“I know what you mean. I hoped you’d enjoy tonight, but I wasn’t sure. I don’t know much, but what I do know is sort of a mix and match… in a really good way. I know you wear beautiful designer clothes, and yet your office decor is almost rustic with the silver and turquoise frame compared to the others in the building. You also aren’t too fashion-conscious to wear sneakers with an expensive dress when it makes sense.”
“How did you know that?”
“Saw them in the corner of your office. Made an observation.”
“You’re good.”
“Too bad you weren’t wearing those in that storm, by the way. Maybe if you wear sneakers tomorrow we could go for a walk after work.”
“Tomorrow. I get to see you again tomorrow?” She looked very pleased at the promise of getting together again. “I like the sound of that.”
Tonight was so much more than he’d expected. All he’d hoped for was a companion to the event. Someone to walk with and share the ride, but he was already looking forward to seeing her again. Even tomorrow seemed like a long time to wait.
They stood there, watching the sunset until the orange ball finally settled below the trees, and the sky grew darker.
Soft light glowed around them as the sun got lower. Frogs and crickets added to the night sounds as the sun disappeared completely and a coolness dropped in.
“Are you ready to head back?” he asked. “We’ll walk back through the gallery one last time if that’s all right.”
“Whatever you like. Lead the way.”
He reached for her hand, waiting, hoping she’d take it, and when she did he felt as if he could leap three feet into the air and kick up his heels.
A few people stopped them on the way out. Previous customers, friends of friends, other artists. He introduced her to them all.
“I need to talk to Barney really quick,” he said to her. “I see him over there. Would you mind getting them to bring around the car?” He pulled the gold coin from his pocket. “Here’s the token.”
“Sure.” She walked off with an air of confidence that he appreciated, and he caught up with Barney for a final piece of business.
By the time Matthew walked outside, the valet attendant helped Whitney into the passenger seat of his car.
“Thank you so much.” Matthew slipped a healthy tip into the young man’s hand.
“That was fast,” she said.
“Barney is really pleased with how the night went. I’m happy for him.” Matthew pulled away to free up the valet line and drove out the front gates. “Thank you again for coming with me.”
They were on the interstate,and in the dark, under the rumble of the motor, he noticed Whitney’s eyes growing heavy.
He reached over and placed his hand on her leg palm up as an invitation to hold her hand.
She opened her eyes and smiled lazily. “It’s been a good night.” She placed her hand in his.
The ride back seemed so much faster. Maybe because he wasn’t really ready for it to end. He pulled in front of her building and shut down the engine. “Here we are.”
“I enjoyed getting to know you tonight.” She took a heavy breath.
He touched the bracelet on her petite wrist, allowing his fingers to graze her soft skin and the top of her hand.
“I’m so glad you found my bracelet, and it led you to me,” she said. “It’s always been my lucky bracelet.”
“No, I believe it’smylucky bracelet, because if it hadn’t ended up on the ground that night, in the pouring rain… then we might never have met.”
“I’m glad you found me.”
“Me too.” He wanted to kiss her, but he didn’t want to move too fast; and they’d really just met, no matter how easy it felt. He sucked in a breath, reminding himself to be a gentleman.
He pulled the handle and opened his door. “Let me get your door.”
