Seven Dates [Completed]

Date 1

It was a quarter till four, and Charlie still had no idea what she was doing—or where the hell Peyton was.

She'd texted him earlier, but his lack of response left her pacing her dorm room, pulling her denim jacket tighter around her shoulders. Her favorite shirt peeked out from underneath, paired with black skinny jeans and scuffed boots that made her feel grounded, even if her nerves were threatening to take off like a runaway train.

Her roommate was off on some adventure, as usual, leaving Charlie to her own restless thoughts. She grabbed her wallet from her dresser and just opened the door slightly to go downstairs and wait when she nearly screamed.

Peyton stood on the other side, all tousled blond hair and easy confidence, leaning against the doorframe as if he'd been waiting for hours. His leather jacket gleamed under the harsh dorm lighting, half-open to reveal a flannel shirt layered over a plain tee.

"Lurking outside?" Charlie asked, trying to catch her breath as her heart raced.

"I didn't want to be late," he said with a grin, stepping back to give her space. "And I figured you'd appreciate the dramatic entrance."

Charlie rolled her eyes but couldn't stop a small smile. "So what's the plan? First-date impression time." She stepped into the hall, closing the door behind her with a quiet click.

"I'm glad you asked." Peyton's grin widened as he straightened up. "The first date needs to be memorable. Something fun, competitive, and just risky enough to make you want more."

"More?" she teased, an eyebrow raised.

"Absolutely. So I'm thinking laser tag, followed by the finest pizzeria in town."

"Laser tag?" She stepped into the elevator, glancing sideways at him as he followed and hit the button for the first floor.

"Yup. Unique. Thrilling. Way better than boring small talk over coffee," he said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

"This pizza place had better be Annie's," Charlie replied, bumping his shoulder lightly.

"Wouldn't dream of taking you anywhere else," Peyton said, his voice carrying just enough charm to make her stomach flutter.

***

Charlie squinted in the dimly lit laser tag arena, her heart pounding with the thrill of the game. The walls glowed with neon designs, and Peyton was already covered in streaks of blue and orange face paint, looking ridiculously proud of himself.

"Your turn," he said, holding out the paint with a mischievous grin.

Charlie hesitated before grabbing the red and blue, laughing as she handed them back. "Go easy on me."

"Where's the fun in that?" he whispered, brushing his fingers lightly across her cheeks as he painted streaks that felt as much like a challenge as a decoration.

The game started with a sharp beep, and the arena erupted into chaos. Charlie darted behind a wall, clutching her laser gun as she scanned for movement. Her heart raced, not just from the adrenaline but from the ridiculous giddiness bubbling up inside her.

When she landed her first shot, she felt a triumphant grin spread across her face. But before she could celebrate, Peyton appeared out of nowhere, his smirk illuminated in the dark.

"Gotcha," he said, pulling the trigger before darting off into the shadows.

"Oh, it's on," Charlie muttered, narrowing her eyes as she chased after him.

Three rounds later, they were tied. Peyton had dominated the first game, but his cockiness had cost them both the second. By the third, Charlie was fully in her zone, laser-focused and determined.

As they left the arena, Peyton held the door open for her with an exaggerated bow. "You're not bad, Moore," he said, his cheeks still streaked with paint and glistening with sweat.

"Not bad? I crushed you in the last round," Charlie shot back, nudging him with her elbow.

***

The pizzeria was warm and bustling, the smell of garlic and melted cheese making Charlie's stomach growl as they slid into a booth. Peyton ordered for both of them without hesitation, leaving Charlie both impressed and slightly amused.

"So, I'm basically a laser tag legend," Peyton announced, leaning back in his seat with a smug grin.

Charlie snorted. "Legend? Please. I wiped the floor with you in round three."

"Pure luck," he countered, his eyes sparkling as he leaned forward. "Admit it, I made it interesting."

She laughed, feeling the tension from earlier melt away. His confidence was maddening, but it was also infectious.

When their pizza arrived—piping hot and smelling like heaven—Peyton grabbed a plate and handed Charlie the first slice.

"Thanks," she said, surprised by the gesture.

"Has a guy never bought you pizza before?" he asked, eyebrows raised as he grabbed a slice for himself.

"Not like this," she admitted, taking a bite.

"Not like what?" he pressed, his voice softening.

Charlie sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You held the door for me. Put pizza on my plate. It's like... you actually thought about it."

"Of course I did." Peyton put his slice down and met her gaze. "A date isn't just hanging out. It's making the other person feel special."

For a moment, she couldn't think of a response. No one had ever put it like that before.

They spent the rest of the meal swapping stories and laughing, the conversation flowing as easily as the lemonade they kept refilling. By the time they finished, Charlie was grinning so much her cheeks hurt.

***

Peyton's red F-150 groaned as it pulled up to her dorm, the box of leftover pizza warm in her lap.

"You're sure you don't want this?" she asked as they stepped out, holding up the box.

"It's yours," he said, his tone playful but firm.

She lingered by her door, looking up at him. "So, does this mean I'll see you tomorrow?"

Peyton smirked, stepping back with his hands in his pockets. "One whole week, remember?"

Before she could respond, he flashed her one last smile and walked away, leaving her standing there with her heart racing.