I hadn’t been lying, I did want to grab a shower, but I’d also needed time to do a quick cleaning of my house just in case we ended up coming back there after dinner.

I was normally a pretty neat guy, but the long hours at the show, and the time I’d been putting in at my workshop, meant shit was pretty much thrown all over my place at the moment. So, I took a five-minute shower to scrub the important spots, then jumped out, toweled off, and started to rush through the house.

I grabbed all the clothes from around my bedroom and shoved them in the closet, pushed everything else under the bed, and threw on some boxers so I could run through the rest of the house.

The dishes got rinsed and shoved in the dishwasher, and I threw anything that didn’t look important in the trash and took a couple seconds to scrub out the downstairs toilet, as well as the one in the master.

Then I sprayed an apple cinnamon room spray in each room, before rushing upstairs to get myself dressed. When I walked in the room and saw the state of my bed, I sprayed the sheets with the room spray real quick, then made it, smoothing out the comforter and calling it good.

Within seconds, I pulled on my black slacks and a charcoal gray V-neck, then rummaged around my drawer until I found a pair of black socks that almost matched and decided on my Doc Martens to finish it off.

After a spray of cologne and a swipe through my hair with a comb, I was ready … with ten minutes to spare, so I went down stairs and turned on some Sports Center until it was time to go.

Ten minutes later, I was on Serena’s doorstep, my fist poised to knock, when the door flew open and she stood there before me.

I knew my jaw had dropped so far it was scraping the concrete, but Serena was literally the most beautiful person I’d ever seen up close. She’d somehow surpassed even her own beauty, in just thirty minutes time.

She wore a red dress with a deep V that fell just above her knees with a slit up her right thigh that had my hand itching to touch. Her lips matched the dress, and her hair was falling in deep waves around her face.

“Stunning,” I managed to say, leaning in to brush my lips against her cheek, not wanting to muss her up.

“Thank you,” Serena replied softly, stepping out and shutting the door behind her.

That’s when I noticed the tall, thin black heels she was wearing, which still only brought her head to my shoulder.

I was going to need her to keep those shoes on all night long.

“You look very handsome,” she added, then chuckled and said, “But then, you always do.”

I was pleased she thought so and thanked her as I placed my hand on her back and guided her down the stairs. Once we were at my truck, I opened her door, then waited until she was tucked safely inside before closing it behind her.

Jumping inside, I turned to her as I started it up. “You like steak?”

“Love it.”

“Great,” I said with a grin, then headed out of town.

Thirty minutes away, there was a lake with a great surf and turf restaurant right on the waterfront. I’d only been there a couple times, but the food was fantastic, and the ambience just what I wanted for my date with Serena.

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to come here,” Serena said when we pulled up.

We’d passed the drive chatting mostly about the show, telling stories about Jose, Sadie, and the crew. Now, I was hoping we’d focus on us, and dig a little deeper into what would become an actual relationship if things went my way.

“Well, I’m happy to be the one to bring you,” I replied, then hopped out and rounded the truck to get her door.

I took her hand, my eyes rapt on the black shoe, followed by the toned, tanned leg that preceded her out of the truck.

Once inside, we were led to a table out back, right up against the window, so we could hear the water lapping against the dock and see the lights sparkle out over the water. When we were seated, I reached for Serena’s hand and brushed my thumb over her knuckles.

“Thanks for agreeing to go out with me, even amidst all the craziness and busy workload.”

“I’m happy to be here,” she admitted, her expression sweet. “I’m sorry I made you wait so long.”

“You’re worth it,” I replied, then turned my attention to the waiter who approached and asked if we’d like to order drinks. “Want to order a bottle?” I asked Serena.

“That sounds lovely.”

“You pick it,” I urged, then let her hand go so she could peruse the wine menu.

Once a bottle of Pinot Noir was ordered, we were left alone to look over our menus.

“What’s good?” Serena asked.

“I’ve only been here a couple times, and I know you said you’re allergic to shellfish, so I won’t recommend that, but both the ribeye and petite filet were great when I had them.”

Once we knew what we wanted, we put our menus down and I reached for Serena’s hand again, eager to say what was on my mind, so I could get it out there and not have it weighing on me any longer.

“Rena, I know we haven’t known each other that long, and in the time we have known each other, we haven’t been able to spend a great deal of time together, due to work and other commitments, but I have to say, what I’ve come to know about you so far, I’ve really liked. I’m at a place in my life where I don’t waste a lot of time messing around. I’m older, more established, and I know what I want.”

I kept my eyes on hers, and when my tongue darted out to wet my lips, I saw her gaze catch and hold there. I smirked, hoping that tell meant we were on the same page. “What I’m trying to say, Serena, is that I want to see more of you, exclusively. There’s no one else I’m interested in, and I hope you can say the same. I want to get to know you better, and, hopefully, build something with you. What do you think?”