Page 23 of Lucky in Love
“So, um – do you have any plans for this evening?”
“Not a single one. Why?”
“Well, we have a welcome dinner tonight, and I can bring someone. I was wondering if you’d like to come with me?”
In my thirty-three years, it’s the first time I’ve thought of a woman as cute, but that’s exactly what Agatha is, standing there uncomfortable as all hell. I consider making her sweat. At the last minute though, I can’t do it.
“Sure, I’d like that. Any particular dress code?”
“Nothing fancy, just smart casual. You know, jeans and a shirt, that kind of thing.”
“Gotcha. Smart casual it is then.”
She surveys her space and deems it ready. Calling out goodbyes to her friends, we head out. I pull up to her building and hop out to open her door and see her into the building.
“I’ll be here to fetch you at seven, yeah?”
“Seven’s perfect. Thanks, Jessen. See you then.”
I take a moment to appreciate the view as I watch her stride to the elevators. Turning to leave, I catch the guy on the desk grinning at me. With a chin lift, I stroll back to my car. Starting her up, I drop the roof, crank up the tunes, and grin all the way back home. I cannot wait for this evening.
10
AGATHA
I’m just putting the finishing touch to my makeup when I hear my buzzer. I feel a flutter of excitement at the thought that I get to spend the evening with Jessen. With a last critical once-over, I go let him in.
I open the door and have to take a moment. Dressed in smart black jeans and a button-down shirt the color of cornflowers, the man takes my breath away. His beard is neatly trimmed, and I wonder what it would feel like against my skin. Soft or scratchy? And would it leave a friction rash?
“Hi. Right on time. I like that.”
He grins. “What can I say? I aim to please.” He hands me a cheerful bunch of flowers.
Touched, I take a moment to smell their fragrance while showing him to enter. “I’ll just pop these in some water, and we can be on our way.”
Watching him saunter into my living room, I have to admit, the back view is almost as good as the front. I know he has to stay fit for his job, and I can definitely appreciate the results. The man fills his jeans out in the best way possible.
Before I can get caught drooling, I close the door and hurry to the kitchen to put my flowers in a vase. While I’m busy, a thought pops into my head.
“Jessen, could we drive with the top down?”
“Ah, yeah. Sure.”
“You sound surprised.”
“I am if I’m being honest. That’s the last thing I thought you’d ask, considering it’ll muss your hair. Which looks great, by the way. As do you.”
Ridiculously pleased, I smile at him. “Thanks. So do you.” The smile he gives me in return makes me forget what I was going to say for a moment. Holy hotness, it’s lethal. “Um, the reason I asked is so I can grab a scarf to protect my hair.”
“Practical and gorgeous – a dangerous combo. I like it,” he says, echoing my words of earlier.
Deciding it best to get going before I jump the man in my living room, I dash for my bedroom, calling out as I go, “I’ll go grab that scarf then. Just be a minute.”
By the time we reach the venue, I’m grateful for the stunning California weather. There’s little to beat the joy of driving in a soft top car, wind blowing through your hair – even if it is covered with a scarf.
A number of people are already seated around the room as Jessen and I make our way over to our table. I’m happy to see one of my friends and her husband are already there. We’ve barely taken a seat when another two of our friends join us.
With great company, good food, and delicious wine, the evening is one of fun and laughter. As with these kinds of events, we reminisce about previous signings and share more than one funny story about moments that stick in our memories. Jessen seems to be having a good time, not appearing bored, for which I’m grateful.
