He grinned as he watched me hesitate. “How about Pierre’s at seven?” He tried to sweeten the deal.
“Sounds good, but I’ll meet you there.” I was serious about not letting strange men into my apartment or letting them know where I lived.
Nicholas touched my arm gently. “See you then, gorgeous.”
I think I was blushing. I sure felt warm all of a sudden.
Someone else looked like they were warm too. When Nicholas left, I noticed Mr. Greyson’s face was furiously red. I wasn’t sure why. The deal was signed, so having dinner with him would have no effect on the sale positively or negatively.
“I’ll see you at the office.” It was all I could think of to say. I turned to leave.
Mr. Greyson followed, and as soon as we were outside, he tugged on my jacket. “I thought you said you wouldn’t date someone like him?”
“It’s only dinner,” I replied in my defense.
“The guy is hoping for more than dinner.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do you care?”
He opened his mouth several times to say something, but nothing ever came out.
I waited patiently for a reply.
“You did well. I’ll see you in the office.” He walked off, seemingly frustrated.
“Thanks,” I called out. I watched him stalk off. As soon as I got in my car, I put my sister on Bluetooth. “Hi sis. I have a date tonight.”
“With Ian?”
“No. Why would you say that? Never mind, don’t answer that. It’s with a man named Nicholas. He’s the EVP for our new client.”
“Oh. How nice.” She wasn’t as excited as I thought she would be, but she gave me suggestions on what I should wear to Pierre’s. It was a predictable restaurant for Nicholas. Overpriced and fancy, but at least the food was good.
I left the office early, and to my great delight, without having to see either Mr. Greyson or Alexa. I came home, sank into a bath, shaved my legs, and took my time getting ready. It had been too long since I’d been on a date, so I took extra care and tried to enjoy the experience. I wore my new red bandage dress and some killer heels. I stared at my reflection in my full-length mirror. Not bad for my almost thirty-two-year-old self. The belly dancing was definitely doing its job.
I walked out into the slightly cool air with a spring in my step. I almost put the top down on my car, but I decided against messing up my hair. I felt energized when I reached Pierre’s right on time. I didn’t know what kind of car Nicholas drove, so I wasn’t sure if he was there, but I went right in anyway.
Pierre’s screamed high priced the moment I walked in, from the tuxedo-clad host, to the white linens and low lighting, to the string quartet playing. It was lovely, but I would still take the park and peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Oh well. Enjoy the moment, I reminded myself.
It didn’t take me long to spot Nicholas. He stood when he saw me walking toward him. His eyes roved over me at least three times before I made it to him. Each go around made his smile get wider. I wasn’tsure if I should be flattered or worried. He pulled out my chair. “You’re breathtaking,” he said as I sat down.
“Thank you. You look great.” And he did. He wore a black suit and a gray tie. I’m sure the suit was tailored, as it fit his physique perfectly.
Nicholas didn’t take his eyes off me until the waiter brought us our menus and the wine list. He, of course, wanted to order the most expensive bottle they had. I didn’t socially drink unless I was well acquainted with who I was going out with. I was about to tell him I would pass, but a familiar voice said, “The lady will have water, with orange slices if you have them.”
I didn’t know whether I should laugh or cry at his presence, but I could tell my date sure wasn’t amused as he looked up at him and glared.
Mr. Greyson didn’t let that bother him at all. He smiled at Nicholas and then over at me. “That’s what you still drink, isn’t it, Kelli?”
“Why yes, Mr. Greyson, how kind of you to remember,” I said in mock sincerity, because just outright mocking would be in poor form at the moment.
But he knew, and it made him smile even more.
“Ian, what are you doing here?” Nicholas asked. Stretching his fingers as if he was thinking of curling them up and punching my boss.
“My brother in-law, Sean, is in town for the evening on business.” He pointed over to him.
My head whipped toward the bar, curious to see whom Noelle had married. He waved at me. I waved back. He looked like a nice guy.
