Her fork halts halfway to her mouth as she stares at me. “You—” She clears her throat and looks away for a moment before returning her attention to me. “You remember that?”
“Of course, I do. You were the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Plus, not everyone rocks a pastel suit like that very often.” I wink at her and watch as the blush climbs her cheeks.
“You can’t say things like that, Fletcher,” she mumbles as she shoves the forgotten fries into her mouth. She fixes her gaze on the remainder of food sitting in front of her.
“Things like what?”
“That I’m the most beautiful woman you’d ever seen. You can’t say that.”
“And why’s that?”
“Because it feels like you’re flirting with me, and wejusttalked about the no fraternization rule.”
“I’m not flirting.” At least not explicitly. “Simply telling you the truth.” I lean back into the booth and cross my arms over my chest. I’m finished with my meal, but Isa is still working on hers. “Alright, it’s my time for a subject change. What’s your favorite movie?”
“Oh, that’s such a hard one…” She trails off as she thinks it through. “I’m not sure I have a favorite movie. I have ones I’ve seen several times and can quote nonstop, but I don’t think any of them really take that top spot. It’s too tough a competition.”
“Okay, well what’s one you’ve seen enough to be able to quote then?”
“She’s the Man.”
“Asportsmovie? You’re joking.” I slap my hands down on the table and lean forward so I can get closer to her, my cheeks starting to ache from how wide my smile is.
“It’s not a sports movie!” she argues. “Or I mean, I guess it kind of is.” I can see her questioning her knowledge. “But it’s notall about the sport. It’s a Shakespeare retelling for fuck’s sake!” She throws her hands up in exasperation.
“It is?”
“Yes! You didn’t know that? It’s loosely based onTwelfth Night.”
“Huh. I had no idea. That’s interesting. But I still can’t believe one of your favorite movies is asportsmovie. You’re a secret sports fan and you know it.” I smirk at her.
“Certainly not. I barely understand your games as it is. There’s no way I’m a secret fan.”
“Oh no. That’s not happening. We’re changing that for sure. I’ll make sure you understand it. You need to know how good I am, obviously.”
She rolls her eyes. “Never.”
“Never say never, firecracker.” I wink.
One look at the table tells me we’ve both absolutely demolished our food. “You ready to head out?”
“Yes, please. I have a bunch of emails I still need to deal with before bed.” She sighs as she pulls herself out from the booth.
We both head out to the car and within twenty minutes, I’m pulling into the visitor lot for her apartment complex.
“Um, what do you think you’re doing?” she asks as I turn the car off.
“Walking you inside. What else would I be doing?” I say with theduhimplied.
“No, you’re not.” She crosses her arms over her chest and refuses to get out of the car.
“Isa, please. It’s late. Let me make sure you get inside safe. Okay?”
She watches me for another few moments before she lets out a sigh and gives in. “Fine. But you’re leaving the second you reach my door.”
“Aye aye, captain,” I say with a mock salute as I climb from the car.
I trail behind her as we enter the building and jump into the elevator up to her floor. When we reach her door, she turns to look at me, a single eyebrow raised.
