Two hours later, I was done.
Toast.
Over this black tie and boring affair.
I mean, getting to know people was great, and talking to a few was even better. But for the most part, I kept hearing the same stories, the same hype, and I longed for my cozy bed and TV. Because some were just way more entertaining as actors rather than being real people.
“Ready to get out of here,” Joshua whispered, and I nodded.
I had taken an uber here, so, I was grateful that Joshua offered his ride to me. I didn’t want to think about how Elsa got home; that wasn’t my worry.
“So, how about dinner tomorrow night?” Joshua offered, leading me out to the elevator.
“I think that should work. My boss should let me have the night off. Did you have somewhere special in mind? Do I need to dress up or something?”
“No, you’re usually leggings and tanks are fine.”
I frowned as we walked to his car, not sure why he would say that.
“Uh, are you sure? I don’t want to embarrass you or something out in public.”
“One, you never could, Tessy. Trust me, you’re a breath of fresh air.” He opened the door for me, and I slipped in. “Two,” he said, leaning on the door as he poked his head in. “It’s a more laid-back vibe I’m thinking of, and comfort will far outweigh style.” With that, he closed the door and left me to have my thoughts tumbling.
“Joshua, I don’t…I don’t understand. Do you not want to be seen with me?” I finally asked when he got in the car.
“That is not the case. But before I tell you what I’m thinking, I want you to answer a question for me.”
“Shoot.”
“You had all this time to bid on someone. You could have gotten anyone for the money you dropped. Why did you choose me?”
Well, damn it.
That was not the question I was hoping to get. And I couldn’t really answer without telling him everything. But I also have never lied to him.
I took a deep breath, playing with my hands in my lap. It was now or never.
“For the longest time, I had a crush on you. I wanted to go out on a date away from work, where I could see the real you and you could see the real me. And, maybe, see if something could come from it.”
“And that’s why I want comfort.”
“I still don’t understand.”
“I’m not embarrassed about you, Tessy.” He shifted in the driver’s seat, his hands covering mine. “You might not think I know anything about you, but I do. I know that what you did tonight is something you’ve been planning because you don’t do anything on whim. I knew you had a reason for it, which would mean you wanted something from me that no one ever would ask for, because you would have asked. I also know you do not like the spotlight. Anyone could have seen how uncomfortable you were tonight.”
“All true.”
“So, you want the real me, and I want the real you. And the only way you will get that, we will get that, is if you come into my domain. I don’t want to take you out on the town for our date, but I’d love to cook for you and show you the one place you’ve never been to; my home.”
A feather could have knocked me over for how shocked I was by that statement.
Chapter 4
Joshua
“There’s a lot on your plate, you know this? Lots of press releases and a few interviews,” she told me. But all I could do was watch her.
I couldn’t help thinking about last night. How beautiful she looked, how caring she was, and how real she could be.
