JAYNE: See you then!
I put my phone down and drum my fingers on the desk. I’m not dressed for a date—I’m dressed as a damn librarian. Modest skirt that falls to my knees, a button-down shirt, flats, my hair in a ponytail, and the only makeup I’m wearing is mascara.
“Shit,” I mutter.
“Bad news?” Kelly asks.
I shake my head. “I met a cute guy last week and he just asked me to lunch. But I’m not wearing makeup and I look…dowdy.”
“I think that’s the perfect way to test his interest,” she responds. “Let him see you without all the bells and whistles. Then, if he still likes you, there’s a much better chance the attraction is genuine instead of a guy just looking to hook up.”
“I guess that’s true.” I nod. “You don’t mind if I take lunch at one?”
“Not at all. And don’t worry about coming back in exactly an hour. I feel bad because there’s so little for you to do.”
“I’m enjoying being here,” I reply honestly. “I love being around books.”
She grins. “Same. And though I don’t do it often, there are days when it’s pouring rain and the place is empty where I just find a book and sit in a chair and read. One of the perks of being the boss.”
I laugh. “Then I look forward to being in that position one day. I mean, imagine getting paid to read!”
She laughs too. “Well, let’s make sure that’s our little secret because then everyone and their brother will be applying for jobs to be librarians!”
“My lips are sealed,” I say, pursing my lips and using my hand to make a locking motion. Then I toss the imaginary key over my shoulder.
“Perfect. Well, I’m looking forward to meeting your friend. What’s his name?”
“Bodi.”
“That’s an interesting name.”
“He looks like a Bodi. He’s about six feet tall, with broad shoulders and a really nice…” I drop my voice. “…butt.”
Her eyes twinkle. “Now I’m extra excited to meet him!”
I know the moment Bodi arrives because I hear Kelly say, “Hello! Can I help you?”
“I’m here to pick up Jayne,” he says.
Kelly smiles and motions to me. “Oh, she’s right over there.”
“Hi,” I say, walking over to join them.
“You ready to go?” he asks, his blue eyes finding mine.
“I am.”
“Enjoy!” Kelly calls out. “And don’t rush to get back.”
“Thanks, Kelly!” I follow him outside and he opens the passenger side door for me. “Sorry I didn’t dress up or anything. I didn’t know we were going out or I would have worn something else.”
“Why? What you’re wearing is nice.”
I wrinkle my nose. “You think the dowdy librarian look is hot?”
“I think soft and feminine is pretty,” he responds.
“Oh.” Heat floods my cheeks as I dip my head. “Thank you.”
