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Caleb hoped the evening would mean they might be on the path to be more than that, even though Aaron explicitly said this was not that kind of date.

“Can I ask how is it that you’re still single? I’ve seen pictures of you online with a number of seemingly eligible bachelors.”

Caleb rolled his eyes as he finished a bite of roasted lamb. “I do go out occasionally. I’m not a total monk. I’ve backed off from that recently, though. I’m tired of all the questions about who I’m dating. It’s easier—for me and Grant—if I just go solo.” Caleb took a drink from his wineglass, which Javi was keeping filled. “As to your actual question, I haven’t found the right guy.”

Aaron’s only response was to nod.

Chapter Six

TO Aaron’s relief, the conversation flowed easily as topics bounced between hockey, teaching, how Pam still needed to find her Mr. Right, and some of the other ways Foster Grove had changed since high school. They didn’t revisit kids or dating—Aaron wasn’t going to bring it up, and Caleb had thankfully let it drop.

Earlier, before Caleb stopped by his apartment to pick him up, Aaron had been anxious, unsure of what to expect. But it didn’t take long for him to relax and for the evening to feel like dinner with an old friend rather than an internationally famous and devastatingly sexy hockey star.

And Caleb was, without question, sexy. His casually mussed blond hair, shining blue eyes, and muscular body that filled out the light sweater he wore were very appealing.

That was the weird part. He’d always been comfortable around Caleb, but suddenly it was less like he was Pam’s little brother and more like he was a friend. Despite the years since they’d seen each other, something had changed in their dynamic that both excited and, frankly, worried Aaron.

“That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had,” Caleb said as the last of the dinner plates were cleared. “I can’t believe this place is in Foster Grove.”

“I’m glad you brought me here. It was incredible.” Aaron took a last sip of his wine, finishing his glass.

“Ready for desert?” Javi asked. He’d been an excellent waiter who had an uncanny way of appearing tableside at just the right time all evening. “And maybe some coffee?”

“Can we have dessert in the café? It’d be great to stand for a bit.”

“It would be,” Aaron agreed. “I feel like I’ve had more food than a Thanksgiving dinner.”

“The chef may have sent too much food.” Javi sounded sympathetic. “I can serve you in the café, and you can take as much time as you’d like.”

“Coffee now. Pie a little later?” Caleb looked to Aaron.

It was a simple question, but the inquisitive look in Caleb’s eyes was stunning and distracting. “Sure.”

“I’ll get that and meet you over there. Just take any open table.”

Javi retreated to the kitchen, and Aaron and Caleb went to the adjoining café. Was it his imagination or were people watching them? It hadn’t seemed that way during the meal, but as they moved, Aaron sensed that all eyes were on them. He fought the urge to look around to see how true it was. Did Caleb go through this a lot? If he noticed, he certainly played it cool.

They took one of the bar-height tables and stood together, draping their jackets over the empty stools.

“If the pie wasn’t still to come, I’d have suggested a walk,” Caleb said, languorously stretching his arms overhead. His sweater pulled up slightly, giving Aaron the briefest glimpse of V-shaped abdominals that tapered below the waist of his tantalizingly low-slung jeans.

Aaron quickly looked away and mentally chided himself.

Walking with Caleb on an evening like tonight sounded nice, but what Aaron was thinking about drifted into date territory. What game was he playing with himself? There was no way he was ready to date and even if he were, he knew he wasn’t right for Caleb.

Javi brought coffee and told them he’d check back. He’d barely gone when a hand came down on Caleb’s shoulder.

“Caleb Carter.” The voice was loud, booming, causing several of the café’s patrons to turn, and even Caleb flinched. “I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Caleb looked to his side and smiled, recovering from the surprise. “Rick Hargrove. Great to see you.” The two bumped fists.

Aaron knew Rick coached one of the town’s peewee hockey teams and was a former teammate of Caleb’s, going all the way back to middle school. Rick was a typical jock, had been as long as Aaron had known him. Seeing Caleb in comparison, it was like Caleb wasn’t a jock at all. Where Rick seemed to want to fill the room with his personality, Caleb’s quiet confidence appealed more to Aaron.

“Aaron, do you know Rick?”

“Of course. Rick, good to see you.”

“Price.” He nodded briefly in Aaron’s direction but then returned his full attention to Caleb. “I couldn’t get to the carnival last night, so it’s dumb luck to run into you here. What are you up to?”