Quickly, I grab a towel and dab my face, then fight the urge to walk off my nervous energy.
There’s no reason I should be nervous. It’s only a date with my boss I’ve been seeing all day. But I am.
My stomach’s coiling and my heart’s thumping faster.
I glare at the clock, willing it to become seven p.m. so I can be put out of my misery.
Why do I feel so weird?
Chance and I shared that fun lunch a couple of days ago. I wasn’t nervous about that. Why now?
I walk over to the room and stand before the floor-length mirror. The matte green evening gown hugs my skin like a loving caress, but is free enough that I can move easily. The emeraldstuds in my ear complement the simple look. As does my hair packed up and away from my face in a cute little updo.
There. I look… like I’m about to go on a real date with someone I actually like.
And I’m feeling a rush of nerves like it.
I drop into the bed and recite the words.
“This means nothing. It’s only a date.”
The grind of car tires on asphalt brings my head up. The engine shuts off and a door bangs.
He’s here.
Swallowing down my nerves, I grab my purse and head to the front door. A soft knock slips through right before I open it.
My… world.
He’s in a warm brown short-sleeved button-down, paired with darker slacks and boots.
I’m sure my mouth is open and my eyes are wide. But I can’t stop.
All my nerves have disappeared, leaving a tremor that rushes through me all brought about by the sight of him.
I meet his eyes and my knees grow weak.
His deep blue gaze is smoky as it glides over me.
I’m torn between running away from the energy sizzling between us and skipping into his arms, begging him to take me.
Before I can do either very stupid things, he breaks the silence.
“You look amazing.” It’s a whisper, a rumble.
My heart stutters. “And so do you.”
His lips quirk. “You ready?”
I nod, unable to speak. He reaches out a hand and I place my palm in it.
Our eyes meet and I know he feels it too.
The electricity sizzling between us.
I only hope I can get through tonight without doing something stupid.
On the ride to the restaurant, I remind myself it’s only a date. Over and over.
