Our eyes meet from across the room and he winks at me, pulling the crystal glass to his lips before he turns back to his friends.
“I’ve found both.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Tapping my favorite fountain pen against the stack of folders on my desk, I chew on my lip as my thoughts stray to a mental checklist for this evening rather than looking through the potential client files I’ve been avoiding all day.
Raina and I have been seeing each other for weeks now, have said I love you, and yet I still haven’t taken the woman on a proper date.
Like us, our time together has been messy, raw, and intense. We went from zero to sixty, and although there was some hesitation on my part considering this is a giant ethical nightmare where my job is concerned, nothing in my life has felt more right.
Having had no time for romance, I’ve been wanting to do something to show Raina I can be a gentleman who is worthy of her love. So, unbeknownst to her, I planned a flawless dinner for two on her rooftop.
Flowers, candlelight, and a delicious catered meal by a Michelin-star chef who owes me a favor will be served overlooking the city, and of course, I spared no detail. Because it’s now December, I couldn’t forgo bringing in outdoor heaters, and those should be delivered within the hour.
Now, if my workday would move a little faster…
Discarding my pen to the side, I pick up my phone and text Raina simply because I can’t stop thinking about her.
Penny for your thoughts?
I don’t even place my phone down before those three little dots appear, letting me know she’s responding. Grinning like a fool, I eagerly stare at the screen.
Royal Pain
How about a nickel for yours?
I can’t wait to see you.
Still not going to tell me where we’re going to dinner tonight?
No.
How will I know what to wear?
Dress warm. That’s all you need to know for now.
Warm? Warm isn’t cute.
Neither is hypothermia.
Snowsuit it is.
Barking a laugh, I stand and toss my phone on top of the files before going into the reception area.
“Mr. Paladino, everything okay?” Lydia raises an eyebrow. “I thought I heard, dare I say,laughter.”
My lips purse in a smirk. “Perhaps. Can you cancel my meeting with Gamble later? I’m heading out early.”
“Laughterandleaving early? Who are you and what have you done with my boss?” She beams at me, hand still on her computer mouse.
“Just say what you’re thinking. I can see you’re bursting at the seams.” My tone is all business, but I know she can tell I’m being playful—a side of me that rarely emerges.
“She’s good for you, that’s all. Consider your meeting moved. I’ll take care of it.” She shuffles a few things around on her desk, picking up a sticky note. “You also received a call from the clerk’s office while we were both out of the office for lunch. Something about a discrepancy with one of your filings, but they didn’t specify which one, only asked that you call back at your earliest convenience.”
That gives me pause, briefly wondering which client it may pertain to, but with a quick glance at my watch, I decide it can wait until Monday. “Thank you, Lydia.”
“My pleasure,” she calls as I walk back to my office to gather my belongings. “I hope you two have a wonderful evening.”
