I mean, I knew a lot of that, but I hadn’t taken the time to really see her, and now that I had, I couldn’t help but focus on that rather than what my life was looking like.
“Joshua?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you listening to me?”
“Sure. Press releases and interviews.”
She sat her notebook down on her lap and crossed her arms, her brow raised. It was a look I knew well. It clearly stated how annoyed she was with me. And not that I blamed her. This meeting seemed to be taking forever and it was my fault. I’d own it. Because I couldn’t focus.
I was going to blame that all on her, even if she didn’t agree with it.
“What?” I asked, trying not to smile.
“You are making my job far more difficult than it needs to be here. I shouldn't have to keep checking to see if you are paying attention to me. This is, after all, your job, you know.”
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck and I nodded. I did know it all and I was trying to stay in the game.
“You don't have to scold me, Tessy.”
“I don't? Because you really are not leaving me many choices here.”
“Stop. You're making it sound like I've totally tuned out everything. And if you must know, it's all your fault. I can't get the image of you last night out of my head.”
A blush creeped up her neck and landed on her cheeks and it was the dang cutest thing.
How is it that I hadn't noticed that? I mean, it wasn't like she blushed a lot.
But I never noticed how her hair was long, thick, and wavy. Then again, she often had it up in a bun or in a ponytail.
And I had never seen her in a dress, let alone anything that highlighted her brown skin. So, yes, she stayed in my head because these two people were different yet the same. And I wanted to get to know both of these sides of her.
Let me tell you that was new.
It wasn't that I didn't think of relationships or wanting to have someone serious, I did. Just not now. Not with how busy I was.
Which is why I also had my flings. But I also hadn't met a lady who could knock me sideways.
It wasn't that I hadn't seen Tessy as pretty, she was. But she hasn't opened up to me. Not like she did last night and I liked it.
I liked her.
I wasn't okay with this afternoon ending, even if she was coming tonight for dinner.
“I need food,” I told her, causing her to jump.
“Oh, we can go over this later, Joshua.”
“No, why don't you join me for lunch. There's this bistro around the corner I love, and I think you would too. It's also quiet.”
“Uh, I…su…sure. I'd enjoy that. Thank you.”
She grabbed her bag, her notebook, and I shot up, escorting her to my car, helping her in.
Hell, when was the last time I had a lady in my car? College maybe. Because any date I went on, I either had a car pick us up, or we'd meet somewhere.
I also hadn't had a woman in my space. No female has stepped through my doorway, unless it was family.
