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“Wait a minute,” I tell him, dizzy with a little liquid courage. That’s what I get for drinking it all. “Let’s establish some rules here. Don’t be all bossy after you lured me over here to have dinner with you.”
He laughs. “I didn’t lure you anywhere.”
“You did. Sort of.” I bite into the fajita that I rolled in a flour tortilla and marvel at how flavorful it is.
Essex says, “With the amount of money I pay him, it better be flavorful.”
I reach for the bottle of wine, but Essex intercepts, takes the bottle and says, “I got it.”
He pours another glass.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
He eats. I try not to stare, but there’s just something about the way his mouth moves. He glances up, catches me looking, and asks, “What would you be doing right now if you were home?”
“I would probably be asleep on the sofa after eating myself into a coma. I’ve been extra tired this week.”
“That’s understandable, especially after the ordeal with your mom. It’s a good thing your boss gave you the rest of the week off, isn’t it?”
She smiles big. “Yes, it is.”
We eat a little more, then he asks, “Who are you bringing to the gala?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’m not coming,” I say, just to mess with him because I do have plans to be there.
Essex sips wine, seemingly nonchalant about my answer, and says, “You like to get under my skin.”
Laughing, I say, “No I don’t.”
“You do, but it’s cool. I welcome it.”
He stares at me intensely. It’s so intentional and striking, I can barely swallow. I don’t understand why I keep getting this sensation from him. It’s baffling.
He says, “Eat so we can play later.”
“Play?” I question.
“Yeah. I have some things in mind.”
“And you say that with a straight face, Essex. Relax.”
“I am relaxed.”
“No, you’re not. Seems like you’re more relaxed when you’re at my apartment. Something’s up with you today. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I’m good.”
“Then why don’t you loosen up a bit?”
“Remember you said that.”
Oh no. What have I talked myself into?
I take a sip of wine and ask, “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, just so long as it’s not about work.”
