He turned toward her and wrapped his arms around her. “I can see the same gleam. So what’s the plan for tonight?”
“You’ll see.” She winked but then his lips met hers. Her skin felt warm and alive and last night’s pleasure raced through her veins.
He let her go quickly and motioned toward her suitcase. She nodded and he took the handle as he asked, “Can I drive us at least?”
They headed toward the elevator and she locked the door behind her. “Okay. We’re going bowling on Sunset.”
“Bowling?” His eyes widened and he hit the button to go down.
She followed him and her bag into the elevator. “Have you ever been bowling, Galen?”
“No,” he said while the elevator stopped at the lobby. He motioned for her to leave first and stayed at her heels. “It’s one of those things they do in the movies, but I didn’t think anyone actually bowled anymore.”
“Many people do. And this means I might beat you at a game.” She headed toward his SUV. He opened his trunk and pushed her suitcase into the back. Then he opened her door and motioned for her to go inside.
He started the engine and winked at her. “I catch on quickly, Natalie.”
As he headed toward Sunset she bounced in her seat a little. “Oh and we’re drinking beer, not wine tonight. Can you handle that?”
“That I can do.” He showed those dimples of his.
“Perfect.” She placed her hand on his. The drive wasn’t that bad and soon they were outside the mall that had lots of people milling around for a movie. She pointed toward a side street. “Let’s see how you do in bowling. Park in the parking garage.”
He followed her directions but asked, “That’s important to you?”
Where he parked didn’t truly matter, so she shrugged. “I just want to see you in normal everyday American life. Not all of us valet every time.”
He drove to the third floor and found a spot in the back. He parked and turned off the engine. “Don’t worry, Natalie. I always ace every test.”
She let herself out, not waiting for him. “We’ll see.”
“Wait.” He clicked the lock on his SUV and caught up with her in the garage.
“What?” she asked. His arms wrapped around her again.
A lightness entered her chest as his lips claimed hers and a thrill raced through her veins. He ended the kiss. “Now I’m ready.”
“So let’s get going.” She took his hand and headed into the mall.
They passed teenagers outside of the candy store and walked past the movie theater where the crowd lessened considerably. Finally, they made it toward the bowling alley that played loud rock music, served beer and full American-style dinner, and had bowling lanes. Galen gave their names to the wait list for a lane, took the buzzer, and then led her toward the bar.
She sat on the stool. “My parents want to meet you.”
He chose the seat beside her. “You told them about me?”
The bartender took their order of two dark stouts and then left. Once they were alone, she leaned closer to him. “Of course. We’ll figure it out when we get back, but first let’s just focus on tonight.”
“Natalie, I’m all yours.” He rested his hand just above her knee.
Her body electrified but the bartender returned with drinks and the buzzer went off alerting them that their lane was ready. She grabbed her drink while he paid for the beers and she teased, “We’ll see if you can keep up.”
He followed her, so she had an extra swing in her hips. She wanted all of Galen’s attention. Normally men didn’t get to her, but Galen was different. He was the sexiest man she’d ever met.
From her seat on the plastic chair, Natalie sipped her beer and stared at the monitor above Galen as he picked up his bowling ball. Unbelievable. He lifted his hand and moved his backside in muscular harmony. Then he released the ball and it went right down the center, knocking down every pin. He turned and flashed a winning smile and tipped his head like he’d already won.
She shook her head as he came beside her, slinging his arm around her shoulders. “How did you just get another strike?”
He winked and motioned for her to stand up. “I told you: I’m good at sports.”
