Page 13 of The Write Knight

“Wow, I was not expecting that. I don’t know what Iwasexpecting, but it definitely wasn’t that. But damn, I’m happy for you, man! I never thought I would see the day that one woman caught your attention like that,” he replies, then adds, “Just be careful. I don’t want you to get taken advantage of. It’s hard for us to know the good ones from the gold diggers,” he winces as he says it. I know he means well, and he can’t possibly understand that Lizzie isn’t like that at all. But he will get a chance to get to know her because I don’t plan to let her go anytime soon.

“Hey! Is she the black-haired woman from the club you introduced me to?” he asks quickly, as if it just registered to him that he may have already met her. I nod and smile.

“Yes, that was her.” He lets out a whistle, and I glare at him from across the desk.

“Don’t even think about it. She’smine.” He holds his hands up in defense.

“Dude, I don’t want your girl. I was just saying she is a looker!” I don’t even want him to talk about her like that. I don’t want any man to look at her like that.Wow, when did I get so possessive?It’s such a weird feeling to have. But no one else is going to be looking at her the way I do. She’s mine.

“Do you remember the stories about mom and dad andtheir ‘love at first sight’ chemistry when they met in high school?” I ask. He nods and looks out of the large windows in my office. He sighs, and I can see the emotion in his eyes. He took our father’s passing the hardest, I suppose, because he is the youngest.

Sebastian let's out a deep sigh, gets up to leave, and comes to pat me on the back, “Well, I guess that’s enough of us wasting work time, brother. Better get back to it. See you in the board meeting later,” he comments, as he strolls out of my office, closing the door.

I glance at the clock and see that Lizzie is probably at the bookstore now, so I decide to send her a text.

Miles:I am available several nights this week. Would you like to have dinner on Wednesday?

I wait and watch as the message goes from delivered to read, and then I see the three dots that means she’s typing something. I smile as I wait.

Lizzie:Good morning to you, too! Wednesday works. I leave the bookstore around five. What did you have in mind?

I chuckle; she’s a spit fire. I suppose I should have said something like “Good morning,” but I was more focused on when I could see her again. Ineedto see her again. I need to hold her and kiss her perfect lips.

Miles:Forgive me. Good morning, beautiful. I was thinking that I could cook for you. Do you like Italian?

After I send the message, I wonder if it’s too soon for her to come to my home. I mean, I’m not offering so I can sleep with her. But it would give us a more intimate time to get to know one another. As I am about to respond that we can do something else if she prefers, she responds.

Lizzie:Wow, you cook? I can hardly make boxed meals.Lol! I love Italian, by the way. What time? Would you like me to bring anything?

Miles:I do cook, actually. My mother insisted I learn when I was younger. I see that it will be of use, after all. No need to bring anything but yourself. I will pick you up at six.

Lizzie:She sounds like a smart woman. I can’t wait to see you put those skills to use.

Miles:Oh, you will see. Can I call you tonight?

Lizzie:I will be home around nine, from the restaurant. Maybe around ten? Unless you'll be passed out by then.

Miles:No, ten it is. Talk to you then, beautiful. xo

I reread our conversation, and now, I wish it was Wednesday already. But at least I will hear her voice tonight. For now, I’ve got to get to work. This company can’t run itself. I dive back into my emails until it’s time for my meetings. The day quickly passes with all the things I need to get done. By the time the last employee leaves, I check the clock and see that it’s already seven p.m. I shut my computer down and send a text to Thomas that I am ready to leave. I lock my office up and head to the elevators. I have three hours to kill before I get to speak to her.What to do, what to do?

Man, I’ve got it bad.

Chapter 10

Elizabeth

This day is dragging by at snail speed. I keep glancing at my watch, and it only seems like a few minutes pass by every time I look down.

This morning at the bookstore wasn’t bad, especially when I got a small break to text with Miles, when we made plans for our second date. I think I am equally excited and nervous at the idea of seeing his home. I’ve got all kinds of butterflies in my belly when I think of it. I immediately text Sarah and let her know about the second date, and she is all for it. If it wasn’t for her encouragement, I don’t think I could do this. She is always in my corner. Is it moving too fast for us to be alone at his place? My hands begin to sweat just thinking about it. I mean, I definitely want to go; but I'm also crazy nervous because he has this effect on me which makes me want to tell him my life story, then jump him. I rub my hand over my face.I do not need to be thinking about that right now.

Now I’m at the restaurant and it’s a slow Monday. Most of the servers are standing around talking in the back. There aren’t many patrons here tonight, and I’m hoping that maybe I will get out of here sooner. That way, I can get home and take a shower before Miles calls. I’m being silly about a phone call, but I’m nervous about that, too. What if there is awkward silence and neither one of us knows what to say? It will make me start rambling about random things, and that’s the last thing I wantto do. I don’t want him to think I’m crazy.Ugh, I feel the anxiety creeping into my mind.I feel like a teenager with her first crush.Calm down, Lizzie. You have been with him three times now, and there was never an awkward moment. Chill out and get a grip.I take a deep breath and blow it out through my nose. I can do this.

As I’m sitting here thinking to myself, my boss comes over and says that he is cutting my section and one other because there aren’t enough people in the restaurant. I jump up and begin cleaning my tables and closing out all the tabs. I roll some silverware, then head to the lockers to change back into the clothes I had on earlier today. When I’m dressed, I check my phone to see if I have any missed messages or calls and I don’t, so I slide my phone back into my purse and head out the door. Once I’m on the street, the cool air rushes into my lungs. It’s a chilly night, and I didn’t bring a large coat with me today because the weather was nicer when I left the apartment this morning. But that’s how the weather is in November. It could be snowing, or it could be sixty degrees. But right now, there is definitely a nip in the air. I only have a few blocks to walk, so I zip up the thin jacket that I have on and set off. Once I get to my apartment, I feel like a literal ice cube. I am so thankful that I was able to get off early so I can sink into a steamy hot bath instead of taking a shower. My body needs to thaw.

As I walk through the apartment, I see that Sarah must still be at work. That girl is a rockstar, but she is working herself to death. I slug out of my jacket, hang it up, and kick off my heels.Ahhh, so much better. I walk to the kitchen, pouring myself a glass of white wine, then take off to the bathroom to run a bath.

After the room is all steamy and the tub is full, I sink my cold body down into the water. It's marvelous. I have my phone playing some instrumental Christmas music because it’s never too early for Christmas anything. Yes, I am one of those peoplethat, as soon as Halloween is over, Christmas is on full fledge, except for the one day that is Thanksgiving. Then it’s right back to the Christmas music and festivities. I rest my head against the tub and feel my body temperature finally thawing out from the brisk walk to my apartment.

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