Realistically, she knew it was too early to tell, but Ellie already felt as though this introduction was going a whole lot better than the rest sheâd endured. An outsider might assume that she and the handsome man across from her were getting off to a horrendous first impression, but there was something about his nervous disposition that was doing everything to charm her. If the way he was currently apologising for getting off on the wrong foot was anything to go by, Ellie was already positive that he had a tendency to misspeak just as frequently as she did. She wasnât as quick-witted or as charming as Reid or Aspen, nor was she as fun-loving and playful as Glenn or Xavi. She tended to blush her way through social interactions, always preferring to be around her students who only looked up to her, and giggled enthusiastically when she embarrassed herself.Â
As it became altogether clearer that they were both in the same boat, Ellie smiled even wider. So, both of their best friends had coerced them into an awkward night of trying to impress strangers, while being ushered along a sexy, human conveyer belt. She couldnât help but wonder if perhaps they should be shot with the whole thing and introduce their friends to one another instead. Maybe theyâd get along just great, if these types of events were to their tastes!Â
âDo you think we should be offended that our friends think we need help in the romance department?â She found herself giggling, not really offended at all. Reid knew her better than anybody, just as he knew how pathetic her dating history was. He only wanted to help, and she was hopeful the same could be said for the man across from her.Â
Sheâd been quite adamant that she would mention Dylan early on. It felt important to her that any potential dating prospects understand that she has a son sooner rather than later. Not that she had any illusions about the success of her night, but she didnât think it was a detail that she should lie about. People should know what they were letting themselves in for, and many men didnât want children. It wouldnât be right to spring a child on somebody after months of dating. Luckily, the rugged gent across from her seemed to brighten at the mention of her son, and she felt a spark of hope in her chest.Â
âA firefighter? Wow!â Ellie gasped, eyes widening in surprise. She wasnât much of a daredevil herself â not like Reid â but sheâd always thought of firefighting as such a brave and commendable job. Far more than any other profession, in her opinion.Â
She smiled fondly, her voice low and breathy as she whispered, âDylan will be so jealous.âÂ
Her rascal of a son loved anything that involved a little danger or chaos. He was young enough now that she hoped he might grow out of it, but sheâd be lying if she said it didnât frighten her to wonder just where he might land as he reached his teens or his twenties. She certainly wouldnât put it past him to want to jump into a burning building for a living.Â
âYou have a son?â Ellie beamed at this new information, immediately setting aside her concerns for Dylanâs future. It seemed sheâd really hit the jackpot, and she suddenly wanted to know everything. Maybe their two boys were the same age! âIâve never seen Lord of the Rings, but itâs so sweet that you have something that bonds you both.âÂ
Ellieâs own father had always been present when she was growing up, but she knew the same couldnât be said about her sonâs father. It was refreshing to be reminded that men like this could still exist, though. Men outside of Ozzie and Reid who effortlessly slipped into the doting uncle roles without hesitation.Â
âMy little boy â Dylan â loves dinosaurs. Heâs big into Jurassic Park, but maybe I need to start introducing him to Lord of the Rings. Iâm more of a hallmark romance girl, unfortunately!âÂ