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did you take your other dates? The racetrack?" I tried to make light of the situation, but internally, I was d oing my happy dance. He hadn't dated anyone in five years. Crap, I wonder if there's something wrong with him? "If you don't mind me asking, why haven't you dated anyone for five years? " Please have a good answer.
    "No , I don't mind you asking at all. I guess you could say that I'm old fashioned and I am not in the habit of 'hooking-up', and everyone that I've encountered w asn't what I'd consider ' relationship material ' . So, I've only had brief, non-serious acquaintances while I kept my eye out for the perfect girl." He winked at me as he picked up the menu. Definitely a good answer.
    I could n't help but bite my lower lip in an effort to keep the biggest , goofiest grin from taking over my face. "So, I guess you're saying that you asked me out because you think I'm 'relationship material'?" I hoped that I wasn't digging a hole for myself. Mom had warned me not to talk about too serious of stuff on our first date, but Christian wasn't the only one who felt like we'd known each other forever. I was so comfortable talking to him, and even the vibe he gave off was one of genuine kindness. So, needless to say, I was really liking how things were going so far.
    "Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying. When I saw you looking out that window, you were so beautiful, that I just couldn't stop myself from asking you out. I would have come over myself, but since I was on duty, I had to get back inside. I just hoped that you would call, and I can't tell you how happy it made me when you did."
    The waitress arrived just then asking if we were ready to order. Christian ordered a rare steak – e eew w, and I ordered the garlic shrimp fettuccine. After passing her the menus , we just sat quietly for a few moments staring at each other. I don't think I 'd ever felt so connected a nd excited about someone before. I had told Mom that I wouldn't be jumping into the sack with anyone on the first date, but damn...if he asked, I don't think I would say no.

* * * * *
    CHAPTER NINE
     
    Making Plans
    ( Christian )
     
    After Rose and I had got ten past the initial informatory part of our conversation, which included me giving her the fake last name that I used, and my estimated age, we ordered and then just sat there staring at one another. She was the most beautiful thing that I'd ever laid eyes on, and the moment I caught the scent of her excitement , I had to dig my nails into my thighs under the table in an effort to keep from drifting.
    I would love nothing more than to bed this gorgeous woman tonight, but since that was never going to happen, I thought it best to change the subject...quick.
    "So tell me more about yourself. What does your family do?"
    I listened as Rose talked lovingly about her mother and father, sharing stories from her youth which paint ed a picture of the perfect family life. The conversation was great and we both enjoyed our meals, even though it was a bit of a struggle getting that steak down . I t had been so long since I'd had to fake my way through an actual meal, but all in all things were going great.
    As we finished our meal , I asked, " I wondered if you would like to take a walk with me after dinner? I have something that I'd like to show you just around the corner. "
    "Sure. That sounds great."
    A s I laid the money for the bill and tip on the table, I made sure that I was in complete control before reaching for Rose's hand for a second time. Again, she didn't hesitate to take mine in return . We walked out of the restaurant like a couple who'd been together for a very long time. It felt wonderful and perfect .
    "I thought we could walk around the block and head to the festival in the park that's going on tonight."
    "Oh, that 's right. The movie festival. I love those. I wonder what's playing?"
    I had already known what was playing , and as cliché as it was...I was interested to see what her