Eligible Receiver (Men of Fall #3)- S.R. Grey Page 0,7

date logistics.

“I’ll get back to you once we have a solid plan,” he says.

“Cool.” I nod distractedly. “Whatever you guys come up with is fine with me.”

We drop the subject and place our full focus back into lifting.

An hour or so later, after we wrap up, we grab a light lunch.

And then I return home.

I’m not expecting the double date to be put into motion anytime soon, as it’s been delayed for-fucking-ever.

But then Caleb calls around eight.

“Dude, it’s so on,” he tells me. “Becca’s up for meeting you, and she’s free tomorrow night. Jodi and I have nothing planned either, so it’s all up to you, my man. How’s your schedule looking?”

I bark out a laugh. “Are you kidding me? The only thing on my planner is another boring night spent in.”

“Not tomorrow night,” Caleb replies.

Suddenly feeling a little excited at the prospect of doing something social, I reply, “Sounds good. So what are we doing?”

“Jodi and I are thinking maybe just a simple dinner out. That way you and Becca can have a chance to talk and get to know one another.”

“Jesus.” I swipe at my brow, my enthusiasm dampening. “Talk about pressure.”

“No, no. No pressure at all, my friend. Jodi and I don’t want it to feel like that for you or Becca. In fact, let’s just meet at the restaurant, okay? We’ll have Becca do the same.”

“That works for me,” I reply, feeling relieved.

“Eight o’clock good for you?”

“Yeah, sure, I’ll be there at eight.”

Caleb gives me the name and address of the restaurant, and then says, “Great. Remember, if it all goes to hell, which it totally will not, at least you’ll have a getaway car.”

“Cool,” I deadpan. “It’s reassuring to know I can make an escape if need be.”

I’m already thinking of excuses to leave early, even as Caleb says, “I told you to trust me on this, Lars. You’re not going to want to leave early.”

Man, I don’t know.

I hope he’s right.

But I doubt it.

What’s the chance this double date will really work out?

I’m guessing slim to none.

Wait, I Know You

The double date is set.

Oh, crap.

I’m nervous.

I’m happy, though, that I’ll have my own car.

If I need to escape, I can.

Despite my trepidation, I’m a little curious as to what this Lars guy will be like.

Is he really as good-looking as Jodi keeps saying he is?

Is he a decent guy?

Is he funny?

I don’t know.

I’m not expecting much.

If this teammate of Caleb’s is so hot and nice, why is he still on the market?

“On top of that, how could he ever hope to compete with my mystery theatre guy?” I ask my reflection as I gloss my lips in a pale shade of pink.

Eek, I’m almost ready to leave the house.

I don’t want to go.

I’m scared.

But I’m in it now.

I guess that’s why I decided to go all out for this double date.

I only wish it were with the theatre guy.

I bet he’d appreciate my black suede thigh-high boots and slinky velvet minidress, also in black.

I’m wearing more makeup than usual, having lined my eyes in dark kohl and applied a couple of thick coats of ebony mascara. I even curled my long blonde hair so I can wear it down and at max volume.

I guess a part of me is hoping Lars is as handsome as Jodi says he is.

The little bit of me that still believes in romance is springing to life.

I can’t help but hope this goes relatively well.

“Maybe Lars is your one,” I whisper to my reflection. But just as quickly, I counter, “Yeah, right. Dream on, Becca. What are you thinking?”

Before I head out to the restaurant, I think about looking up Lars online, just to have a preview of what I’m in for.

But then I remind myself that it doesn’t matter. Mystery Theatre Guy is the only man on my mind, even though I will never see him again.

That doesn’t mean he hasn’t starred in many of my fantasies lately.

Ooh, has he ever.

With a resigned sigh, I grab my coat and keys and head out to the car.

In a matter of minutes—too soon, really—I’m turning into the parking lot of the trendy Italian restaurant where the double date is set to occur.

I’m happy to see it doesn’t appear to be too busy.

Good.

The last thing I need is an audience.

I’m already nervous enough.

Ugh.

When I spot Caleb and Jodi’s car, I nab the space next to it.

It’s a huge relief knowing they’re already here, especially since I have no idea what Lars