“Right, of course.” He lowers his voice. “Maybe we could grab dinner later to discuss…business?”
I can’t help but smile at his awkward attempt at subterfuge. “Sure, that sounds great.”
As I hurry back to my office, my coffee is cooling and forgotten in my hand. I can’t shake the feeling that balancing personal versus professional will be trickier than I thought.
The afternoon drags on, each minute feeling like an hour. I try to focus on my work, but my thoughts wander to John—the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles, the warmth of his hand in mine, the soft press of his lips…
“Earth to Abby!” I look up to see Sarah grinning at me. “Where’d you go just now? You’ve been staring at that spreadsheet like it holds the universe’s secrets.”
“Oh, um, just got lost in thought, I guess. Did you need something?”
Sarah stands in the doorway. “A few of us are going to that new bar that opened right before the holidays. Want to come?”
Of course, the one night I have something would be the same time as this. “Thanks for the offer, but I have plans.”
Sarah’s eyebrows shoot up. “On a Monday? Do tell.”
I scramble for an excuse. “It’s nothing exciting. A family thing. You know how it is after the holidays, trying to catch up with everyone.”
She shrugs. “If your plans fall through, come find us.”
“I will.” I hate lying to her, but I can’t say that I’m having dinner with our boss. I suddenly realize how complicated keeping our relationship secret will be, and I slump in my chair.
At five o’clock, I’m about to pack my bag, and my phone buzzes. It’s a text from John:
John:Meet me at Chez Marcel at 7. Looking forward to tonight.
A grin spreads across my face, and I type a response.
Me:I can’t wait.
Giddiness bubbles inside me. I’m so excited to have dinner with him tonight where we won’t have to act like we don’t care about each other.
* * *
As I hurry toward Chez Marcel, I remember how cold a January evening can be. My heels click against the pavement at a rapid pace, and I skirt around a couple pushing a baby stroller.
I’m late.
Totally my fault.
I took too long deciding what to wear. I just hope John likes my green dress with black knee-high boots. The wind makes me tighten my shawl.
As I round a corner, I see him waiting outside the restaurant. I can’t believe he looks even more handsome in his suit and slightly tousled hair.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say.
His face lights up with a smile that makes my heart beat double time. “You’re worth waiting for.”
Heat pools on my cheeks. “Thanks, but I’ll remind you of that if I’m running late in the future.”
Smiling, he offers me his arm. “Shall we?”
Inside, the air is warmer, and I loosen my shawl. The scents of garlic and herbs make my mouth water. I’ve never been here, and I’m looking forward to tasting the food. The atmosphere spells romance. A flickering candle sits on a white linen covered table. A single rose bud in a small glass vase graces the tabletop too, and soft instrumental music plays. The place is perfect for a dinner date.
The hostess leads us to a table, and we sit. Anticipation hums through me. All I’ve wanted today is to be with him.
John glances over the top of his menu. “How was your day?”
