Page 11 of Flirt Away

“She could simply be embarrassed,” Darcie said. “I’ve never been to the club and have no intention of ever going, but I have a few friends who are members, and I know it can be hard-core.”

“Sweetheart, you’re making this adventure enthusiast want to try it more.” Reid laughed, holding up his hands. “I’m joking.”

“You better be.” Darcie nailed him dead center in the chest with her index finger.

“I am, but my darling wife has a good point. This girl is probably embarrassed, especially if she initiated the sexual contact, in your club, knowing she could have been on a date with you. That makes it so very personal.”

“I know. That’s why I should have stopped her,” Zane said. “But I was so attracted to her.”

“Was thisshe’s hot; I want to get laidattraction?” Darcie asked. “Or the kind of desirability that gets under your skin, that you can’t shake and that keeps you thinking about a person at night.”

“The latter,” Zane said. “While I enjoyed what happened, I don’t care about it. What I want is to get to know her, but she won’t respond, and now I’m coming off as desperate and pathetic. I honestly don’t know what to do.”

“Is she the kind of woman who might be into flowers?” Reid asked.

“I have no idea. I asked a mutual friend about that and chocolates. I’m waiting to hear back since I don’t want to make it worse for myself,” Zane said.

“That’s smart.” Darcie sipped her water. “But I’d also stop texting and calling. At least for a day or two. Give her time and space to consider her feelings about what happened. And you have to be prepared to let this go.”

Zane lowered his head and his gaze. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

“Why not?” Darcie asked.

“I know this won’t make any sense, but I care about her like I haven’t cared for anyone in years.”

“Then don’t make the mistake we made,” Reid said. “Hound her until she hears you.”

5

Dixie sat on her back patio overlooking Lake Washington outside of Seattle with a tall glass of white wine and a low-calorie snack. She’d been really good with food all week, and she wouldn’t ruin it now. Still, she wasn’t about to give up alcohol.

Not tonight.

She’d spent the last five days avoiding the texts on her phone and the three voice messages from Zane.

She knew she needed to respond. His messages were sweet and kind, and he seemed concerned about her feelings.

She topped off her wine and took a few more sips before lifting her cell and finding the string of texts from Zane.

Zane:I got your number from your interview paperwork. Call me. Please.

Zane:Why did you run out? We should talk. Please call me.

Zane:I don’t like how we left things. Please. I just want to talk.

Zane:Dixie. I just want to talk. That’s all.

Zane:Call me. Please. I’m begging. I can’t stand how you ran out.

Zane:I just called and left you a long-winded message. I feel really bad about you leaving the way you did. Call me. Or text. Just let me know if you’re okay.

She didn’t bother reading the rest of the messages since they were more of the same, nor did she relisten to the voicemails Zane had left. She owed him an explanation and it would be better in person.

Dixie:Sorry I’ve been ignoring you. I have no excuse. You didn’t deserve that. Are you available tonight to meet and talk?

Bubbles appeared immediately.

Zane:Yes. I’m not working this evening. Where would you like to meet and when? I’m free now and for the rest of the night. Name the place and time and I will be there.

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