Felix (The Ninth Inning #1) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith Page B

loud, thinking I should get him a locket with a four-leaf clover and my picture in it, so he can carry it around with him. I would love to see his face if I really do that.
    My laugh halts at the knock on the door. Warren is here to pick me up. I grab my clutch and head to greet him. After small pleasantries, we head out to the car. Warren tells me about his other classes and I tell him about mine. The conversation is slow and nothing great. I’m beginning to wonder where we’re going when he pulls into a parking lot of what looks to be an abandoned warehouse.
    “Where are we?”
    “This is a new club that opens early. They have a really great happy hour and dance floor.”
    Wait...what? He’s brought me to a bar on a date?
    “I thought we could have a few drinks and dance a little bit. We’ll leave long before the rowdy crowd makes an appearance.”
    I’ve never been a partier. I’ve been to a few clubs and I have been drunk only once in my life. I don’t mind a drink or two after class or at a game, but a bar ?
    “Great,” I lie and we get out of the car.
    Warren leads me into the bar, holding my hand. It’s clammy and I know he’s nervous. It’s kind of cute, actually. I softly squeeze it and hope it encourages him a little bit. I may not like clubs, but maybe a few drinks and a couple of dances will be nice. I shouldn’t be so much like LA and jump to conclusions.
    Inside the dimly lit bar, there are about thirty people. Warren waves at the pretty blonde bartender and guides me over to a corner table.
    “I thought we would sit at the bar?”
    “Nah,” he waves his way. “It’s quieter over here.” He holds my seat out for me.
    “Thanks.” I sit down and the blonde puts two beers down in front of us. “Um...come here often?” I grin.
    “Somewhat. Is this okay or do you want something else?” He points to the beer.
    “It’s fine.” I’m not sure what kind of beer this is, but I drink it slowly.
    Warren peels at his label and I’m not sure what to say. I always hate this part of dates. I need to think of something to say, but before I can, Warren goes into a feverish conversation about why he went into grad school. I listen intently as he tells me that one day, he wants to work for a large book publisher as either an editor or possible professional book reviewer. He tell me he loves to read memoirs and historical novels. Although, he doesn’t read romance at all; he thinks it’s all fake and wishes authors would write real men every once in a while.
    Warren loves to read because his mother read to him all the time and it reminds me of Mom and what Felix said about his mom. No, don’t think about Felix right now. I make sure my attention is on Warren as he continues to talk. I add in my few comments, but it’s nice to see this side of him.
    The music begins to beat through the surround sound and I notice how many more people have come in since we sat down. It’s not crowded, but it’s getting there.
    “We should go.” He stands.
    “Wait, I thought we were going to dance.” I point to the middle of the room where a few people on the wooden floor.
    “Really?”
    “Fair warning, I’m not the greatest dancer.” I shake my head.
    “Me either, but let’s see if we can make it through a song or two.” He takes a firm grip on my hand and it makes me smile that he seems relaxed around me again.
    We sway to the music and he’s not as bad as he let on. I’m hoping I’m not looking like a flopping fish as I move against him. He gets me to giggle as he spins me several times and I’m dizzy for a brief moment. He catches me easily in his arms and when he brushes my hair out of my face, his green eyes are staring into mine. He’s much cuter this close to me and I hadn’t noticed it before. His lips softly touch mine and we both stop moving. In the middle of the dance floor, Warren kisses me and it’s much better than last time.
     

     
    MY WHOLE DAY has been great. Classes were great;