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Benjamin skates off, leaving me with a lot to think about, actually. Maybe that isn’t a bad idea. I know Riley is supposed to be following me around to do the lifestyle piece about me, but if we just get that side of things over and done with, then we can see what comes next…Ifthere is anything to come next.
I pull out my cell phone from my bag while we’re still on break to fire off a text to Riley. I’ve been putting off communicating with her because I didn’t know what the right thing to do was, but now I think it’s best we get the interview sorted.
Alex:Hi Riley, how do you feel about going to dinner? I’m sure you’re keen to get this interview over and done with. I promise to behave. I’ll answer anything that you want… well, pretty much anything that you want.
It doesn’t take long before I get something back, thank goodness. The short bit of tension was already starting to kill me. My chest was tight, and it was only a couple of seconds.
Riley:Sounds good, when are you free?
Alex:How about Friday? I can come and pick you up at eight. I’ll book us a table somewhere, and we can eat and talk everything out.
She agrees and sends me her address, which causes a heat of excitement to bloom through me. I know I promised to behave, and I will… to a certain extent. But I don’t see why we can’t have some fun as well. Then maybe we can see if there is anything worth pursuing.
Benjamin shoots me a playful wink as I make my way back onto the ice. He’s being smug right now, acting like he knows more about me than I do about myself, but I suppose I can’t argue, not when he’s probably right about Riley. I mean, Iamdefinitely excited to see her again, whether it’s in a work capacity or not.
Chapter 10—Riley
My heart is racing as I step through the elegant entrance of the upscale restaurant Alex has brought me to. The dimly lit space exudes an aura of sophistication, with crystal chandeliers casting a soft, warm glow over the polished wood floors and white linen-covered tables.
This isnice.It definitely feels more date-like than work-related. I’ve been on business dinners before, and they are never quite like this.
We’re led to a private corner table, surrounded by lush potted plants and separated from the rest of the diners by sheer curtains. The sights from our table are breathtaking, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the city’s sparkling lights.
As I take my seat across from Alex, I can’t help but be swept up by the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant. Soft jazz music plays in the background, setting the perfect mood for an intimate evening. The scent of fresh flowers on our table mingles with the tantalizing aroma of the dishes being prepared in the open kitchen.
I glance around, attempting to read the room to decipher the purpose of this rendezvous. Is this meant to be a date? Another interview? The line between personal and professional blurs in the candlelit ambiance, and it’s disorienting.
Alex’s gaze meets mine, and I’m momentarily lost in the depth of his hazel eyes. There’s an undeniable magnetism between us, a charged energy that transcends mere interview protocol. His presence is commanding, and I can’t deny the intrigue he holds for me.
Knowing how it feels to be closer to him is pretty overwhelming as well. I don’t quite know how I’m supposed to navigate this.
“So…” I start with a soft giggle because one of us needs to speak at some point. It’s been a little weird ever since he first picked me up, and now I don’t knowwhatis going on in Alex’s head. “I guess we should get started…”
His lips curl up into a shit-eating grin. “You don’t want to look at the menu first? Decide what we want to eat? Maybe even get a drink or two?”
I narrow my eyes at him. This is what makes me so confused. Obviously, what he’s saying is completely reasonable, but it’s his tone. There’s definitely something a little suggestive there. I guess I’m just going to have to go along with it and see where it leads.
“Sure thing. Sounds good.”
I peer at him over the top of the menu, trying to see if I can spot anything underneath the surface of his eyes. But he’s not giving much away.
We place our orders and wait until the drinks are poured before I finally start talking. I want to approach this right, to try and get him talking properly—especially since he promised me that he’s going to behave here—but he’s not the easiest person to talk to.
“I want to write a great lifestyle piece for you, Alex,” I tell him seriously, leaning onto the table so we can talk a little more. “But you need to give me something to write about. I know this isn’t easy for you, and I know you want to control the narrative, but if you don’t give mesomething,I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
He leans back in his chair, looking thoughtful. I hope he makes the right choice and does what I need him to.
“I said I would be better, and I will,” he finally declares.
“So, what subjects are we going to touch on? We’ve talked a little about your childhood and your sport. What about your love life? Do you want to tell me about that?”
He tosses his head back and laughs, which loosens the tight knot in my chest somewhat. Thank God, I don’treallywant to hear much about his past when all I can really think about is what happened between us the other day, but I do need to get Chad what he wants. I won’t get another chance like this again; I just know it.
“You know, there isn’t too much to tell,” he finally says in a whisper. “I haven’t dated anyone seriously for a very long time.”
I swallow hard. What does that mean for me? IknowI can’t think about anything real with this man; that would be crazy, but I guess I can’t help my feelings running amok.
Push it aside,I tell myself fiercely.Focus on work.
