Our Love

Quinn

"Where are you two going?" Carrie was lying across my bed, watching me as I dug through the closet. Thanks to her kind donation, and a few shopping trips, I'd grown my clothing options exponentially.

"He just said it would be casual." I plucked a few t-shirts off their hangers, turning and holding them up to her. She shook her head, jumping up to peek into the closet herself. "Is this a mistake, Carrie?" My voice came out soft and unsure.

"What?" Her blonde head whipped around as she quickly stepped toward me. "No! You're going on a date! Take it a step at a time." I nodded, agreeing with her and taking a deep breath. "This is perfect with those jeans." She smiled, holding up a blouse she had gifted me.

After several glances in the mirror and some nervous fidgeting, Grant was at the door picking me up for the date I had all but demanded. Carrie had begged to answer the door, but I was able to convince her to stay hidden in her room. Thank you to Natalia for calling at the right time. I pulled the front door open and almost lost my breath. Grant was attractive, ridiculously so. The way he was standing outside the door at the moment, though, that's what movies were made about. His blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at me, wearing a fitted gray shirt with the company logo on the breast and dark wash jeans that fit perfectly. I couldn't help but admire his body, looking him up and down. Which didn't go unnoticed.

"Eyes up here." He teased. Shaking my head, I reached to grab my bag to head out. "You look beautiful." Grant reached, giving me a quick hug, then held his hand on the small of my back as we walked to his car. "Did you let your roommate know you were leaving?" He laughed.

"Thank you, and yes, she's aware. She's probably peeking out her window, watching us as we speak." Grant held the car door open for me as I climbed in, I looked up at Carrie's window to see if she was watching us, but I saw no evidence of it. Once Grant was in, we were off and heading to our destination. The radio was on, and it was one of my favorite songs playing. The song that followed was also one of my favorites. "This is one of my favorite songs," I commented, looking over at him. He flicked his tongue out over his lips before speaking, and I suddenly wanted to climb him like a tree. How had twenty-four hours changed so much?

"I know. You shared your playlist with me in Boston, remember?"

I did remember one of the nights we were eating dinner in the room we discussed music for hours. He shared his playlists with me, and I shared mine with him. I didn't think too much into it, and I certainly didn't think he'd have saved it or even listened to it again. I looked down at my lap with a smile at his sweet gesture.

"Where are we going?"

"Thanks to my sister, I found a fun little place for us to go. You up for some axe throwing?" I watched the muscles in his arm twitch as he shifted gears. Who knew that was so sexy?

"I've never done it, but I'm up for anything. Your sister suggested it?"

"Oh. Yeah. I...I, um, called her for advice." He sheepishly admitted. I found his reaction endearing. "Georgie, she's in her last year of college. We talk pretty regularly, but I needed some help on this one."

"Grant Mayfield needed help." I teased.

"Just wanted to do things right."

*

"Ok, so this is the line you'll throw from." The employee had gone over all of the waiver information; Grant and I had signed our life away, and we were currently finishing the safety lesson before we were allowed to begin throwing the axes. The place was massive, with stalls for each patron and tables set back for those not throwing. The place was pretty busy, with lots of chatter and music playing. Grant had ordered a variety of appetizers and the two beer max we were allowed. Once the young man was finished going over everything, we prepared to get started.

"Ready to get your ass kicked?" I taunted with a laugh.

"Whoa! Someone is feeling extra cocky this evening." He feigned surprise. The server dropped our beers off as we stood. I grabbed mine, quickly taking a pull. "Want to make a wager?" He wiggled his eyebrows as he drank from his bottle as well.

So far, the date with Grant was perfect. Everything was easy, the conversation flowed, and even the typical awkward silences weren't awkward. He was being a gentleman without toning down his flirty ways, which I enjoyed.

"Ok, what did you have in mind, big guy?"

"Quinn...you keep giving me so many openings for inappropriate responses. Do you know how much restraint I'm using?" I giggled, shaking my head. "If you win, you can choose your prize." He stepped closer to me, putting his hand on my waist. "If I win, I get to kiss you at the end of the night." His lips curved up into a wicked little smile.

His hand on my waist was causing me to burn up. My whole body felt on fire. The sexual tension was off the charts. It had been such a long time for me, and the attraction to him was so strong. I was doing my best to calm it down; I didn't want to hop into his bed on the first date. I still had my date with Wade as well. Though he was in the far back of my mind.

I leaned up onto my tip toes, my lips nearly brushing against his. "If I win, maybe I'll let you kiss me." I hopped back and sauntered up to grab my axe. I had no idea where this newfound confidence was coming from, but Grant brought it out of me, and I was embracing it. I was living life and having fun. Carrie was going to be so proud. I could hear Grant give out a low growl as he leaned against the bar top table, holding his beer as I peered at him over my shoulder.

"Sounds like a damn good wager to me." He beamed. I grabbed the handle, pulled back, and stood steady. I let that axe fly, and when I looked, sure enough, I hit the bullseye. I started to jump up and down, squealing as I turned back to Grant. He stood, hands in his pockets, shaking his head with a smirk. "So, you were saying...what happens if you win?"