“Well, at least you have a steady income while you look,” Esme points out.
“True. Jordan’s been incredibly generous.” More generous than he needs to be, which sometimes makes me wonder if he’s trying to make sure I don’t leave.
And would that really be so bad?
“Tell me about you,” I continue, desperate to change the subject.
Esme launches into a story about the ongoing war at work over who gets the top shelf in the break-room fridge, and I find myself laughing despite my worries. This is good. This is what I needed. Time to remember who I am outside of being Ash’s mom and Jordan’s employee.
I’m just starting to relax when a man approaches our table. He’s attractive in an understated way, with kind eyes and a sincere-looking smile that reaches them.
“Excuse me,” he says, focusing on me with what seems like genuine interest rather than a practiced line. “I don’t want to interrupt, but I couldn’t help noticing you from across the room. You have a beautiful laugh.”
Esme raises her eyebrows and sits back, clearly enjoying the show.
“Thank you,” I say politely, and something about his approach feels sincere rather than calculated.
“I’m Drew,” he continues, extending his hand. “Would you like to dance?”
“I’m really flattered, but I’m here with my friend.”
“Of course, I don’t want to intrude on your night.” He smiles at Esme apologetically. “What about your number then? I’d love to take you to dinner sometime. No pressure at all.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t really have space in my life for dating right now.” The excuse comes easily, because it’s the truth.
“I completely understand,” Drew says, and he actually seems to mean it. “Well, it was worth asking. You ladies have a wonderful evening.”
He walks away with a friendly nod, no persistence or wounded ego in sight.
“Well, that was refreshing,” Esme observes once he’s gone.
“What do you mean?”
“A guy who actually takes no for an answer. He seemed nice.”
“Yeah,” I murmur, tracing my finger around the rim of my cocktail glass.
“Hewasnice, though. And clearly interested,” Esme continues.
“It’s just not for me,” I say, finishing my Old Fashioned.
Esme studies my face in the dim light. “When’s the last time you were actually attracted to someone, Alexa? And don’t say it’s been so long you can’t remember, because I won’t believe you.”
The question catches me off guard, and immediately Jordan’s face flashes in my mind. The way he looks when he’s concentrating on something, the careful gentleness with which he handles Henry, the smile that transforms his entire face when he’s genuinely happy.
“I don’t know,” I lie, but Esme has known me too long to buy it.
“Aside from Jordan,” she says matter-of-factly, grinning, not even making it a question.
“I don’t have feelings for anyone,” I protest, but even I can hear how unconvincing I sound.
“That’swhy you turned down Drew. Not because you don’t have space in your life for dating, but because you can’t think of anyone else except for Jordan that way.”
She’s right, and we both know it. Ever since the day at the park when that woman assumed we were a family, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. Not just as my employer or my neighbor, but as a man who makes me feel things I haven’t felt in years.
“It doesn’t matter,” I say finally. “Even if Ididhave feelings for Jordan, which I’m not saying I do, it would be completely inappropriate. He’s my boss.”
“He’s also clearly attracted to you.”
