Page 11 of Designs on You

“Okay, this is where I admit that I’m not good with all the button-pushing and stuff.”

He laughed. “That’s all right. I can help. Invite me over some night and I’ll bring several games. And I’ll help push your buttons.”

Did he do that on purpose or was it some innocent comment that she read as a double entendre?

No doubt it was her imagination. What with the divorce andall the arguing she and Sean had done prior to the divorce, sex had been nonexistent for more than a year. To be honest, well before that, too. It wasn’t a surprise that it was prominent on her mind, especially in the company of a very hot guy.

A very hot younger guy, Natalie. He’s not for you.

Yeah, whatever. She could still enjoy looking at him.

“Sure. How about next Saturday? I have the kids next weekend and nothing on the agenda Saturday night.”

He pulled out his phone and typed something in. “You’re on my calendar.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind spending a Saturday night with my kids? They can be a lot.”

His lips curved. “I like kids. I’ll bring games. We’ll have fun.”

That’s what a lot of people who didn’t have kids said. They were so clueless. “Okay. I’ll make dinner.”

“Even better. It’s a date.”

He popped a chip in his mouth like what he’d just said meant nothing. Which, to him, it probably had. And, actually, it wasn’t a date at all since her kids would be there.

It was going to be fun. Just fun. With her kids.

And she’d learn how to play video games.

So much fun.

CHAPTER FIVE

Eugene had spent the week in meetings and planning and writing code. He’d buried himself in his office, working on the calendar, meeting with his teams so they had the appropriate direction they needed, and planning out the next six months so everyone would know what they were supposed to be working on. So far, it was all going well.

He’d assembled a team of the best in the business, which had been one of his requirements. Fortunately, a lot of the best in the business had jumped right on board the project, which made his job a hell of a lot easier. And doing what he did was fun, too. He didn’t have to wander around, managing people. From art to production to code, everyone was more than competent at their jobs.

But he had to admit he was happy when they finished off the week. His brain was tired and he needed a break. He took his team out Friday night for dinner and drinks, where they all talked about anything and everything but work. They discussed movies and games and their families, giving Eugene a chance to get to know all of them on a more personal level.

He needed to know his people, not just wave and smile as theypassed each other in the hall. Getting to know his team members had always been a priority.

After a very long dinner, he’d gone home, played a few games, then gone to bed, immediately passing out.

Saturday morning he got up and went to the gym for an intense workout, followed by a stop at the local coffee shop for a drink and a muffin. He sat in the shop and ate while scrolling through his phone, answering some emails.

He’d had his favorite locations for coffee and breakfast in San Francisco. Since he’d moved here, he’d tried a few spots, but this one seemed to be good. It was busy but not noisy, which meant he could kick back and conduct business while he enjoyed his muffin and coffee. Plus he’d always liked people watching, and this place provided plenty of that.

After he finished up, he headed to the grocery store to get some essential food items for next week. Fortunately, he didn’t have to clean since that service was one of the benefits of his executive rental, which he appreciated. But he did have to do laundry, a necessary evil.

When he finished folding the last load, his phone buzzed, and he picked it up to see a call from Natalie.

“Hey,” he said.

“Hi. I thought you should know the kids go to bed about nine. I know you wanted to play games and all, so I thought we’d do dinner around five, if that’s not too early for you.”

“It’s not too early. Can I bring something?”

“No, I’ve got it all taken care of.”

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