Page 20 of Glitz & Goals

“So, you showed up at my job to ask for my personal information,” I deadpan.

“You showed up out of the blue and asked me to help peel you out of a tail,” he counters.

“What would you do with my name, if you had it?” I ask.

“Ask you on a date,” he says. “Find out if I was imagining our chemistry the other day.”

“I don’t know. Maybe you’re a stage-five stalker/clinger.”

Elevator Guy grimaces. “Valid concern.”

I’m about to add something else when the elevator comes to a stop. I still haven’t decided my next move, but before I can reach a verdict, the door opens to reveal Dante.

He does a double-take when he sees us. “Oh, hi, Vivian. Have you seen Julie?”

Elevator Guy coughs into his fist. I guess he knows my name now. “She was backstage half an hour ago.”

“Oh, good.” Dante turns on his heel and sets off down the hall.

I take a step toward the door, then wave for Elevator Guy to follow. “You made it this far…” I leave my sentence unfinished, inviting him to offer up his name.

“Grady,” he says.

“Grady,” I repeat. It’s kind of dorky. Not exactly the sort of name you picture yourself howling in bed while riding out the best orgasm of your life, but okay. It’s what we have to work with. I hold out my hand. “Give me your watch, Grady.”

“Oh, uh…” He fishes a phone out of his pocket instead.

“Not a fan of modern tech then?” I ask with a grin, scanning his body until my gaze lands at the bit of gray at his temples. “Iguess that tracks.” I open his phone screen without asking and pull up his contacts list. I snap a quick selfie and type in my number, adding a little mermaid emoji after my name just in case. I save myself as Viv, no last name. Just in case Grady really is a creeper.

I hand Grady’s phone back. “There you go. Text me your address. What are you doing Thursday night at… 7:30?”

Grady’s whole face lights up. “You tell me.”

“I like that can-do attitude.” I study his face. “Tell you what, you can cook for me. Bring your A-game. We’ll see what happens. But I have to give you fair warning. Don’t fall in love with me.”

He bobs his head. “Right. And why not?”

“You’re too old for this to be anything serious,” I tell him. “And I only agreed to onedate. We’ll see how you do.” I blow him a kiss as I back away.

Grady gives me a lopsided smile. If he’s bothered that I called him old, he doesn’t let on. “See you Thursday. I’ll make you dinner. And I bet I can make you change your mind.”

“About what?” I ask.

“About everything.” He turns back to the elevator, and I hurry off to salvage a shark costume, wondering what I’ve just gotten myself into.

Chapter Seven

Grady

The good news: I lined up a date with Vivian.

The not-so-good news: she wants me to cook.

The worst news: I still haven’t unpacked all my crap from the move. My house is still full of boxes, which doesn’t do much in terms of creating a sexy, sensual atmosphere.

The boxes, I can deal with, even if it means hiding a bunch of them in the spare office. Even if I can sufficiently unpack my kitchen supplies, though, I barely cook. I’m a breakfast guy. I’m a dab hand at heating up Trader Joe’s frozen meals. I know how to feed myself well enough to stay in shape, but I’m not exactly a celebrity chef.

On my way out of the Mona Lisa, I try to think of a simple but impressive meal I could make that might raise Vivian’s estimation of me. My usual go-tos aren’t going to cut it. Maybe I can cheat and get some fancy ingredients, like lobster ravioli? Erin and Laura might be able to help with suggestions, but I’ve relied on them too much already.

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