Was I dreaming? What was happening right now? This man, who found me to be obnoxious and a lot of other negative wordsmy brain couldn’t conjure up, was asking me to go to New York City and rub elbows with the elite? New York! I’d never been there. It was on my traveling bucket list, though.
“Sam?”
Oh, right. Words. “You want to take me to your fancy party?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t really have anything to wear. I mean, I have the suit I bought for my parents’ funeral four years ago, but?—”
“I will happily get you a tuxedo. I spoke with Aldo while you were working, and he said he would be able to get one tailored for you in time.”
He’d talked to Aldo. “You don’t have to pay for my tuxedo.”
“Under the circumstances, I feel it’s only fair. I’m springing this on you last minute, and it would mean being away from work for a weekend.”
A whole weekend. “Are…are you sure you want me to go with you?”
He tilted his head to the side. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“Aside from the fact that I annoy you, I’m me and you’re…” I motioned at his body. “You.”
“Now that we know who each of us is, what are you saying, Sam?”
“I don’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends, or risk saying something that might make them not help your companies.”
He cut through the air with his hand. “I’m not worried about that.”
“You’re not?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because while you can be a bit exuberant at times, people, as a whole, adore you. I’m sure my colleagues will be charmed.”
Oh, my God. Did he just compliment me?“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“Okay, yes, I’d love to go with you. Just give me the exact date, so I can tell Mr. Johnson. I don’t want to leave him in the lurch.”
“I will send all the details to your phone.”
“That would be great.” Excitement bubbled in my stomach. “Besides my tux, what else should I wear?”
His brow dipped. “Clothes, Sam.”
I chuckled. “I know, but like, what kind of clothes?”
“Ones that will keep you warm. It’s getting colder, and the environment in the city can be unforgiving.”
“So, no rules like I can’t wear jeans?”
He shook his head. “Aside from the gala, wear whatever you feel comfortable in.”
I wanted to joke and say pajamas, but I could tell Lukas was slightly on edge.
“Sounds good. Wow, thanks for asking me, Lukas. I’m looking forward to it.”
