“Did you decide what school you’re going to attend in the fall?” he asks as he lounges back in his chair. I can’t believe it. We had that conversation over three months ago, the last time he was here.
“You remembered?” I can’t stop the smile from spreading across my face.
“I’m in the business of not forgetting.” He skims his tie slowly between his thumb and index finger. Lucky tie.
“It’s between the University of Miami, NC State, and Hawaii,” I tell him.
“Inclined to warm weather.”
I pout my lip. “I’ve never been away from the East Coast. I wanted a change. I plan to visit Europe next summer.”
“Ambitious.”
His responses are so simple, so controlled, yet so inveigling it feels like I’m falling into a trance.
“I want more than a two-bedroom apartment shared by four people,” I divulge meekly.
“I admire your aspirations. Do you know what you’re going to study?”
“Logistics.”
“Thinking about starting your own import/export? I’d hire you.” His gaze is heavy, probing almost. Is it suddenly hot in here?
“Well, thank you for the vote of confidence. But I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I just know it’s an open field. And something I’ve come to learn.”
“Do what you know?”
“Something like that.”
Kayne nods, glancing at his watch. “Crap, Ellie, I have to go.”
“I understand.” We both stand up, our chests landing an inch apart. I stop breathing.
Kayne stares down at me with those mesmerizing eyes. “Thank you for sharing your lunch with me.”
“Anytime,” I breathe. Inhaling the clean scent of his expensive cologne. The smell is heady.
“Kayne?”
“Mmmm hmmm, Ellie?” He leans a little closer.
“Are you going to Mark’s party tonight?” I ask, a little lightheaded from his scent and his proximity.
A smile plays on his lips. “I was invited.”
“And are you going?”
“Will you be there?” he counters.
“It depends.”
“On what?”
“If I’ll be spending the evening alone or not.” I stare straight up at him, trying not to waver.
“Are you asking me out, Ellie?”
Am I?
