Page 6 of The Situation
“Whose side are you on, Kelly Kapowski?”
I fight a giggle at the name and his obliviousness to it. “I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m just the casual, neutral observer. But if he’s such a prick, have you considered looking for another job?”
“I can’t. It’s complicated.”
What’s that supposed to mean?“What about asking him for a transfer? Tell him you feel stagnant, and your creative juices could be used better in a new position. Anyone in management should appreciate your honesty. Besides, you perform best when doing something you want to do.”
His eyes sweep the length of my body. “You’re right. When I do what I want, my performance is unbeatable.”
Oh my God.My heart flutters wildly as I absorb the heat in his gaze. That line has several solid comebacks, but for the life of me, I can’t think of one.
“On a serious note,” he says, “if I tell anyone I can use mycreative juices in a new position, it won’t be my boss.”
I laugh. “Okay, maybe you shouldn’t use that phrase at all.Juicesaren’t very sexy.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.”
“I’d challenge you to usejuicesin a sentence and make it sexy, but now probably isn’t the right time.” I glance up at the flight attendant, waiting for our drink order. “Another water for me, please.”
“Me, too. Thank you.” Tate throws her for a loop with his smile before returning to me. “I’ll take up that challenge when we have more privacy. But, for now, back to romance novels. Do you always read them, or is this a one-off?”
“A one-off?” I gasp in faux horror. “I’m firmly in my romance era, thank you very much.”
“Aren’t women always in their romance era?”
“All of the ones who want a happy ending,” I say with a wink.
“There are places besides romance novels to get those, you know.”
“Yes, and half of the places that advertise them lie.”
He lifts a brow and smirks. “There are still half who deliver beyond expectations.”
“And they always believe their product is the best on the market, so it costs too much to be worth the risk.”
He leans toward me, his eyes shifting from blue to green so wildly that it’s impossible to look away. “I happen to know of a happy ending free trial going on this weekend.”
I burst out laughing, pulling away from him.
I take my new drink from the flight attendant and hand her my original water glass, making a concerted effort not to touch Tate.
Although I’m sure he’s just playing with me, this back-and-forth is just what I need. I haven’t admitted it to Jamie or anyone, for that matter, but I’ve been a little scared about the whole dating thing. It’s been so long since I’ve done it, and my experience is so little to begin with. It’s only been a few weeks since the official end of my marriage, and I’ve felt a little frozen.
But this conversation with Tate?The ice is melting away.
“I didn’t see a wedding ring,” he says. “Does that mean there’s no Mr. Kapowski?”
I laugh. “Is that your slick way of asking if I’m married?”
He takes a drink, watching me over the rim. “I just want to know if I have any competition.”
“Competition? For what?”
“For you.”
This charming bastard.“You are so full of shit.”
“Am I?”
