Page 39 of Dropping the Ball

This wouldn’t turn into another crush. There’s a good chance Micah would . . . reciprocate. I’ve had a serious relationship. I know the signs.

I also know that for the next six months, I don’t have the time. Literally. Where would I fit a relationship while I’m working and studying sixty hours a week?

I won’t disappoint Madison by losing focus, and I won’t delay the bar exam again to make time to possibly date someone that I only have a hunch might be interested in dating me.

You know who puts their career on a one-year pause after three grueling years of law school for a sister? A good sister. You know who puts it on pause for another six months for a guy? A weak woman.

That’s not me.

I pull into work five minutes later, blaring Ciara’s “Level Up,” and walk into the office, boss energy on blast.

Suz jumps up from the desk when I walk in, Big Director energy in place. “Please tell me you have more pictures of that yummy baby besides the announcement Madison emailed.”

I grin, happy to share the picture loot. Khôi, the accountant, and Aisha, our communications director, rush over to see, and after everyone has had their fill of the boss’s baby, I walk into my office.

And stop cold.

All the framed photos that were leaning against the wall are now hanging on them instead, and if I’d had any doubt who did it, a small plant stand now sits behind my desk with a lucky bamboo on it. The stand is a striking brass-toned geometric structure of soldered wire I’m sure came from a demolished building.

Micah.

Maybe I’m not as strong as I thought.

Chapter Fifteen

Micah

I’m not sure Iget Kaitlyn.

Maybe I get her as much as anyone ever does. Like in high school, when seeing her instead of looking past her like so many people did made me feel like I knew a secret: She was an undercover stunner, and the otherwise-smart boys at our school were big-time blind.

It’s no secret now. She’s polished to a shine, and the way she carries herself draws the attention of everyone in a room before she even says a word.

It could just be me. I don’t think so.

I lean against the door of the warehouse, the last one to leave. It’s been over a week since we started construction, and it’s been that long since Kaitlyn has stopped in. She texted to thank me for sprucing up her office, and I’ve sent her two progress updates so far, photos of the work, hoping it would prompt her to say she was coming for a site visit.

She hasn’t.

She hasn’t, and this is definitely the first time I’ve ever wished that a client had a habit of popping in.

I turn off the overhead lights and set the lock, wondering what I should do about Kaitlyn.

I’m into her. Again. I’ve got better dating skills than I did in high school. We’re already on better footing than we were then with our friendship truce.

Option: Do nothing and take my lead from Kaitlyn.

No. I’m not a passive guy.

Option: Wait until this project is done, then ask her out.

Possibly. I’m a patient guy.

Option: Ask her out now.

Yes. This is what I want.

Risks don’t scare me, and this isn’t a big one. Either she says yes or she says no. But never asking her versus getting rejected have the same outcome: no Kaitlyn. Never asking? That only leaves regrets. What ifs? Nah. Not my thing.

---