Most guys I've dated only wanted the physical stuff—not that I've ever done anything. I'm still a virgin, but still. I could tell by the way they looked at me and tried to touch me that all they cared about was scoring. They never took the time to really know me. That's why none of my "relationships" ever went very far.
But Jack...he's different. When we talk, he listens intently, like every word out of my mouth is important. And he remembers the little details—my favorite cafe and the fact that I love old jazz.
A knock at my door makes me jump. It's Jack, leaning against the frame with two cups of coffee in hand.
"Thought you could use a pick-me-up," he says with a grin.
My heart flutters as I take the cup. "You didn't have to do that."
He shrugs. "Wanted to. Besides, gives me an excuse to see that smile of yours."
Heat rushes to my cheeks. We chat for a few minutes about work and plans for the weekend, but I can barely string two words together. The way he looks at me so intently, like I'm the only woman in the world...it thrills me and terrifies me at the same time.
Too soon, he glances at his watch. "Better get back. But let's grab dinner soon, yeah?"
"I'd love that," I say breathlessly.
With another heart-stopping grin, he's gone, and I'm left dizzy.
I watch Jack walk away, my eyes lingering on his broad shoulders and confident stride. A warmth spreads through me at the thought of having dinner with him soon.
As I sit back down at my desk, I find myself daydreaming about him. What's his life like outside of work? Does he like to cook or prefer takeout? What kind of music and movies does he enjoy?
I realize how little I know about him, even though we've been casually flirting for weeks now. Our conversations always seem to revolve around work or harmless small talk. I want to dig deeper, to really get to know the man behind those piercing blue eyes.
When Jack passes by my office later, I seize the opportunity. "Working hard or hardly working?" I tease.
He laughs. "A little of both. You?"
"Same old. Hey, random question—what's your favorite book?"
Jack raises an eyebrow, looking pleasantly surprised by the personal inquiry. "Well, I'm a big sci-fi nerd," he admits. "My all-time favorite is Dune."
"No way, I love that book!" I gush. "Didn't peg you for a sci-fi guy."
"There's a lot you don't know about me yet," he says with a playful glint in his eyes.
I lean against the door frame, intrigued. "I'd love to learn more over dinner soon."
Jack’s eyes register surprise at my directly, and I flush. Oh my god, did I really just do that? I can’t believe I just asked him out so flippantly.
Just as I’m ready to have the earth swallow me whole, Jack puts me at ease.
"It's a date," he says, his voice deeper than ever before and a look in his eyes that makes my breath catch.
With a wink, he heads back to his desk, leaving me buzzing with curiosity.
I can't wait to peel back the layers and get to know the real Jack. Our flirtation is fun, but it's time to make a real connection. I have a feeling he's worth discovering.
* * *
I spend the rest of the afternoon in a giddy daze, distracted by thoughts of Jack. I can't stop picturing his handsome face, his muscular arms, his endearing smile. My mind wanders, imagining what it would feel like to be wrapped up in those strong arms, to feel his lips against mine...
I feel my cheeks flush and remind myself to slow down. Our flirtation is innocent so far. No need to get carried away.
But when Jack comes by later to confirm dinner plans, I feel a spark of electricity shoot through me as we lock eyes.
"How's tomorrow night sound?" he asks.