Page 103 of Last First Date

“But?” she prompted.

“But I’m not sure that’s going to work. I haven’t talked to her about what I’m feeling. I know there are some serious obstacles. I don’t know if what I’m feeling is real. I might just be intrigued by the fact she’s not like any other woman I’ve met.”

“I see,” she hummed, a knowing smile gracing her lips. “I guess substance matters.”

My mother had always been critical of the women I dated in the past. She didn’t care for the starlets and rarely wanted to meet them.

“I guess you’re right,” I said, grinning. “Waverly is beautiful and smart. She feels more like a partner. She doesn’t rely on me and doesn’t demand anything of me.”

“But that’s not all, is it?” she prodded, her gaze piercing.

“No,” I admitted. “She makes me feel grounded. I see myself differently when she’s around. She’s not impressed by my wealth or status, and that’s refreshing.”

My mother chuckled lightly at this. “That sounds like Waverly, alright. Always staying true to herself.”

“I respect that about her,” I confessed.

“I’m happy for you. She’s lucky to have you.”

“Like I said, I don’t know that anything comes of this. I’m just trying to figure this out. Please, don’t say anything. I need to sort through it all.”

“I won’t breathe a word,” she reassured me. “But, Knox, don’t wait too long to tell her.”

“I know,” I said, nodding. “I’ll talk to her.”

We finished dinner before I headed back to my room to do a little work. I was glad I had my mother’s support. I knew everyone loved Waverly. It was no wonder I fell under her spell. There was a lot to love about her.

43

WAVERLY

Idressed in my usual boring attire, hoping to play down my looks to avoid unwanted attention. I hoped my fifteen minutes was almost over. My typical work-friendly black slacks, subdued navy blouse, and sensible flats were my weapons of choice today. I preferred to blend into the background, let my work speak for me. But as I stared at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of insecurity. Was this why Knox had never seen me before I put on that lingerie?

I shook my head, dismissing the thought. Knox Williams saw me every day. He just didn’t see me the way I saw him. The man had kissed me before we ever went to New York. His new aloofness was hard to get my head around, but that was just his way. I had seen the softer side of him. I knew it was still in there somewhere. I just wasn’t sure if I would ever get to see it again. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

Maybe he saw me as nothing more than his assistant, a cog in the machine that helped his life run smoothly.

I brushed off these thoughts as best I could, gearing myself up for another day of work. It was so hard to be near him and not get to be familiar with him. I couldn’t casually brush my hand across his chest or lean into him. That had all become so normal for us in New York. We didn’t have to try or think about it. We just naturally gravitated toward one another.

I hoped things would settle between us. Obviously, I wanted him, but I understood we were from different worlds. I hoped we could at least be friends. After getting to know him a little better, I did like him. I liked collaborating with him. We worked really well together. Hopefully, the dalliance in New York wouldn’t ruin any future friendship we might have.

I left the house and went to my favorite coffee shop. While I was waiting, I noticed a man staring at me. It made me just a little uncomfortable. I looked around to see if maybe he was looking at someone else. But it was me.

“Hi,” he said, smiling as he approached me.

“Hello.”

“You are just as beautiful in person.”

“Thank you,” I said with some confusion.

“My name is Dave,” he said and extended his hand. “I’d love to take you out for dinner.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re Waverly, right?”

I was getting a little weirded out. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ve met.”