“Hey, shut up. Let’s go,” she said pulling him towards the car.

“You don’t want to show me the house?”

“No, I’m ready to go. Plus, I don’t want my dog to mess up your suit.” She took his hand in hers and started for the truck. He went along with it. If she didn’t want him in her house, fine.

For now.

He opened the car door for her and she climbed in, smiling at him. He returned the smile as he got into the vehicle on the driver’s side. He pulled out of her driveway, and they were off.

“I told you I should have just driven into town,” she said from beside him. He looked over at her.

“What?”

“You’re mad.”

“I am not.”

“Yes, you are. You get that tick in the side of your jaw when people irritate you.”

He had to smile at that. That’s how he knew for sure she was a hockey fan. His tick was documented as a warning for his opponents to watch the hell out.

“That doesn’t mean I’m mad.”

“True, but you are irritated. I’m sorry, Shea. I’m just not ready to show you my house.”

“Can I ask why?”

“I would prefer it if you didn’t.”

“Okay,” he took a deep breath, trying to calm his irritation, “but I still want to pick you up and walk you to the door at the end of the night.” He looked over at her and she was biting her lip. He reached over, taking her hand in his. “You look beautiful tonight, Elli. Gorgeous.” She blushed and looked out the window.

“Thank you. I like your tie.” He smiled as he looked down at his pink tie.

“I thought you might.”

Nothing else was said as they drove; it was a nice, comfortable silence. With other women, he always felt like he had to keep talking. With Elli, all he needed was her small soft hand in his and he was happy. Nothing in the world could bother him right now, except for the fact that she wouldn’t let him in her house.

They arrived at PF Changs right before their reservation time. After helping Elli out of the truck, Shea gave the keys to the valet and took her hand before leading her in. The hostess already had their table ready for them, so they followed her to the back. Since he couldn’t wear a hat tonight, he asked to be seated in the back somewhere. The restaurant obliged. They were seated at a corner table and they scooted into the booth, right next to each other.

“What’s good to drink here?” Elli asked as she looked over the menu. He looked over at her from his menu.

“I was going to get us a bottle of plum wine, if that’s ok? It’s really good here.”

“Sounds good,” she said with a nod and a smile, “Your hair looks extra spiky today.”

She reached up and tapped his head with her palm, making him laugh.

“Yeah, when I don’t wear my hat, I make sure my hair looks good.”

“It does,” she said with a grin as the waiter came over to take their orders.

Elli knew what she wanted and so did he, so they ordered their food at the same time as the wine. The waiter smiled and thanked them before leaving to put in the order.

“So how was your day?” he asked her as he took a drink of the wine another waiter had brought over.

“Good, it wasn’t that busy. The next two days will be hell, though. My schedule is crazy busy.”

“Oh, really? No lunches then?”

She had a sad smile as she shook her head, “No, I’m booked solid.”

“Well, that sucks. Who am I supposed to eat lunch with?” he asked sadly.

“I’m sure you can find someone.” she smiled.

“Maybe I don’t want to eat with anyone but you.” She grinned before taking a drink, her cheeks flushing bright red.

“What are your plans for the weekend?” he asked.

“I’m spending the day with my nieces and nephews Saturday, then that night I have a wedding. Sunday is free except in the morning when I have church and then at night when my friends will be coming over.” Her face lit up as she smiled. “My friends and I do this thing every month where we get together, drink, eat, and play games. It’s fun.”

He nodded as he took a drink and leaned back in the booth.

“Sounds like fun,” he said.

“It is,” she agreed, taking another drink of her wine.

When their food arrived, they talked about foods they liked and didn’t like. They agreed that nachos were the best hockey food ever. They then talked about movies and music they liked, and of course their favorite sport, hockey. The food was amazing, but the company was even better.

“I need to ask you something, Shea,” Elli said as she took another drink of her wine. He nodded at her as he took a bite of the dessert they had ordered.

“Okay?”

“This is going to sound stupid, but I need to know,” she looked worried; she was biting the hell out of her lip, so Shea got nervous and sat up straighter. He looked over at her as he laid his fork down.

“What is it?”

“Okay, so I know I’m not your regular type. I’ve seen you with the leggy blondes and never with the same girl twice. I even read somewhere that a girl isn’t allowed to sit in your box more than once. So I guess what I’m trying to say, or ask, is... um ..”

She took a deep breath, and he couldn’t help but smile at her, she was so sweet.

“We’ve been out four times now. I’m not seeing anyone else, and I’m not saying that you can’t see anyone else. That’s definitely not what I’m trying to say, it’s more like.. ah .. “