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“Don't mind her. You know she can be like that sometimes. I was hoping to sit with you in the meeting so I came early. I hope that's okay.”
"Sure."
"I'll also be here for the rest of the day, so maybe we could talk a little more about the fundraiser and have lunch together."
He searches my eyes with hope in his. I feel like I should decline and extinguish that hope. Guilt tugs at me for the thought. It's just lunch, and we're at work. That's harmless, right?
We're the kind of friends who do lunch all the time, so I shouldn't think too deeply into the offer and start acting even weirder than things are.
“Okay, let's do that.” I nod.
“Great. I've been hearing a lot of great things about your fundraiser so it would be good to finally catch up about that.” He places emphasis on those last words like he wants to tell me he doesn’t plan to talk about anything else, like the situation with us. “The way I hear it, you’ve amazed everyone with your talents.”
"That’s nice. Last year’s event was a huge success. They raised over a million dollars. I'm hoping to top that."
“I'm sure you will.”
"Thanks for believing in me."
"Always."
This isn't too bad and not as awkward as I worried it would be. If we can keep on like this, I'll be okay. We'll be okay.
Gwen, my manager, calls us all in, and we head into the meeting hall.
Ryan and I sit together and the meeting begins. As soon as Gwen launches into the discussion about the goals she has for the charity I become completely captivated.
I'm so engaged I hardly take note of the fact that Ryan keeps stealing glances at me and looking at my thighs.
All I focus on is the praise Gwen gives the team for their hard work.
Because of all the work we've done over the last few months to get the fundraiser going, all the tickets have now been sold and we've attracted several investors. There will be people attending who are just coming for the chance to buy some of the aged wines that will be in the auction.
Gwen mentions my name several times and I feel so proud of myself for coming up with the idea. It makes me recall when I first decided I wanted to go into this field of work.
I was sixteen. By then I'd forgiven Mom for leaving me, and I wanted to carry on the vision she had for starting the charity. Today I feel like I've accomplished that.
The meeting ends on a high with everyone congratulating me and the team.
We stay inside the meeting hall for another ten minutes saying thank-yous and talking with people about the additional plans we have for the fundraiser.
Eventually Ryan and I get the chance to leave.
“What should we get?" Ryan asks when we walk through the large swinging doors. "Chinese or Italian? The Chinese place on Main does an amazing lunch deal."
“Chinese sounds good. I haven't had that in a long time.”
"Chinese it is, then.” He beams.
We turn the corner, smiling at each other, but we both stop short when we see Hunter leaning against the wall across from us.
Apart from the fact that I thought my husband-to-be was supposed to be away on a business trip, this man never ceases to amaze me. Number one, he's here at my workplace and he could only be here to see me.
Number two, he looks hot. Like, seriously hot in his black biker jacket and black jeans.
This is the first I've seen him look so casual. His hair is ruffled and he's allowed his beard to grow out a little fuller, giving him a rugged appearance.
The look is the opposite of the pristine businessman and more like the sexy tattooed drifter.
