Valentina drove back to Adam’s hotel, and instead of just dropping him off, they had a drink in the back of the hotel bar. Using the darkness to hide their sweaty clothes, they held hands and nursed drinks far longer than the bartender probably preferred.

“Tomorrow is Friday. Why don’t I take off work early so we can do something together?” suggested Valentina.

“That sounds great,” said Adam. “But this time, let me plan the date. You’ve already picked two for us; I’m sure I can find something for us to do for one night.”

“It’s a deal,” she said. “Let me know where to meet you or if I should pick you up.”

He walked her back to her car in the parking garage and watched her get in the driver’s seat. He leaned in and kissed her, and Val was glad that they had the car between them to prevent things from getting too heated.

“Until tomorrow,” said Adam.

Valentina couldn’t wait to hear from Adam on Friday. She was excited to see what he would plan for them. Would it be a romantic date? Something more active? For someone who barely knew the city, would it be something well known?

Before she heard from Adam, Bri texted her.

Hello? What’s up with you and hunky Adam?

Hi. We’ve been seeing each other since he got into town Wednesday. Two dates and another tonight.

Can’t get enough of each other, huh?

Pretty much. He’s better than I imagined, and I’m trying to hold myself back from totally throwing myself at him.

Is he good in bed?

What?!? We haven’t gotten that far, but I can tell you he is an amazing kisser.

That’s good to hear. I’m sure it won’t be long until I get the good-in-bed update.

Bri! I do not just jump in bed with guys. I really want to, but I’m trying to give it a little time. I’ve only technically known him two weeks.

Two weeks, two years. What does that matter? You have need; he has needs. You can scratch each other’s itch.

While I’m not opposed to that, I’m waiting for it to happen naturally. I’ll keep you posted.

What are you two lovebirds doing tonight?

Not sure. Adam is planning a date, and I’m going to enjoy the surprise.

Maybe it’s in his hotel room? Just kidding.

What are you and Fritz up to? Friday plans?

Maybe. Fritz is not one for advance planning, and it’s driving me a little nuts. I’m not one to have it all planned out, but more than a couple of hours’ notice would be nice.

Oh no. Trouble in paradise?

We’ll see. He’s not out yet, but he’s not knocking my socks off, especially in that manner.

Valentina knew that Bri put high weight on someone knocking her socks off in bed. If Fritz wasn’t doing that, Valentina didn’t have faith that he would be sticking around much longer. But Bri did raise an interesting point: Valentina had spent more than a moment or two daydreaming about Adam in bed.

Based on Adam’s lack of hesitation in kissing her, she didn’t think Adam would hesitate in sleeping together either. Instead of feeling rushed, Valentina found herself looking forward to the time that she and Adam would get to enjoy more than a kiss.

Adam instructed her to meet him at an address downtown at 3:30 pm. She didn’t know the address, and she was tempted to Google it and find out what the plan was, but Valentina loved surprises and wanted to enjoy the anticipation.

Despite her impatience, her workday passed fairly quickly before she was able to head out to the meeting spot. It was Friday, so she was in normal casual Friday work attire: jeans and a floral top. She did have on her favorite yellow flats though. They were becoming a wardrobe staple. She hoped it wasn’t a fancy place since she didn’t have a change of clothes with her.

She easily located the address, a café, but didn’t see Adam when she drove by. She found a parking spot a few blocks away and hustled back to the meeting spot. By the time she got back to the café, Adam was there waiting for her. He smiled as soon as he saw her.

He said hello and wasted no time in kissing her. For someone who she had only met a few times, she felt surprisingly comfortable kissing him all the time. The first kiss they shared warmed her on the inside, but now, it took no time for his kiss to cause a flame to heat up inside her, as if her insides were on a path to slow boil if she didn’t touch him more.

Before they could get into full on make-out mode on the sidewalk, Adam ended the kiss with a grin.

“I’ll never get tired of kissing you,” he said. “But right now, we have a mission.”

He took her hand, and they began walking along the city street. After a block, he took her inside a sports store, which sold gear for the Washington Nationals, the local Major League baseball team.

“Pick a hat,” said Adam. They spent a few minutes trying on choices before she settled on a pink one. After paying, they left the store and headed farther down the block. As they walked, Valentina could hear noise building. They turned the corner and she saw Nats Park, the stadium for the baseball team.

“A Nats game!” she exclaimed. “How fun!” Adam smiled at her. They hadn’t talked much about sports, so she didn’t know how big of a fan he was. She enjoyed a casual game now and then.

“Being in Rwanda has made me appreciate soccer, even a little cricket or rugby, but I’ve been missing American sports,” said Adam. “I’m not a huge fan, but I remember going to games with my dad as a kid and enjoying it.”

“I don’t watch the Nats on TV or anything, but I do like going to a game. I’ve been a couple of times since they started in DC, and I like the stadium experience,” said Valentina.

They walked into the stadium and found their seats. They were mid-level seats, not the front row but not nosebleed either. They ate hot dogs and drank overpriced beers and held hands as they watched the game. Adam explained some of the finer points of the game to her, and they reminisced about playing sports as a kid. Adam shared a few stories of him and his dad going to games in Florida. He seemed relaxed and comfortable revealing parts of his childhood to her.

In the end, the Nats triumphed over the Mets and the Nats fans all left happy. Adam and Valentina walked out of the stadium arm-in-arm. Adam suggested that they get some real food now that the game was over. They headed in the direction of Valentina’s car, so she would be closer to it after they ate.

Finding a casual restaurant, they ate a late dinner and talked about the week. Val was having fun playing tour guide for him, and she thought he was enjoying it, too.

“Now it’s my turn to surprise you,” said Valentina. “Tomorrow, I will take you to a place that I go often. Then we can get lunch and see what we want to do for the afternoon.”

“You already surprised me with the cherry blossoms,” said Adam.

“Sort of. You knew we were running, just not where. This will be a total surprise.”

“I’m game,” said Adam.

They finished their meal, including a dessert, and Adam paid the bill before they walked back out into the evening. It was getting chilly, and the cold air caused Valentina to shiver. Adam put his arm around her, and they went to find her car.

Adam kissed her standing outside her car. Valentina sensed his hesitation and guessed he was holding back for her, trying not to put pressure on her for what he seemed quite ready for.

The kiss had stoked the fires inside Valentina as well. She had felt Adam’s response to the kiss and was happy she had such an effect on him. He made her weak in the knees with his kisses and fascinating stories. She could listen to him all day. She really liked him, could actually be falling for him.

She didn’t ask him about his hesitation in the kiss. She let herself be carried by emotion in the moment. She didn’t want the kisses—or the evening—to end, but Adam drew back from the kisses and told her goodbye.

“We’re not even near your hotel,” said Val.

“I know, but I want to walk around a bit. Get some air. Your kisses are affecting me quite a bit.”

Val was happy that he was experiencing the same heady feelings that she was. His hesitation confused her a little, but she took him at his word that she was influencing his thoughts.

After their goodbyes, Val got into her car and pulled out of the parking space. Adam watched her and Val could see him give a little wave as she drove off. Val drove off into the night, thoughts of their kisses—and what might come next—swirling in her head.