Page 47 of Love Is an Art
Paul hasn’t mentioned that dinner. Maybe it’s just him as the partner.
“I may have to hang out with my lawyer a significant amount while working on a case, especially if we have to travel,” he says. “It’s a lot easier if I get along with him or her.”
His hand tightens on mine as he stops short.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I thought I saw my ex.”
He drops my hand and stares straight ahead.
I glance at him.Why did he just drop my hand? Did he see his ex? Does he not want her to see him holding hands with someone else?
The streetlights glow up ahead as we turn to walk down my street. It’s quiet now, just the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees.
He’s biting his lip, as if deep in thought.
What happened?
That kiss … that kiss wasso good.
We reach the front door of my brownstone building, and I unlock the door, holding it open for him to pass in front of me to grab the paintings. I follow him, letting the door close behind me.
“Look, I have to admit something,” I say, then realize I’m talking to the back of his head.
He picks up the paintings, scoots past me, and pulls the front door back open.
He turns to face me. “I have to admit something too. I like you, but I’m still messed up from my last relationship. I’m going to call it a night. I had fun. I hope I can see you Thursday, but if not, another day soon.” He smiles, a bit crookedly.
“Oh. I see. Of course. I had fun too.”What happened in his last relationship?
No upstairs. I feel bereft.
Wait.
I was worried about what to do when he kissed me goodbye, but he isn’t going to kiss me at all?
He steps out into the foyer, the Fresh Direct bag on his shoulder. He waves goodbye.
Are we done? Are we going to be just friends?That kiss was amazing. What happened? Did henotthink that kiss was amazing?
He’s out the front door and gone. Like he’s running for his dear life.
And I didn’t get a chance to tell him I’m a lawyer.
Chapter fourteen
Zeke
Iclicktoleavethe Zoom meeting where three marketing companies made their pitch for Comidas en Canasta’s business. The team is going out to lunch now in Mexico City. I’ll check in later to see which one they decided to hire.
I put down my headphones and stare at my screen. My two monitors light up with data flows. Around me, the trading floor is humming. I quickly eat a sandwich I picked up on my way in.
I regret not kissing Tessa again. But that last kiss was so hot, it wouldn’t have ended there.When she relaxed and melted against me … to pull back was hard.
I’m glad we were out in public.
And not kissing her goodbye seemed like the right way to go. Not to push it. To keep a distance until I am sure.
