John leans against the counter. “Your couch is comfortable.”
The rich aroma fills the air, and I inhale deeply, letting the smell wake me. “I know you’re being polite, because my neck doesn’t agree with you.”
“Nothing a good cup of coffee and stretching can’t fix.”
I pour us both steaming mugs and slide his across the counter, and we sip in companionable silence.
John leans forward. “If you don’t have plans later, I’d love to take you out.”
Yes!I wiggle my toes. “I’m available.”
“Good, because I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise, huh?” I raise an eyebrow, trying to read him. “Should I be nervous?”
He shakes his head. “Nope, but you should be excited. Wear something comfortable. And maybe bring a change of clothes.”
That sounds different. “You’re not going to give me any more details, are you?”
“Nope, or it won’t be a surprise.” His gaze meets mine over the rim of his mug. “Trust me.”
I do trust him. And that thought warms me better than the coffee cup in my hand, considering that, after Jake, I never thought I’d trust another man.
John sets his coffee down and hugs me. “I’ll pick you up at four?”
“Four it is.”
He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead, and my heart swells. “I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Same.”
As he grabs his jacket and leaves, I can’t believe how Christmas with my boss has turned into so much more, and I have a real date with him.
After the door closes behind him, Powerfluff saunters into the kitchen, giving me a curious look. I grin, picking her up. “Looks like it’s just us for now, Fluff. But tonight, I get a surprise. And I have a feeling, if John’s involved, it’ll be special.”
* * *
With a vacation day ahead of me, I make a to-do list that includes unpacking and laundry. Not exactly fun activities, but tomorrow will be a “me” day full of self-care, and to be honest, I can’t relax when I have things to do around the apartment. Of course, I need to play with Powerfluff, too.
Other things I need to do pop into my mind. I haven’t checked my personal email in days. That’s a record for me, and I should make sure there’s nothing pressing. When I open my inbox, I see one from Hartwell & Co.
My heart pounds against my rib cage.
That’s the company I’ve had three rounds of interviews with. Did they finally decide about who to hire for the position? Wouldn’t an offer come via a telephone call? Why are they contacting me the day after Christmas?
None of the answers to my questions stop my stomach from churning. It’s a good thing I haven’t eaten anything and only drank coffee this morning.
Just open it.
My finger hovers above the email. I’m not sure what I want the email to say, which is strange because I really wanted the job. The company also has a great reputation.
Even though John explained why he treated me the way he did, that doesn’t mean my current job is the right one for me. And the odds are that this is another rejection.
I click the email and read.
Oh, my goodness. I got the job. “Powerfluff, your mama got the job.”
I’m happy, but the offer is bittersweet for one reason: John. I wonder what he’ll think.
