Chapter 5
Gregory couldn’t believe that he was nervous. He had been on plenty of dates, so why was he nervous about having dinner with Diane? It was just an innocent date. Then again, given the erotic thoughts, Gregory had been having since he first saw her at the funeral, Gregory knew that it was anything but innocent. It shouldn’t be happening.
Diane was the opposite of what he expected his forever woman to be. She was…well, not what he thought. And yet there was a pull towards her that Gregory hadn’t experienced before. She was making him feel things he didn’t think were possible for him. That did leave him a bit uncomfortable.
But he wanted to explore it. He wanted to see if the tension building between them could be explored. If he could kiss her properly and find out if it was just superficial or the real thing.
Deep down, Gregory knew it was real, and this was it for him. It was just convincing Diane of it that was going to be the problem. Hopefully, he could do that. Although starting a relationship with a religious girl who was rather sheltered was going to be interesting.
Gregory checked his watch again. He really needed to stop doing that; it wasn’t even the time he agreed with Diane, and yet he was worrying that she was going to be late.
Stop it. She’s going to get here. If she doesn’t come ten minutes after the meeting time, you know she’s blown you off. I hope that’s not the case.
Just as it was chiming six on the church clock, Gregory saw Diane in his rearview mirror. Just the sight of her had Gregory’s cock stirring. She wasn’t even dressed up, either, wearing a denim skirt and a bulky sweater.
But it looked really sexy on her, and all Gregory could think about for a moment was peeling those clothes off to see what was underneath.
Diane looked like she was in a hurry as she opened the passenger door and got in. Gregory smiled at her.
“Hey. You’re dead-on time.”
“Good. Now, can we go?” Diane looked out of the back window. “I don’t want anyone to spot me.”
“You’re that nervous that someone’s going to see us together?”
“Just drive!”
Gregory tried not to laugh at her behavior. In his mind, there was nothing wrong with having a date with a woman, but Diane was clearly not thinking the same way. Fair enough, this was new to her, and she was doing something that she wouldn’t do normally. Even so, it was still amusing.
Setting the car into motion, Gregory drove north out of Cascade. As they went through the streets, Diane stared at her hands, refusing to look up as they went past people in the street. It was like she was trying not to catch anyone’s eye.
“Don’t panic, I have tinted windows. Nobody can see in.”
“It doesn’t make me feel any better, Mr. Benjamin,” Diane said sharply, although she did lift her head and sit back, “if anyone sees me in your car, they’re going to tell Father.”
“You’re that scared of him?”
“That’s not the point. He’s going to disapprove.”
“I get that, but you’re an adult, Diane. You don’t need to worry so much,” Gregory shrugged, “it’s just one dinner date, nothing more.”
“Nothing more? I know about men like you, Mr. Benjamin.”
“You can call me Gregory. It’s not that formal,” Gregory glanced at her, “and what do you know about men like me?”
“Don’t you want to take me to bed?”
Gregory was surprised that he didn’t crash the car when he heard that. He tried to stare at her while keeping his eyes on the road. Not an easy feat.
“You what? You believe I want to have sex with you?”
“But, isn’t that what dates are about?” Diane challenged. “I know you’re not a member of our church, and I’ve heard you’re not really a religious man. You wanted me to go out with you so you could try and seduce me.”
Gregory was momentarily speechless. He hadn’t realized that she was as bold and sharp-tongued as this. And it was more erotic than he thought.
“Is that what you think about all non-religious people? That we’re heathens, and we are hedonistic in our lifestyles? That we don’t give a damn about anything or anyone, and we’re just going to hell because we do what we want?”
Diane glared at him.
“Isn’t that the case?”
Gregory snorted.
“Diane, you really need to learn about the real world if you think that. I understand you’re committed to your faith, and that’s fine, but haven’t you heard of respecting other people for what they do? Being judgmental because we don’t follow the same path isn’t very Christian of you.”
For a moment, Diane didn’t respond. Gregory glanced over and saw that she had her face buried in her hands, and she was rocking a little. He frowned.
“You, okay?”
“I…, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry,” Diane lowered her hands, staring at them, “I guess I’m so nervous I’m pulling back a little too hard. I didn’t mean to sound like that at all.”
“It’s fine. I’m not offended.”
“Maybe you should be,” Diane swallowed, “I like to think I’m not judgmental about what people do in their lives, but it comes out wrong. And I sound worse than before. Maggie tells me I need to loosen up.”
“Maggie?”
“My friend.”
Gregory reached over and touched her knee. Diane tensed, but she didn’t pull away. That was something, at least.
“Look, you don’t need to be so harsh and uptight. I’m not going to ravish you the first opportunity I get. All I wanted was to go to dinner with you, get to know you a bit more, and spend time with you. That’s it.”
“Really?”
Why was there a flicker of disappointment in her tone? Maybe it was wishful thinking. Gregory ignored it.
“I’ve been known to be decadent at times, but I’m not a monster. And I respect other people’s choices when it comes to what they want to do.”
“You didn’t respect my choice in leaving me alone earlier,” Diane pointed out, “you were practically backing me into a corner for a date.”
“Fair point. But that’s only because I really wanted to.” Gregory realized that he was still touching her knee, and he pulled his hand away. But his fingers were still throbbing. “That’s the most disrespect you’re going to get from me, I promise.”
“I see.”
They drove on in silence for a moment. It was only a twenty-minute drive to Donnelly, so it wouldn’t be long before they got to Growler’s. Gregory could already feel his stomach growling.