“I like it better than the dorms. I get to live with my best friends.”
He started the car. A loud rock song blared from the speakers, but he quickly turned it off. “That’s fun sometimes, but I like having my own room.”
“You like privacy?”
He pulled out onto the street. “Yeah. It comes in handy.” He looked me over again before returning his eyes to the road.
“Is that your way of saying you bring girls home a lot?”
He shook his head. “I’ve only been back a few days.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I’m surprised you haven’t asked around about me.”
“Should I have?” I looked at him. What was he hinting at?
“If you had, you’d know I’m not a player.”
I leaned back against the seat. “Oh yeah?”
“I prefer relationships. Less drama and more meaningful sex.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Meaningful sex? Like you care about that?”
“You don’t?”
“I do, but guys don’t.”
“Hey, I’m not the one who recently hooked up in a hayloft.”
Did he have to bring that up? I crossed my arms over my chest. “Below the belt.”
He shrugged. “I’m just saying you’re not allowed to pass judgment on me like that. You can’t just assume that because I’m a guy, I use girls.”
“Does it really bother you?” I shifted in my seat, trying to find a more comfortable spot.
“It bothers me that you assume I’m a player. I like you, and I don’t want you thinking I only asked you out for sex.”
“Only for sex? Does that mean that’s part of it?”
He laughed a nervous sort of laugh. “Of course. Just like sex is one of the reasons you said yes to me.”
“It’s not.”
“Is that so?” He effortlessly parallel parked. “You weren’t thinking about sex at all when you said yes?”
“Nope.” At least not sex with him. I was probably thinking about having had sex with Colton.
“I already know you aren’t innocent. There’s no reason to pretend.”
“I’m not pretending.”
There was something pretentious about Tanner. He wasn’t being a jerk, but the way he talked to me sounded condescending whether he intended it to or not. I reflected on why I’d agreed to the date as I waited for him to come around and open my door.
“Sure you’re not,” he whispered as he gave me his hand to help me out.
He kept hold of my hand as we walked into the restaurant. After giving his name to the hostess, we were led to a table in the middle of the large dining room.
He pulled my chair out. I took a seat, glancing around at the purple and black décor. They were going for hip, and it showed. I opened the menu, wondering if the food matched. I was really into how places marketed themselves. It’s why I wanted to major in marketing once I could get admitted to the business school. You couldn’t apply until midway through sophomore year.
I studied the menu, pleasantly surprised by the options.
“Did I upset you?” Tanner’s question took me by surprise. I thought he’d moved on from that conversation.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Do I look upset?”
“Not exactly. It’s more like you lost the excitement you had when I picked you up.”
“No. I’m fine.” Maybe he was more perceptive than I thought. Either that or I was doing a horrible job of hiding my feelings.
“I hope so.” His eyes bore into mine.
The intense gaze bothered me. It felt like my privacy was being invaded or something. “Stop staring at me like that.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s weirding me out.”
“I’m not allowed to look at my beautiful date?”
“You can look, but maybe not that intently.” I self-consciously smoothed out my dress.
He laughed. “Okay. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The waiter came over, and we ordered. I’d gone with a twist on a chef salad. It used seafood instead of the usual meats.
“What did you do this summer?” He spread his napkin on his lap.
“I worked as a lifeguard.”
“Cool.”
“And you?”
“Interned in the finance department of National Bank in Atlanta.”
“Really?” Great. I knew he was into business, but banking? No, thanks.
“Yeah.”
“That’s cool.”
“It was. Great experience, but nothing like my year abroad.”
“Oh yeah?” My dad was in banking, but it’s not like he ever told me much about what he did.
“I studied at the London School of Economics and did an internship at a bank in London last year. It really gave me a more international perspective.”
“I bet.” I studied a faded stain on the off-white tablecloth.
“Okay. Now I’m boring you. I’m not sure which is worse. Upset or bored.”
“Will you stop worrying? I’m not upset or bored.”
“Maybe if you’d smile. You have a nice smile.”
“Do I?”
“Yes, you do. I just don’t know where it’s hiding.” He laid his hand palm up on the table.
I forced a smile. “It’s right here.” What was wrong with me? I’d been in a bad mood since he brought up my hayloft hook up.
“I’d prefer a real one…”
“Oh look, our food’s coming.” I’d never been more relieved to watch a waiter approach before. I dug into my salad, grateful for the distraction.
“Glad to see you have an appetite.”
“Yeah, I eat.”
“It’s a good thing unless you’re using it to avoid talking to me.” He tapped his fingers on the table next to his virtually untouched steak.
“You worry more than a girl.”
“Is that supposed to be a put down of me or girls?”
“Neither. I’m just asking you to stop worrying. Okay?”
“If you’re sure there’s no reason for me to be doing it.”
“Let’s just enjoy dinner.”
“Okay. How about we talk about something that doesn’t bore you to tears?” He took a bite of his steak.
“I’m game for that.” At least he was trying.
“If we’re going to play gender stereotypes, let’s try this. One topic that can’t bore you, you.”