Page 68 of Single-Minded
“Do you think you’d ever want to be in a relationship again?” he asks.
“From what my friend Darcy says, you may be the only man on the planet looking for a relationship.”
“Is that a no?” he asks. “Or a yes? Or a maybe?”
“Theoretically,” I say, “the answer is yes. I loved having someone to share my day with, to joke around with, someone who got all my little flaws and weirdnesses and loved me anyway. Things were just so easy with Michael, and I trusted how I felt with him, I trusted our relationship, and now I find out I shouldn’t have. So there’s something in me that doesn’t trust in love, doesn’t trust in my own judgment, doesn’t know if I can ever trust another man.”
“But you’ll never know if you don’t put yourself out there again.”
I nod, as though I’m considering what he just says, but really I’m thinking that putting myself out there has not exactly been a winning strategy for me so far.
“So, you’re not dating anyone?” he asks. I reminisce about the oddball collection of weirdos and jerks I’ve encountered over the last few weeks.
“No,” I say. “Not dating anyone.” I pause. “Well, except for tonight.” He smiles in response and it feels good. But it also feels scary.
“Tonight is perfect,” he says.
“What about you?” I ask. I’m high on adrenaline and oddly thrilled that he’s asking about my dating life. I may have no real practice with relationships with the opposite sex, but I know he’s testing the waters. And that feels flattering and powerful in a way that has my skin flushed and my extremities tingling.
“It’s been a long time,” he says. “I’ve been focused on the idea of opening my new restaurant for a while. I meet a lot of really nice people, but I haven’t met the right person, if you know what I mean. And sometimes I get lost in my work and everything else falls by the wayside.”
“Me too,” I say.
“Lately, though, I haven’t been able to focus at all.”
I laugh. “What’s the trouble?” I ask. “Not enough sleep? Too much stress?”
“The trouble,” he laughs, “is that a lovely and fascinating woman seems to occupy far more of my mind than anything else.”
“Have you tried hypnosis?” I ask, still playing along.
“I’m already hypnotized. And mesmerized,” he says, blue eyes burning into mine. I’m starting to feel a little mesmerized myself.
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He reaches across the table and touches my hand, sending tremors through my body. What is it about this man?
“Alex,” he says, “will you see me tomorrow night?”
“I’d love to,” I say, “but Boudreaux is opening in less than a week. Are you sure you can spare the time?”
He smiles in response. “We can work all day and spend time together at night. Once Boudreaux opens, it will probably be a while before I get another night free. I’d like to spend all the ones I have left with you, if you can stand me.”
“You’re pretty tough to take.” I laugh. “But I’ll consider it.” He grins.
“Thank you very much,cher,” he says. “I’m honored.”
“So am I,” I say laughing.
“Is there anything special you’d like to do this week?” he asks.
“I’m open,” I say.
“Well then, leave it all to me.”
When the waiter brings the check a few minutes later, I reach for it automatically.
Daniel beats me to it.
