Page 36 of Giovanni
The wave of relief is short-lived when she mentions competition.Instead of responding directly to her question, I find myself typing my own, driven by a flicker of worry about this guy or anyone else who might come between what Kacie and I are starting.
Should I be worried?
No, O.G. I’ve only got eyes for you.
That she’s using my bedroom nickname pleases me, chasing away my doubts and solidifying that we’re on the same page.
Good girl.
I stroll over to the wall of windows, watching as the setting sun casts a golden glow on the office buildings opposite mine. Below, a steady stream of cars and buses hustle through the downtown streets, everyone eager to leave the city behind for their evening commutes home.
Can I pick you up?
I’m eager to see her, flicking my wrist to check the time and noticing it’s a little after five. The first day I met her, she said she often worked past the janitorial staff cleaning the building. I hope she can tear herself away from the office to join me.
I’ve got a little surprise for you.
I add to my text to entice her. We did talk about seeing each other tonight when I walked her to her car last night, but I failed to set a time. Something I regret and will be more diligent in doing.
When?
Now!
I stare at her building in the distance, willing her to leave it and head straight here. If she needs to continue working after dinner, I’ll clear off my office desk for her. I just want to be around her, spend time with her, and kiss those luscious lips. Maybe convince her to go around or two to release some stress. It’s all on the table if she would just get here.
I’m excited to see you.
I follow up my demand with a softer text. The dinner is fine in the warming drawer for another hour but won’t taste as good. The wine is open and breathing as we speak. All I’m missing is her.
Let me finish a few things, and then I’ll walk over.
Walk?
With the sun setting and crime at an all-time high in this city, I certainly don’t like the idea of her walking over. Despite the traffic continuing to pour out of downtown for the next hour, there was a stabbing in broad daylight a couple of blocks fromhere, in between her building and mine, so walking is out of the question.
I’ll pick you up. Be outside in 30 minutes.
I don’t mean for it to come out as a command, but when she replies:
Yes, Sir!
I realize I came off a little intense. I quickly send another message, hoping to soften the tone of my last text.
Didn’t mean to sound bossy. Just concerned about you walking the streets. Not safe.
Her reply is swift, which I appreciate.
I walk the streets at night all the time. See you in a bit.
That doesn’t absolve my worry. It only heightens it. I plan on asking her more about this over dinner. I just got her. I don’t want anything happening to her, especially with the types of criminals she puts away. It makes me wonder if she carries a handgun for protection. Maybe this is something else we can do together, as I’ve had my license since I turned eighteen. Having grown up around guns, I’m well-versed in gun safety. I make a mental note to add that to the list.
I start preparing to leave, double-checking everything for our evening and blowing out the candles. The thought of Kacie walking through the door, seeing her smile as she takes in the surprise, keeps playing in my mind as I head out.
The drive to her office is quick, the streets still bustling with the evening commute. I pull up to the curb at the front of her building, my eyes scanning the entrance for her. Finally, I see her stepping out, a sight that instantly brings a smile to my face.
She spots me and waves, heading toward the truck where I have the seat heat waiting for her. Her arms are loaded with her purse, a briefcase, and another bag, more than she should be straddled with in her high heels and still swollen ankle.
I jump out the door, round the car, and take everything from her. The sigh of relief and the brief kiss on her lips yields a grateful smile from her. I open her door, help her in and then place all her items in the seat behind her. Once she’s secured, with her seat belt fastened, I close the door and round the truck to jump in beside her.
