I pause for a moment, considering Jamie’s offer to attend the event with me. She’s accompanied me to similar events in the past as a last-minute decision and handled herself well. I’d hate for Catherine to get the wrong idea about Jamie and me when she learns I took her, though.
Now that I think about it, I’d rather go with Catherine.
Finally, I shake my head. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll go alone.”
Jamie’s expression falls into a look of annoyance, which she tries to hide with a smile. I can tell she doesn’t appreciate being dismissed so easily, especially since she’s assisted me in the past.
“Okay, if you say so,” she says, trying to sound accepting of my decision.
As she leaves my office, I can hear her muttering under her breath. I sigh heavily and try to focus on my work, but my mind keeps drifting back to Catherine and how perfectly we fit together the other night.
I grab my phone and dial Fred’s number. He answers on the third ring.
“Hey, Fred.”
“Oh, hey, man,” he replies. “What’s up? You’re still at work?”
“Well, I was wondering if you still plan to go to that philanthropic event tonight?”
“Damn, I forgot all about it,” he says. “I sort of made plans tonight.”
I nod, not really surprised. Fred always seems to have plans these days.
“Maybe I’ll stop by for a bit,” he says, but I don’t take it to heart.
“No problem. You enjoy your night, then.”
“You too, man. And, hey, do nothing I wouldn’t do,” he says with a chuckle before hanging up.
I roll my eyes at his comment, but can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. Without hesitation, I grab my phone and type out a message to Catherine.
“Hey, I need to ask for a favor.”
Moments later, I hear my phone buzz, signaling Catherine’s response.
“Hello?” I say when I answer her call.
“What kind of favor do you need?” she says, sounding slightly cautious.
I feel a flutter in my chest at the sound of her voice, but I brush it off. I’m sure it’s only because I’m craving another night with her.
“I was wondering if you’d like to come with me to an event tonight,” I say. “I figure it might be good for you to get out and meet some new people.”
A flare of annoyance wells up within me, but I ignore it.
She pauses for a moment and then responds, “Sure, why not? It’ll be nice to get dressed up. I haven’t done that in a while.”
“Great,” I reply. “I’ll have another nanny come by to take care of Alice. Be ready and I’ll be home at seven to pick you up.”
Catherine agrees, and we end the call.
I lean back in my chair, trying to focus on my work, but my mind is already on the event tonight.
“Jamie?” I call out, hoping she can hear me through the open door.
She returns, head held high. “Yes, Mr. Burke?”
“Can you call for a backup sitter to watch Alice for the night?”
