AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When she looked up, he was staring at her like he was trying to solve a puzzle. He finally asked, “What makes you think I’m not serious? I’ve been flirting with you for months.”
Elle blinked, confused for a minute, and said, “Honestly, I thought it was a proximity thing. When everyone gets together, we’re the only two single people. I didn’t realize you were serious.”
“I see that,” he said. “Proximity? You don’t give yourself a lot of credit, Elle.”
Reaching for one of the containers, he opened it then passed it over to her.
Picking up her fork, she shrugged at him and said, “I’m just a realist.”
He gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, then said, “Elle,” and sighed.
They moved into the office and sat on the couch. Digging into their food, they were both silent for a few minutes.
Finally, Jim asked, “What did you mean, you’re a realist?”
Elle snorted and said, “Come on. You know you’re ridiculously hot. I just didn’t think you’d be interested.”
Jim grinned and said, “Thanks, but why wouldn’t I be interested in you?”
“You could be dating willowy models. I’m not saying I’m ugly, but I’m pretty average. Not willowy in the slightest,” Elle said, shrugging.
“The willowy model types you think I should be dating don’t have much substance in my experience. They’re usually looking for a leg up in the entertainment industry or they’re after my money. I prefer my women…real. You’re very much my type,” he said, looking her directly in the eye now.
Flushing, Elle smiled and said, “Good to know.”
They ate in silence for a few minutes as Elle thought over everything he said. Popping open the can of Diet Coke he’d brought with him, she took a swig and said, “This has certainly been an enlightening meal but I have to get back to work now.”
“So you’re going to put me out of my misery and let me take you on an actual date, right?” he asked.
Nodding slowly, she said, “That would be nice.”
He asked, “What are yo
u doing Friday?”
Elle winced and said, “I’m working late. Evening event.”
“Saturday?”
Considering, she said, “I should be free after 5:00 p.m. What did you have in mind?”
“Let me think about that,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. “What’s your number? I’ll call you once I figure it out.”
Elle rattled off her cell phone number. He dialed. A moment later, her phone rang in her apron pocket.
“Now you’ve got mine,” he said. “Lemme see your hand.”
He reached out and took her wrist, inspecting the part of her hand that she’d burnt. Sighing, he said, “It looks better. Sorry about that.”
“Again,” she said, “totally not your fault. It will be perfectly fine tomorrow. What do I owe you for dinner?”
He shook his head and said, “I’ve got dinner. It was well worth the cost of your lemon chicken to finally clear the air between us.”
“Thank you for dinner then,” she said, smiling.
“Don’t work too late, Elle. Be careful please,” he said, gesturing to her hand.
Elle grinned and said, “Only an hour or so left. I’ll be careful.”
