I'd been on a few dates before, nothing serious, all casual, of course. This was totally different. It was completely uncharted territory. I was seriously interested in Quinn, and I wanted to see where this could go. How far could it go, though? When I knew my best friend had those same feelings? This was a recipe for disaster for my career and personal life. I couldn't stop myself.

After Wade left, I attempted to get some work done after receiving an email from Mr. Asher about the contracts with Scholts. I could only focus for so long before my nerves got the best of me. I decided to go for a quick run to burn off that excess energy before preparing for the date. I ran my usual route, letting my lungs burn. Quinn had my interest like no other woman before; I was excited about that but so fucking guilt-ridden that it had to be Wade's girl. The nerves I was trying to run off weren't going away. I was terrified; if I went on this date and fell for her, what would I do? How could I even consider it? The doubt was in full force, and even after a hot shower and dressing for the date, I still wasn't sure.

Carrie: No backing out. I know you. Quinn is putting herself out there, now go for it.

Me: How tf did you know?

Carrie: I know you better than ya know yourself, ha. Let Quinn have this power since you two dopes are too stupid to step up. It'll all work out. C ya in a bit.

I had to laugh, that woman was a thorn in my side, but I loved her. Our first meeting, I wanted to take her out and hook up; sadly, she was happy to inform me that she wasn't into men. Wade seemed to enjoy that too much at the time. Assholes. She's turned into one of my best friends, though, and I'm beyond thankful for that. I really couldn't imagine it any other way.

Taking the job with Mr. Asher's company right out of college was an amazing gift; thank you, Wade, but it also kept me several hundred miles from my home. My parents were older, so I had to travel to see them, my only sibling, my sister, was finishing college this year, and I was hoping to bring her here as well. For now, though, Carrie, Wade, and a few others were my family, and now Quinn was part of that too.

I didn't want to put Carrie in an uncomfortable position by talking with her about everything, so I decided to give my sister a call. She was going to have a field day with this, knowing my previous aversion to relationships and dating. I sat at my home office desk and hit the video call. It didn't take long for her to appear on my screen with a bit of a questioning look on her face. Her blonde hair was in a messy pile on top of her head, and what looked like a college sweatshirt was on.

"You never facetime me randomly; what's up?"

"Hello to you too, Georgie." I smiled. "Isn't it nice seeing me randomly?" I leaned back in my chair, arms behind my head, stretching out.

"Of course, dear brother." she teased. "Now, out with it."

"I have a date in an hour or so, and I'm, well, I need help." I did my best to hide the blush I felt creeping up.

"A date? Really?" She smiled so wide, almost breaking into a squeal. "She must be pretty amazing to get you, Grant Mason Mayfield, to go on a date."

"Georgie, c'mon. She is, she's pretty wonderful, and I'm at a loss of how to do a date where I don't want to take her home to get naked immediately."

"Ewww. Stop."

"You know what I mean."

"Yea, you like her. This is sweet. Where you taking her? Do you have any ideas?" Georgie moved around, the camera shaking as she made herself comfortable. I leaned forward, focusing my thoughts.

"I have no ideas! I don't want to do the whole dinner date. We've had lots of meals together, and that just seems too simple or too basic."

"Oh, yea? So you've spent a lot of time with her?"

"Well, yeah, she's um...she's my assistant." I closed my eyes for some reason, not wanting to see the reaction on her face.

"Grant! What the hell?!"

"I know! I know! It's not like that, though...she's just different than any other woman I've ever met, and yes, she works with me, but that's only allowed me to get to know her better."

"You're a goner for this one." Georgie sighed. "As inappropriate as the work situation is, I think I might like this one for you."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I realized that technically our work situation made this whole thing complicated, but it was already so fucked up with Wade that why not add one more twist to the mix.

"Take her to do something. Find an activity you guys can do together. Do you guys have those axe-throwing places? A painting place?" While she spoke, my fingers were moving a mile a minute doing some google research. Our little town was small and a little behind in some things, but fortunately, nearby cities had a lot to offer, making up for what ours lacked.

"See...that's why I called you. I knew you'd have a good idea. So, take her for an activity...then grab a bite, maybe? Then take her home like a gentleman." I thought aloud.

"Sounds like a solid plan." She smiled sweetly, shaking her head. "Will you call me again when it's over? I want details!"

"Ugh! I guess it's only fair since you helped. Seriously, Georgie, I appreciate it. You're the best."

"I know. I'm amazing. Feel free to tell me on the regular, though. I gotta go get some homework done, call me when you're home later. Love ya, G."

I gave her my love and thanks again before ending our call. I found one of those new trendy axe-throwing places and decided that Quinn and I were going to have some fun and, hopefully, set the pace for a great date with her and Wade tomorrow as well. What a strange turn of events my life had taken.