Torn Between

Bowling

Ali POV

The following night Matt picks me up and we head to the bowling alley. I'm nervous about seeing Jeff again especially after last night. I've convinced myself that what I felt was nerves pure and simple.

The only problem is that he's been on my mind all night and I have no idea why.

We arrive at the bowling alley there is no sign of Jeff which comes as no surprise to Matt, he sends him a quick text and we head inside. We are just about to start the first game when Jeff arrives, he's wearing a similar outfit to yesterday the only difference is that today his hair is down.

"Hey sorry I'm late" he says fist bumping Matt and smiling at me

"Yeah sure you are" Matt laughs

"Right who's first" Jeff says rubbing his hands together

"Ladies first" Matt says smiling at me

"Oh such a gentleman" Jeff chuckles and rolls his eyes

I grab a bowling ball and walk towards our lane, I take and breath, throw the ball and watch it go straight in the gutter. Why did I agree to this? I've never been any good at bowling and it's embarrassing.

Jeff goes next and gets a strike followed by Matt who also gets a strike. I'm starting to think I should just sit and watch them play.

"Hey I'm just going to the bathroom, will you be ok with him" Matt asks

"She'll be fine right Ali" Jeff says before I can speak and I nod and Matt heads to the bathroom

"You don't bowl do you?" Jeff asks

"Not really no" I reply

"Come on I'll give you a lesson" he says and motions for me to follow him

Jeff grabs a bowling ball and heads towards our lane and I follow, he positions himself behind me and hands me the bowling ball "place your fingers like this" he says adjusting my hold on the ball. Once he's happy with how I'm holding it he places an arm around my waist pulling my body into his. And there are those damn butterflies again. He takes my arm and pulls it back "ok your going to take a step forward moving your arm forward as you do so" I do as he says and he moves with me never letting go of me "release the ball now" he whispers and I do.

I watch as the ball stays in the middle of the lane and I get a strike, excited that I've scored my first strike I turn and hug Jeff, but quickly leg go when I come to my senses.

"Thanks" I say not really looking at him

"No problem" he says "if you want anymore lessons let me know"

"Hey what did I miss" Matt says wrapping his arms around me waist

"I got my first strike" I say "thanks to Jeff"

Matt looks at Jeff and he shrugs "I just showed her what to do is all" he says

"I'm glad you two are getting on" he says kissing my cheek, Jeff nods and then takes his turn, well this suddenly got awkward.

Jeff POV

I should not have done that, I should not have held her so close. I was just giving her a bowling lesson and I absolutely was not thinking things I shouldn't be I tell myself but the day I believe myself is the day I get Matt's face tattooed on my ass and well that's never going to happen.

She did feel good in my arms though - stop it Jeff she's with Matt I mentally scold myself.

I watch her take her next go and chuckle as she seems to instantly forget what I told her, maybe she could use a few more lessons I wonder to myself then remind myself it's a bad idea.

She seems a little upset that she messed up but Matt is quick to reassure her "it's ok baby you just need a little more practice" he tells her and she nods.

"Hey Jeff your not needed this week right" Matt asks me

"No why" I ask

"Would you be up for giving Ali some more bowling lessons?" He asks "I would be I'm needed this week"

"So do it when you get back" I say desperately trying to get out of what is a really bad idea.

"Look while I'm away she stays in all the time" he says "it will do her good to get out, please man"

"Fine" I sigh "but you owe me"

Ali POV

I've been watching Matt and Jeff talk and wondering what the hell is going on. When Matt heads towards me I notice a smile on his face.

"Good news baby" he says "Jeff has agreed to give you bowling lessons while I'm away"

"What? No Matt it's fine really" I say, I don't know why but I just have this feeling it's not a good idea for me to be alone with him

"Come on Ali, it will do you good to get out" he says kissing me

"I really don't know" I say "and I'm sure Jeff has better things to do"

"It's fine he's happy to do it" he says

"Look man if she doesn't want to don't force her" Jeff says and I give him a small smile as a thank you

I look at Matt and he looks upset, I know he hates that I stay home when he's away and if it was anyone else I'd do it. "If it means that much to you I'll do it" I say against my better judgement.

Matt smiles and Jeff looks like he's seen a ghost, huh looks like he wants to do this about as much as I do, well with a it of luck he'll no show the first lesson and I can forget about the rest.