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Hunter wiped his hands on his pants as he glanced in the mirror. Tonight was his first official date with Trista, and for some odd reason, he was nervous. He had selected a low key and comfortable time that both of them could have fun doing. They had discussed it and decided that a stuffy dinner and a movie would not fit the bill. So, pizza and bowling were what they finally agreed upon as a great evening.
He was looking forward to the evening, even if he was worried about leaving Daisy. As he finished getting dressed, he headed down the hall and was met by the shrieks of little girls from the living room.
“Oh no,” he said, reaching down to pick up Daisy. “Are you causing trouble?”
“No, I’m not trouble,” she said as he hung her upside down in front of his face. He blew bubbles in her belly as she laughed. Finally, putting her back down, Phoebe, Emma, and Daisy ran toward the backyard. His patio door was open to allow them access in and out of the house.
“You have your hands full,” he said apologetically to Greyson and Stormi, who was standing in a manner to watch the kids play out back. “I can’t believe how noisy she has gotten in just a few short weeks.”
“It’s all good, we can divide and conquer the three of them,” Stormi said. “Go, enjoy your date.”
“Thanks. We shouldn’t be that late,” he finished.
“No rush on our behalf,” Greyson said. “I intend to snuggle with my fiancé on your couch and let her talk me into a room after the girls go down.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Hunter said, smiling as he headed toward the door. His nerves were on edge as he drove to the ranch, up to the guest house to pick up Trista.
Once more, he ran his hands down his pants and went to knock.
“You here for my sister?” Maxwell’s voice asked from behind his location.
He swiveled, “I am.”
“Well, what are your intentions with Trista?”
He chuckled. “You don’t think she’s a bit old for you to be playing protective older brother?”
“Of course not,” Naomi said, coming up on the group. “You realize he even has a shotgun or two if you really step over a line,” she finished with a grin.
“Mom, Maxwell,” Trista said to her mom and brother. “Leave the poor man alone, before he makes a run for it!”
“They are good,” Hunter said, turning to find Trista. His heart sang. Even in casual khaki dress shorts and a pretty light blue tank, she was stunning. “You look great.”
“Thanks,” Trista grinned up at him.
“I expect you home by ten,” Maxwell groused.
“Seriously?” Trista looked from him to her mother. “I’m thirty-five years old, you two. I got this?”
“In all seriousness, have fun, you two,” Naomi said with a slight wave as Trista passed him moving toward his vehicle.
“Maxwell,” he said, reaching out and giving the man a stout handshake. “I promise to return her in the same condition I picked her up, though it might be a bit after ten.”
“Understood,” Maxwell said, returning the handshake.
“They are incorrigible,” Trista said when they were seated and in motion toward the bowling alley. “I would love to say I’m questioning my decision to stay here, but I enjoy having all that craziness around.”
“Agreed. They mean well,” Hunter replied.
They kept the conversation going all the way to town. They discussed Daisy, tutoring her, Trista’s book, and a case that Hunter was working. The trip completed in no time, and they were alighting at the alley.
“I hope you don’t mind being beat by a girl,” Trista said, giving him a challenging look.
“I hope you realize that I won’t go easy, just because you are a girl,” Hunter said, quirking an eyebrow at him.
As they gathered shoes and made it to the alley, they continued the good-natured ribbing. When the game commenced, Trista was first. She rolled her shoulders, put the ball up to eye level, and took off down the alley. As she moved the ball backward and released, she flew out into the alley. Somehow her fingers didn’t disengage, and she found herself spread eagle in the public place. Hunter rushed forward to ensure she was okay, as he watched her get up and red-faced turn his direction.
“Well, that was graceful,” she said, breaking out in a laugh.
“Yep, that’s my dream date,” Hunter said out loud, turning as other eyes made their way their direction.
“Stop!” Trista said. “I will concede; I don’t think your first throw will be nearly as spectacular.”
“We shall see,” he said, turning back to the bench area. Trista took her next turn and got her first eight points.
Taking his ball, he passed her with a cheeky grin. Going all the way to the line before the ball should release, he bent down and did a granny shot down the lane. Watching excitedly, he waited, but the ball drifted left into the gutter.
He turned to see Trista shaking her head. “I have a bad feeling this is going to be a very low scoring game. Did Daisy show you that move?”
“You didn’t like that one?”
“I think maybe we got it out of our system, and now the real fun begins,” she said, rolling her shoulders as she moved forward. As they went to pass, she reflexively reached out and squeezed his arm. It was quite literally the first time she had touched him in any way unsolicited. He found himself growing a few shades warmer. He had a great feeling tonight was the first of many additional dates for the two of them.
