I was invited to a huge party Saturday night. A guy I had met at a professional function a few months ago has huge parties every month at his house - with a DJ and liquor sponsors (translation: booze was flowing).

I really wanted to get out and about Saturday night. I invited a number of friends. I admit I wanted to have a drink or three, so I was coordinating with someone to be Designated Driver.  My friend, aka the 'cute electrician' volunteered to be DD.

But we ended up meeting at Starbucks. Driving to meet the DD is sort of counter-intentional, isn't it? We go to the party. Fun people-watching. (What is it about Halloween-pending that makes some women think they can dress slutty and behave equally classy? Example: woman in chaps with tiny black underwear asking people to spank her?)

Laughed listening to a herd of guys talking about their 'strategy' for getting some game that night. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing too hard. And some of the guys - I know they had to use more hair products and spent more time getting ready than I did. You know that 'South Beach" look?

Lush that I was, I got a shot of Jagermeister. And sipped 1/2 of it for more than two hours. (I was driving, remember?) I would have loved to have actually had a couple of drinks and had some more alcohol-induced fun, but I was driving thanks to my DD. He wanted to know about some of the funny dates I had been on. I mentioned that I blog about them. He asked if he was going to be in the blog. I told him I only blog about dates. (well, sorta)

After about 3 hours, "cute electrician" said he needed food. So we went to the local Waffle House (it was after 1am) so he could chow. I kept warm with a cup of tea. Went to our cars. He said he wasn't tired. It was really late for me, I was cold and I had to pee. Small talk. He was going rock climbing in the morning. I won't climb rocks - bad on the manicure. But I am totally into doing some hiking.

Then he says "I'd really like to kiss you."

I was speechless. Dumbfounded. Totally not expecting it.

Did I mention "cute electrician" is 25? Yep. 25. He was born in the 80's. And although he's got these amazing eyes and is definitely worth rewiring my house, he looks like he's 18. I was completely not in that "date mindset". I think I've handled a lot of unusual dating situations rather gracefully, but I felt really bad after this one. He looked at me like I had taken away his puppy. I couldn't say I don't kiss on the first date because this wasn't a 'date' in my book. It was two friends getting together...

I went home, washed my face, got in my flannel jammies and thought about it. He's a really nice guy and I don't mean that in a kiss of death sort of context. It's just when he's going to be my age, I'll be close to 50. (well, I exaggerate but...) I decided that if he'd still be willing to do a rematch/redate, that I'd give it a shot. I think there would be maturity issues, but he's innocent (and boy does he look innocent!) until he demonstrates otherwise.

I sent an email this morning apologizing for being caught off guard and suggested a hiking outing.

However, he smokes. (Deal breaker)