Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51427 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51427 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
“I’ll revise my earlier statement to exclude radicchio. I like everything but radicchio. That’s an unforgivable leaf.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
As he takes another bite, he tilts his head, a thoughtful look in his eyes. “Do you want me to eat vegan when we’re together?”
Wow. No one has ever asked me that before. “That’s very considerate to ask, but it’s a personal choice. Thank you, though.”
“Just let me know if you change your mind, Ellie,” he says.
Gabe’s an interesting mix of gentlemanly consideration outside the bedroom and caveman in it.
I do like this cocktail of Gabe.
“I’ll let you know.” I take another bite of the salad before I go fishing. “So, you told the driver you’re liking LA?”
He grins. “Even more in the last few hours,” he says.
I smile and happily tuck that compliment in my pocket. “Me too.”
We take a few more bites, then he says, “Tell me more about your show. When I looked you up, I read a little about The Dating Games. Two best friends, a man and a woman. The guy’s gay, the woman’s straight. And they give each other dating challenges? How’d you come up with that concept?”
This is new. A guy who asks questions and wants to know the me behind the face he might have seen on-screen. “The thing I loved most about acting was inventing the backstories for characters, so while I was working on Unfinished Business, I started playing around with the concept for The Dating Games. It comes from situations I saw around me—things my friends and I experienced. Dating these days is such a minefield,” I say.
“Sure is,” he seconds.
“I wanted to tell a fun, fresh, sometimes poignant story that reflected the highs and lows for these two friends. Both are coming off breakups and getting back into the dating world by giving each other bets and challenges.”
“It’s as much about friendship as it is about romance?”
“Yes! Exactly. At its heart, it’s about how we lean on our friends as we seek romance,” I say. “I know I wouldn’t be able to get through the crazy world of dating without my friends.”
“Will you miss them while you’re in LA?”
“So much.” I set a hand on my heart, feeling that pang of missing Veronica and Hazel even though they’re still here this week. “But I plan on making great new friendships in Los Angeles. It’s my top goal after work.”
He smiles. “Love that plan.” Then he clears his expression and takes another bite. When he’s done chewing, his gaze is intense and so is his tone. “No interest in dating?”
Well, I didn’t plan on it, but tonight was fun.
I don’t say that, though, since I can’t quite read why he’s asking with such…passion?
He clearly cares about the answer, so I mull over his question for a few seconds. Originally, I thought I might date when I first arrived. But I’ll be working relentless hours starting next week, building a new name for myself in the entertainment business.
Even though dating a sexy beast like Gabe might be fun, I’m here for one reason only, and I need to focus on my new work opportunity. “I wasn’t planning on it,” I say at last, feeling solid about that answer. “Work is going to be intense, and it’s a big change. So is setting up my life here. Making new friends,” I add with a knowing smile, bumping my shoulder to his. He’s been a friend of sorts. He could surely stay one beyond whatever tonight is.
“New friends,” he says, like he’s taking everything in. He blows out a long, relaxed breath. “Makes perfect sense. I’m all about football. That should be intense too. Always is but especially since this is my last season.”
I nod slowly as I shift through what he’s telling me. “And you want to give it your all,” I venture.
“Absolutely,” he says crisply. “I don’t want distractions. Just like you with your new gig.”
I feel tentatively for the boundary of what we could be. Gabe is decisive. That must be why he asked the any interest in dating question with such intensity—because he wanted to be certain I wasn’t interested in a relationship. And decisive is a good thing when laying out rules for…whatever we seem to be setting limits on.
Whether we’re a one-night thing. Or maybe two nights? How many would I even want?
But when I stare down at my schedule, the answer seems pretty easy—the next few nights until I start the new job. Plus, I don’t want to take any more chances. “And honestly, I’ve had some bad relationships,” I admit.
“Same here, Ellie.” He knocks back some wine as he studies my face. “That’s why you took the good guy challenge? Because you’ve had some bad dates?”
“I did.” It’s so much easier to talk to him now than it was at the start of the date. When I met him at the bar, I wasn’t completely honest. Now we’ve revealed our desires, so maybe that’s why it’s easier to share. “I’m trying to be more careful. Read the situation better and all.”