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Buck doesn't really get it.
Why Ryan looks at him so… weirdly.
It's like every time he glances around, he catches Ryan watching him, intently, focused, but with something else in his eyes too.
He can't put his finger on it.
If he didn't know that he'd just gotten divorced from a woman, Buck would think the man was interested.
But there's no chance.
No one has said anything about Ryan possibly swinging both ways.
All they've talked about is how he attempted to save his marriage with Samantha and couldn't.
So, Buck knows he shouldn't get his hopes up.
"Hey, Buckley," Ryan's voice is deep, filled with southern charm and maybe some curiosity.
"Yeah, Hart?" Buck turns, tipping his head to the side as he crosses his arms over his chest.
"How about you let me show you a diner joint with desserts that could rival that caramel apple pie you made?" offers Ryan softly, his hands hidden in his pockets as he looks up at Buck with hope in his eyes.
"Oh, so the young Hart does know what kindness is?" Buck's amusement is shining on his face, and he knows it because his lips are curved into a grin. "You sure your dad's gonna like that?"
"Okay, come on, he's just competitive. We all are," replies Ryan with a low chuckle that sends Buck's stomach fluttering. It's adorable. "But he's actually the one who told me to go for it."
There's something in his voice that has Buck leaning back a bit, rocking on his heels as he asks, "So, this isn't just a friendly meal then? Are you asking me on a date, Ryan Hart?"
"And if I am, Evan Buckley?" Ryan's head tips to the side, a bit of hope shining through him, but he wants.
"I'd say, I'd love to," replies Buck quietly as he straightens up.
"Then will you go on a date with me and let me show you a diner that has desserts that could rival your own, Buck?" asks Ryan firmly as he straightens as well, the teasing being left to the wind as he lets his wants be as straightforward as he can make them.
"I'd love to," replies Buck with a soft smile that hurts his cheeks.
"Want me to drive?" offers Ryan as he grins back.
"I'd like that," Buck ducks his head forward, all the confidence in the world melting through him like honey at just how sweet Ryan is.
"Then, how does right now sound?" Ryan holds out his hand and tips his head towards the open door.
"Perfect," murmurs Buck as he takes Ryan's hand, marveling at how well they fit together, fingers lacing together almost instinctively.
This was meant to be, even if Buck didn't know it could happen at first.