“Yeah, I don’t drink,” Harlow stated.
“Like ever?” she asked.
His eyes lit up in amusement at the judgment in her tone.
“Is that a bad thing?”
Courtney shook her head.“I mean, no, I just didn’t expect that.”
“I mean, I’llhave one every now and again, but I drove, so you know…it’sthe law and all,” he said.
She was tickled, and it showed.
“Law-abiding citizen. That’s good to know.” He nodded proudly, making her smile more.“Do you work for Brier Investments too?” Courtney asked.
Harlow shook his head.“No, I’m in Tech. Mostly, software and app design at the moment,” he said.“How about you? How do you spend your days?”
Courtney hesitated because she was almost embarrassed to say. She had no success story, no real accomplishments that were impressive enough to throw out over casual conversation.
“A little of this and a little of that,” she said, keeping it light.
“You’re going to make me work for the good stuff, huh?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” she returned. It was an easy conversation, and she was grateful for the company. It distracted her from the disappointment that filled her as every second ticked by.
“I’m trying to figure out the most intriguing three questions I can ask you before your late date arrives and I miss my shot,” Harlow said as Jake came back with their drinks. She accepted hers and looked out over the room once more. She sipped her drink as she thought of James. Her disappointment was palpable.
The band played a classic 90’s cut, and Courtney nodded, tapping her red-painted nails against the champagne glass in unison to the beat.
“You like this song?” He noticed, observing her.
“Can’t go wrong with a little Mint Condition,” she said.
“You want to dance?” he asked.
Courtney glanced around once more.
“I mean, you can wait, or you can dance?” Harlow invited.
Courtney sighed, releasing the anxiety that had built in her all night. Dancing beat looking pathetic at the bar. She felt like everyone could tell she had been stood up.
“I’d love to dance.”
She stood from the barstool and downed the rest of her drink before he took her hand and led her to the floor. He was huge. Height and stature, he dwarfed her. He had some weight on him like he was supposed to be on someone’s offensive line instead of behind a computer.
“Is this too close?” he asked as he put his hand on the small of her back and pulled her in. Whatever he wore instantly enveloped her in a hug. He smelled divine, and his arms were strong. He was so big he felt like a fortress, like he could hide her behind his hold of protection and grant access as she deemed fit.
“No,” she said. She placed her hands on his lapel as they swayed to the music.
“I’m trying to think of the most interesting questions I can ask you before I miss my shot,” Harlow said as he looked down at her.
“Oh Lord,” she replied, a bit nervous.
“This might be my only chance to get to know you. Can’t ask the wrong thing. The questions are important,” he joked.
“You right, they are,” she agreed. He was pulling easy smiles out of her. This was the most carefree time she had experienced in years. There was something about a man flirting innocently with a woman that felt natural. The way he looked at her. The effort in the way he chose his words. The exhibition of the best version of himself. Courtney hadn’t experienced this, well, ever. She was a grown-ass woman who had never dated. She had never even allowed a man to pursue her because she had an old head at home who she never wanted to upset. She had always tried to prove to James she was good enough. She had always chased him. She had always earned him. Usually, with sex. Her currency to the relationship was keeping him pleased. She hadnever felt this dynamic, and it was so carefree and fun that it made her feel something she hadn’t felt before. The power of femininity. He desired her, and not just her body. He wanted her conversation. He wanted to learn her. It felt organic.
“What’s your favorite movie?” he asked.
