Page 19 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

“How did it go?” he asked.

“Fine,” I answered. “Kimberly has been juggling a lot, so we had quite a bit of things to catch up on. I think we made good progress today. At least that’s what she said.”

“Good,” he answered. “How did you two get along?”

I raised an eyebrow. Weird question.

“Good, I think.” I wasn’t quite sure what he meant by that. “We didn’t exactly go into chitchatting mode but I like her.”

“Good,” he said as he went to loosen up his tie. My eyes followed the movement, noticing his tan skin. That neck… I never thought a neck on a man could be attractive. I felt my body heat up, imagining what I would do if I was the one loosening his tie.

Reminding myself this was my boss, I stopped my train of thought and looked up into his eyes. Damn man noticed me gawking at him. I swear he noticed my every move! He was just staring like he was waiting for something.

“Is that all?” I asked, my voice husky. I need to keep my distance from this man.

“I asked if you had lunch,” was his reply. I thought back and realized I didn’t. How the hell did I miss eating?

“Ah, no… not sure how I missed lunch?” I mumbled. “Oh well, it is almost dinner time anyhow.” He rose from his desk and came around to me.

“Let’s go grab dinner,” he said. “Do you think you have time? It will be a quick one.”

I looked at him unsure. It was my first day working for him, and already he was moving on to having dinner together, while I am imagining taking off his clothes. This is not going well.

“I’m not sure if that is a good idea,” I started.

“Gemma, it is just a quick dinner,” Kristoff said. “I promise I’ll keep you in check and won’t let you seduce me.”

I looked at him in shock. “I would never…” I noticed his smile and realized he was teasing me. Ok, maybe half teasing me since I was mentally stripping his clothes off.

I glanced at my watch. My mother-in-law was watching my girls till eightish at our house. Thankfully, we had a good relationship, and the girls adored her. I often wondered if she was aware of Jack’s faults but I never brought it up. At times I would have sworn I’d see a pity on her face when she’d see Jack and I together, although I wasn’t sure who she was pitying.

“Ok,” I answered thinking I had enough time for a quick dinner. “Just to prove to you there is nothing to keep in check. Let me just check my phone.” He followed behind me as I went to grab my purse and checked my text messages. I confirmed Sienna messaged that they were all picked up by their grandma, and she was at our house with her sisters.

“All good?” he asked.

“Yep,” I answered. His hand was on the small of my back as he guided me out of the office. We entered the elevator together, his hand still on my back. He smelled so good, and his warmth made me tingle all over. I was certain dinner with him was not a good idea at all.

As we walked out of the elevator, and out of the building into the fresh air, I shot a quick message back to Sienna telling her I got her message, and I wouldn’t be much longer.

We crossed the street, and a few feet away was a fancy looking restaurant. It looked packed and I hoped he didn’t have in mind a quick dinner there, because there would be nothing quick about that line. Sure as hell, that’s where we went.

I turned to look at him, and he was nodding at someone, although I couldn’t see who.

When he looked at me, I finally said, “Ummm… I don’t think this is going to be quick. Maybe we should do this some other time?”

No sooner did I say that, a hostess came over and said, “Mr. Baldwin, we have a table ready for you.”

I looked at Kristoff in surprise but decided to just follow the hostess since he was nudging me with his hand on my back.

When we were seated, we got our menus, and the waiter promised he would be over momentarily to take our order. I opened the menu and was shocked at the prices. I looked up to Kristoff to complain, but then decided against it when I saw him looking at me.

“See anything you like?” he asked.

“Ah, yes…” I’ll just get the cheapest thing. The waiter came and I ordered my chicken Caesar salad, and a glass of water. Kristoff didn’t look too happy for whatever reason, but to his credit, he said nothing. He ordered a filet mignon for himself and an appetizer I didn’t quite catch.

When the waiter was gone, Kristoff fixed his look on me, and I was at the point of feeling uncomfortable.

“You are too skinny,” he commented.

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