Seriously? I was surrounded by traitors.
“We have security cameras scattered all around the building,” I cut in, desperate to change the subject. “It’s required since we’re a federal building.”
“Why don’t we take a look at where they are to see if there are any blind spots,” Hector offered.
I opened my mouth to pawn him off on Dorothy, but then?—
“Iris will show you!” Leah and Calvin shouted at the same time.
“Jinx,” Calvin said with a smirk.
Great. Beavis and Butthead were now taking the matchmaking to another level.
“It’s a great idea,” Jennings added.
“Yes, I’ll take you. Let’s go,” I practically shouted, trying to grab Hector’s elbow and steer him quickly out of the room before myfriendssaid anything else embarrassing.
The instant my fingers brushed his skin, a warm tingle shot up my arm. I also noticed he smelled like spearmint and mountain air—a combination I found that I loved.
“Nice to meet you both,” I heard Hector say behind me as I continued to walk forward, hoping he would take the hint to quickly follow.
“Nice meeting you too. Don’t forget to take Iris up on that lunch date!” Leah yelled, with Calvin snorting.
God, they were the worst.
I knew they were just trying to help, in their own weird way, but it was actually making it way worse. Oh, and about a thousand percent more embarrassing.
His stride was much longer than mine, so he caught up to me rather quickly. I seized the opportunity to apologize without having to look him in the eye, nor would he have to see my face—which was likely bright red.
“I’m sorry for them. They mean well, but they’re…a lot. I do appreciate everything you did for me that date…I mean day…but you don’t need to feel obligated about a lunch date.”
Oh my God. Why couldn’t I stop saying date?
“They care about you,” he replied. Neutral and noncommittal about lunch.
“Leaving so soon?” Dorothy said as we entered back into the front lobby area. “I have cookies and coffee.”
“They want to see some of our security cameras,” I told her.
“I wouldn’t turn down a cookie,” Jennings said.
“Oh, that’s a wonderful idea,” she replied. “Iris, why don’t you take Chief Madeira, and I’ll get this handsome man some cookies and coffee while you two are scoping out the cameras.”
Before I could even add my opinion to the matter, both gentlemen chimed in.
“That sounds good,” Jennings replied.
“That’s fine,” Hector said.
I turned to walk out the front door, hoping Hector followed.
Then, finally, we escaped. Free and clear of matchmakers, meddlers, and embarrassing coworkers. Now, I just hoped I didn’t humiliate myself. Again.
6
“Ladies, if he’s older than 30 and dropping red flags, leave. His frontal lobe is fully developed and he’s not changing.”
—It’s science
