As I search my closet, I decide to wear my favorite dress. It’s black and simple and fits me like a dream. No boots are necessary, even though the temperature is cold; since the hotel should have underground parking, I won’t have to walk far. High heels make my legs look great, but they don’t perform well in the winter. I apply my makeup and then brush my hair.
Looking good.
My phone buzzes with another text.
John:I may have a surprise for you tonight. Nothing big, but a little something.
My heart flutters with anticipation. I reply:
Me:I love your surprises, but you know you don’t have to do that, right? Being with you is enough. Though, I’d never say no to dessert.
I don’t know what kind of surprise he could’ve come up with so quickly, but dessert would be nice. Another text arrives.
John:I know, but where’s the fun in that? Besides, you deserve to be spoiled. See you soon!
Since Grandpa died, I’ve stopped being spoiled, but I could get used to it again. As I wait for John to arrive, I play with Powerfluff. “I’m so happy things worked out the way they have.”
My cat tries to catch the feathers at the end of my stick.
“I’ve learned not to let my first impression or second or tenth make me judge someone.”
Powerfluff pounces on the feathers, but I’m too quick, so she misses catching it. She meows.
“Keep trying, sweetie.”
She does.
“Good girl. I’m not giving up, either.” I always thought I deserved better but did nothing about feeling that way. No more.
I move the stick slower so Powerfluff can catch the feathers.
The doorbell rings, and I nearly break out in a dance. “Mama loves you, pretty girl. See you later.”
I put away the cat toy, where Powerfluff can’t reach it, blow her a kiss, and skip to the door. I can’t wait to find out what my surprise is.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
John
Standing in front of Abby’s door, I fidget with my tie. Not only do I want to look presentable—okay, attractive—but the velvet box in my pocket feels heavier than it should. She said would be happy with dessert—I love her sweet tooth—but I want to do more than that. She deserves more—everything.
Abby opens the door, and one look at her in a stylish black dress makes my breath catch.
“You look… Wow,” I stammer, eliciting a radiant smile from her.
“So do you, boss man. Since this is sort of a work dinner, I thought I should call you by your position,” she teases, reaching up to straighten my tie, which I thought was already straight. Oh, well…
As she lowers her arm, I grab her hand and bring it to my lips. I kiss each of her knuckles. “Ready for dinner?”
Her eyes sparkle. “Oh so ready.”
On the drive to the restaurant, I steal glances at Abby. “I never thought I’d be this excited about a work dinner.”
“You mentioned that, but I thought you were trying to woo me with your fancy connections.”
I grin, playing along. “Consider it a performance review with an amazing view, appetizers, and your choice of beverage.”
“In that case,” she says, her tone mock-serious, “I hope I get a raise by the time we finish.”
