that’s all going to stop now.”
“What do you mean?” He wasn’t sure where she was going with this, and he wasn’t happy about her train of thought.
“I mean, you and Ava were right. It’s not a bad idea to have a second set of eyes on the candidates. It’s been a long time since either one of us had a date. Screening could be a nightmare. I’ll help you, and you can help me. Maybe we will come up with the perfect match for each other. Ready to test that theory now?”
Tag shook his head. “I’d rather wait until tomorrow. I’m starving. I’m sure you haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast. Am I right?”
She reached into her desk for her purse. “I had a handful of almonds. Does that count?”
“Nope. You need real food.”
“What do you consider real food?” she asked as they walked through the office.
“I have just the place in mind.” He glanced at her gray suit and frowned. “Don’t worry. I think they have bibs.”
“Bibs?” Leslie’s brow furrowed. “Where are you taking me?”
“Don’t you worry. I know how to treat a lady. Since I’m treating, I get to choose.” He took the keys from her hand, locked the door to the office and slid the keys into her purse. “Ready?”
“I think,” she said, her brow twisting.
He held out his arm. “We probably should brush up on our dating skills. If we want to do this right, we have to know the rules.”
“There are rules?” she asked as they headed for the elevator.
“Not anything written.” He tilted his head. “Maybe we should co-author a book on the rules of dating. I’m sure there a lot of people out there just like us who haven’t been out in a while and could use some guidance.”
Leslie laughed as they rode the elevator down to the parking garage.
Tag liked it when she laughed. “You should laugh more often,” he said. “Rule number one: your date should make you laugh.”
Leslie grinned. “And not because he’s dressed like clown.”
When the elevator door opened, Tag led Leslie to his truck parked nearby. “Unless he’s actually a clown for a rodeo. Those guys are truly badass. I have huge respect for rodeo clowns. They save lives.”
Leslie nodded. “Good point. Laugh if he’s dressed as a clown, and he works for a rodeo.”
“Right. Work is work. An employed man is golden.” He held the door and handed her up into the vehicle.
“Agreed,” she said, a grin slipping across her face. “You always make me laugh.”
“And I don’t even need a clown suit to do it.” He winked and closed the door.
Tag drove away from downtown Austin toward one of his favorite restaurants. Not a high-class, expensive place but one he knew she would love.
“Rudy’s Barbeque?” Leslie shook her head smiling. “I haven’t been to Rudy’s for…I don’t know how long it’s been. Probably since you, Randy and I came to celebrate the purchase of our office building in downtown Austin.”
“I remember how much you enjoyed the ribs,” Tag said.
Leslie laughed. “I needed to be hosed down after eating.”
Tag glanced at her suit. “Like I said, I think they have bibs.”
“Bibs? I need coveralls.” Despite the idea of drenching herself in barbecue sauce, Leslie quickly unbuckled her seatbelt. “I like the pepper flavor of their barbecue sauce better than any sweet ones.”
“I like the pepper, too,” Tag said. “Something we have in common.”
Leslie cast a sad glance his way. “Randy liked the sweet sauces.”
“Yes, he did.” Another reason he’d brought Leslie to Rudy’s. He wanted her to enjoy the meal and to note the differences between him and Randy.
“Let me get your door.” Tag leaped out of the truck and rounded the front in time to help Leslie down.
“I can get down all by myself, you know,” she insisted, pulling her arms out of her suit jacket.
“I know.” He gripped her around her waist and helped her to the ground. God, she felt good in his arms. “Rule two: let your date open doors for you and help you out of his vehicle. If he doesn’t, he’s not good enough for you.”
Leslie’s hands rested on Tag’s chest. “Good thing you know all the rules. Your dates are going to love you.”
There was only one date he wanted loving him. And she was standing in front of him, close enough to kiss. As if his body had a mind of its own, it swayed forward.
Leslie’s eyes widened just enough to remind him he was to take it