muscle memory.”
I got up and snagged her around the waist, pulling her into me. Her breath caught, and my heart stood still as she peered up at me. Pretty brown eyes wide with surprise…and something else. Something vulnerable.
“I can’t think of many things better than seeing you win,” I said. “Except when I beat you. That’ll be much better.”
Her haughty chin rose. “How would you know? You haven’t done it yet.”
A rumble of a laugh rolled out of me. “You got me there. I think I’m about to throw in the towel and admit defeat.” My hand roamed down to the curve of her ass. “Can I buy you a treat for your prize?”
“You can.” She smiled, pressing her palms to my chest. “Just so you know, I’m having a really good time.”
“I am too.”
Her teeth dug into her bottom lip. “I was nervous. I haven’t been on a date since college, and those were more like casual hangouts. In a way, this is my first real date.”
