I have been fine on my own for a long time. I don’t need someone in my life.
I immediately see a face in my mind. A pretty one. She has blonde hair and big blue eyes that could take a man out at the knees.
I pull my attention back in the next breath and grab the first file from the stack on the corner of my desk.
There is work to do. I’m not wasting time on bullshit.
31
Carla
I’ve decided on my sophisticated black dress.
It’s simple, just above the knee, with a wrap front and thin straps. I’m in low heels because my feet are still a bit sore.
I put on some lipstick and decide that I look pretty good, all things considered.
I stare at my reflection for a moment longer, then grab my bag and head out.
It’s going to be good. No, it’s going to be great.
Flint is already outside when I come down. He messaged me a few minutes ago to say that he was here. His SUV is parked alongside the curb. He told me that the restaurant we are going to is upmarket, so he wouldn’t be bringing his bike.
I assumed that meant I should be wearing a dress.
I’m feeling off-kilter, which is okay considering this is our first date.
He gets out of the vehicle when he sees me, and he looks really good.
He’s in charcoal trousers and a white dress shirt which is open at the collar. He takes off his dark jacket and slings it over one arm. He’s tall and broad and genuinely attractive. He’s the kind of man who turns heads. I know it firsthand.
I wait for some flutter in my chest, some small spark. Something to confirm that this dinner is a good idea and get nothing.
Sweet F-all.
Not a whisper of anything.
What is wrong with me? Last I checked, I had red blood.
“You look great,” he says, coming around the front of the car.
“Thank you.” I smile at him. “So do you.”
He smiles back and opens the passenger door, and I get in.
His car is nice. There is a song running low through the speakers. He pulls out smoothly, and we head toward the restaurant.
“There is more rain expected later,” he says. “I didn’t think the bike would work.”
“No worries. This is nice. Gives us a chance to…um…talk.”
I can’t think of a single topic.
“We’ve had a lot of rain lately.” I wince inwardly because we’re talking about the weather.
“You’re telling me. I could do with a full day of sun for a change.”
“Yep.” I look out of the window. “Would be nice.”
