We each had a couple of beers over dinner and Jared went to get more while I went to the bathroom to freshen up. When I got back, I figured I'd better take control or we'd be there all night waiting for Ben to make a move.

I gave Jared a knowing look and asked Ben, "Why don't you come over here and sit with me?" as I patted the sofa cushion.

Jared got up and left the room while Ben joined me on the sofa. There was still a lot of room between us so I scooched closer to him. Ben was so nervous, he was almost shaking. I...