Work, men's CORE, and playing hard to get?

Ok, so work today: definitely not fun. Very busy, and Shelly and I were the only people there for most of the day. We got alot accomplished(we're trying to do as much as we can before the visit next tuesday) but there is a never-ending supply of work, not to mention cleaning up after other employees who don't do their job. Bah. We've given them enough time, I think Shelly and I are going to start writing up people. It always seems like we're the only ones who care about the store, and most everyone else doesn't. Grrr. Yes, I'm complaining about work. Sometimes ya just need to get it out and breath, you know?

In other news, I had men's CORE tonight. It went really well. More guys than last time, and even though the subject matter probably could have caused some people to clam up, everyone was really talking back and forth, sharing stories, and listening to Daniel and I. It was a good meeting. Next week we'll be talking about guilt, and what to do with it, so Daniel and I really need to start studying for it, seeing as how as the week goes by I'm just going to get busier and busier.

A question for you all–I was talking with my friend Laura a few minutes ago(ok, not really talking, more like–IM-ing) telling her about my date and telling her about Mary, when I briefly made the comment to her that I was a little worried about seeming a wee bit too over-eager, and scaring Mary off. To which Laura replied(naturally) 'take it slow, play hard to get'. I responded 'easier said than done'.
So my question is(yes, after all this set-up) what is the best course of action? Obviously, it's different for every person but in general(as a guy) is it better for me to play a little hard to get? Does my over-eagerness come off as desperate, and generally cause girls to run from me?
And if it is better to play hard to get, how do I do this? I mean, theres no denying theres an attraction, and I don't want to suddenly start acting different and make her think I'm not as interested as I once was. I like her, and I want her to know that. I don't want to act a certain way; I want to be myself but at the same time I'm a little worried that my hyperness and over-eagerness towards starting this new relationship might be one of the few things(if not the only thing) that would cause her to pause and change her mind about me.

Ahh… so thats one huge ramble right there. Hopefully none of you fell asleep while reading it.
If so, hey! At least I was responsible for refreshing you! And if you did stay awake–what are you waiting for? Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts.

LOL. Yes, I'm a dork. But dorks are cool, yo. And don't you forget it.