Page 12 of Hidden Chance

“No. I mean for you. As far as I know, you’re single. Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Not right now.”

“Do you want to get married someday and have a family?”

“Sure, if the right guy came along.”

“I have a feeling you harbor very high standards.”

“I do. My parents gave me high standards.”

“Your dad died when you were young, right?”

She crossed her arms. “Yes.” Pike didn’t often shy away from telling her what he thought.

“Seeing your parents’ marriage through the eyes of a child would be very different from reality.”

“Is there a point that you’re getting to?”

“I just think it might be good for you to lower your standards once in a while.”

“Once in a while?”

“You’re a beautiful woman. There must be guys lining up to take you out. They don’t need to be your future husband, but you deserve a little fun now and then.”

“Why are you so interested in my love life all of the sudden?”

“Because I’m worried about you. You’ve had your head down, plowing through work, and so focused on the fundraising efforts of this company. You need to have a break.”

“I’m fine.”

“Oh yeah? Got any plans for the rest of your evening?”

“You mean besides going home and heating up some leftovers?”

“Thank you. You made my point. Please let there be something else. Please.”

“There’s not.”

“That’s terrible.”

“I don’t mind it at all.”

“I’m sorry, Hannah, but I can’t leave you to this devastating fate. I’m almost done here. Let me take you to dinner.”

“Uh.” That caught her off guard. Pike had often bordered on flirting with her, but he’d never crossed the line and certainly never asked her on a date. She was flattered in a small way. He was an attractive man, but his character outside of the office left much to be desired. And that was by Pike’s own admission.

“I wasn’t asking you out on a date. Just dinner with a coworker.”

“I know.”

He laughed. “You should tell that to your face.”

“Sorry, your invitation was unexpected, but appreciated. But I’m tired and was looking forward to a night in. Maybe another time.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

She suppressed a groan. That’s what she got for trying to be polite instead of being clear and saying no. “Goodnight.”

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