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I stare at my boss, who’s looking flushed and actively avoiding my gaze.
I swallow my words and something like hope blooms in my chest. “Are you… jealous?”
He scowls at me and opens his mouth as if to deny it. But then closes it and just scowls even harder. “So, what if I am?”
He had once told me he didn’t date because he didn’t have the time for a woman in his life.
Does that mean that Jace is just as inexperienced as I am when it comes to dating and such?
I’m conflicted because he had been very clear about his current position on his love life. His words had cut me deep and I had put on a nonchalant front, but seeing him like this, so clearly frustrated, it’s somewhat a balm on my wounded pride. I’m not going to deny that I find my boss very attractive or that despite his surly temperament, I’m drawn to the kindness he hides like a prickly hedgehog, afraid of letting people see inside his hard shell.
Being around Jace has changed me in small ways. I feel like I’m more serious now, more focused on my future. I have always been very flippant about what to do in life, but seeing the way he’s so dedicated and earnest, I can’t help but admire him and want to be more like him.
Maybe that’s why it was easy for me to stake a step back and reevaluate my clothing style. It has always reflected my inner child. Now, as I want to be more mature and want to start reaching out and be more than what I am, I was so willing to make a change in my life.
I started off with despising my overachiever of a boss but at some point down the line, the hate turned to a reluctant admiration and that admiration turned to want. However, I’m not going to assume anything when it comes to Jace Hunter.
So, I start slowly, testing the waters, “If you’re jealous, does that mean that you like me?”
“I…” It’s like on the tip of his tongue to deny it but he swallows his words, “Do you think I make a fool out of myself over just anybody?”
His words strike me and his behavior over these past few weeks becomes clearer. I shrug. “I wouldn’t know.”
He gives me a warning look that tells me he’s at his limit and I should stop testing him.
So I drop the pretense, “You said you weren’t looking for a relationship. Is that still true?” My heart is pounding wildly against my ribcage, as I hold my breath, waiting for his answer.
He studies me for a long moment before responding, quietly, “I clearly never imagined you walking into my life.”
“Is that an insult?” I ask, curiously.
He grimaces. “No. Look, before you, yes, I wasn’t looking for a relationship. Now, if you want to give this a go, I wouldn’t say no.”
“Way to make a girl feel wanted,” I mutter and then I say aloud, “You’re really bad at this.”
He glares at me. “Well, what do you expect? It’s not like I go around picking up girls.”
“Well, I don’t have a ton of experience myself but at least I’m not asking a girl out by growling at her!”
He purses his lips. “Fine. Alright. Have dinner with me tonight.”
When I stare at him, blandly, he adds, “Please?”
Jace asked me on a date!
I’m trying to hide my glee behind this casually indifferent mask but it’s slipping bit by bit.
Then he says, testily, “Well, are you going to answer me or not?”
“Yes!” I blurt out, enthusiastically before groaning at myself. This had been going so well and here I am acting like a teenager being asked to prom.
However, when his eyes crinkle in a smile, I don’t regret it.
Before I can get too pleased, he narrows his eyes, “This means you can’t go out with those two guys from accounting.”
I settle happily in my seat. ”They weren’t my type to begin with.”
“Oh, yeah.” Jace relaxes. “What is your type then?”
