Page 52 of An Engagement Pact

“What if what?”

“What if I bring you by lunch or something today? We can act all lovey-dovey and make sure she sees us together. That would be enough to stop a lot of women. And if it doesn’t stop her, you’ll have to say something directly.”

He perks up visibly. “Okay, sure. That sounds like a great idea. You really don’t mind?”

“Of course I don’t mind. As long as you’re fine with me showing up like that when you try to keep things only professional at work.”

“I don’t mind at all. Just let me know what time you’re coming, and I’ll make sure to be hanging out where she can see us. Then I can introduce you.”

“Perfect.” I check the time and jump to my feet, leaning over to give him a quick kiss. “I’ve got to hurry, or I’ll be late for Oscar. I’ll text you later with my plans.”

“Sounds good. Have a great morning!”

Both of us are smiling as I put on my shoes and run out the door.

***

ISHOW UP AT DAN’Soffice at 12:40 later that day, carrying a bag from a local sandwich shop and wearing a cute blue sundress and my nicest sandals.

I even wore some makeup and used a flat iron on my hair to get it perfectly sleek and shiny.

Dan works in a large office building on the outskirts of Green Valley. I’ve never been there before, of course, and I’m a little nervous about finding him. But there are signs pointing to the office suite for his company, and then a friendly receptionist directs me once I enter the suite.

I texted him when I was in the parking lot so he’d know I’m on my way up. As promised, he’s hanging out in a common area near several open office doors, chatting with a couple of other people.

“Hey, Vicky,” he calls out when he sees me, his face transforming in a kind of awed joy that takes my breath away.

My returning smile is no doubt rather sappy, but I have no idea how I can help it. And, after all, that’s what we’re supposed to be doing here anyway.

Proving to Carla and the rest of Dan’s colleagues that we’re desperately in love.

Dan meets me as I approach and leans down to kiss me—longer than a normal kiss of greeting. He takes the bag out of my hand and looks me up and down. “You look gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” I’m blushing, but that’s only appropriate. “I don’t need to stay long. I don’t want to distract you from work.”

“It’s fine. I’m on my lunch break. Let me introduce you to some folks.” His voice is a little louder now, clearly bringing the others into the conversation.

I come over, still flushed and smiling, as he introduces me to the three other people Dan was talking to. None of them are Carla, but they’re all friendly and curious and perfectly nice.

Then Dan takes a step toward an open office door. “Hey, Carla, do you want to meet my wife?” He takes my hand to gently pull me over to him. “This is Vicky.”

Carla is probably around thirty. She’s a reasonably attractive redhead, and she pastes on a fake smile as she comes out from behind her desk. “Hey there. Nice to meet you. Dan is so secretive about his personal life that we sometimes wonder if you actually exist.”

“I do,” I say.

At the exact same time, Dan says, “She does.”

We laugh and smile at each other, and Dan leans down to kiss me again. I let him for several seconds before I pull away.

That should clearly get the point across. There’s no reason to rub it in and be cruel.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay longer,” I say, glancing at my phone as if I’m checking the time. “But I have an appointment at one thirty, so I better run. It was nice to meet you all.” I make sure my smile takes in Carla and then the others I’ve met.

Dan walks with me downstairs and to my car. He’s clearly laughing internally.

“Poor thing,” I say, trying to extend my empathy even though I still resent the fact she was making a play for my man. “She might have really been into you.”

“I never gave her any reason to. I promise I never flirted with her.”

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