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“Like on a date?” I sputter. I’m floored. He just met me. My hair’s a mess, thrown up into a small ponytail, and I may have worn these holey jean shorts yesterday after work. I took today off, not knowing I’d be asked out. Self-consciously, I tuck a rogue stray hair behind my ear.
“Yes, Scarlett, a date. I don’t like to beat around the bush or play games and if I see someone I like, I like to dive right in.”
Well, okay then. I admit his forthcoming attitude is refreshing. At my age, I don’t have time for games either.
“And you’d like to dive right in with me?”
He smirks as I realize what I said. “I’m a gentleman, but if it’s right, it’s right. What do you say? Dinner tomorrow at seven?”
I don’t have a reason to say no. Speed-dating was a big flopping failure, and I have been complaining about my lack of a social life because of work and Theo.
I steal a quick peek over at Greyson, watching him gesture with his hands to the crew member and a tiny twinge winds low in my stomach. Shaking away why I think I need permission or why I feel guilty, I nod to Kellen.
“My schedule is clear. I’d love to.” Theo will be with Greyson, so I won’t have to ask him to keep him, not that he’d say no, but our arrangement works because we honor each other’s schedule and not spring things on the other unless it’s an emergency.
“Great. Looking forward to it.” He takes my hand and kisses the top of it before launching into the business side of this conversation.
* * *
“Did he kiss your hand?”Greyson asks as soon as I make my way back over to him, stepping over mounds of dirt and gravel.
I sock him in the shoulder playfully. “I know you mean well, but there’s nothing to worry about. He was being a gentleman.”
“I guess. Does that really work on women? The whole kissing your hand thing?” He’s serious as he regards me with piercing blue eyes, his jaw tight.
Shrugging my shoulders, I muse. “Maybe? I don’t know. It was nice and sweet, I suppose. It got him a date with me. So sure. It was bonus points in his favor.”
Grey balks. “You’re going on a date with him? You just met him.”
“And? I recall you meeting someone you were cozy with at speed-dating. No need to worry about me. I’m not going to jump into bed with him on the first date or anything.”
He squawks and mutters something unintelligible.
“What was that?”
He waves it away. “Nothing. Just promise me you’ll be careful.” He scuffs his feet, sending dust up from the gravel.
Sighing, I wrap my arms around him and give him a big hug, his huge biceps flexing as they envelop me. “I promise. Maybe you should give that woman you met a shot. Could be good for you.” As I say it, a zing of something passes through me, but I can’t think about it right now. Bigger fish to fry. Like what I’m going to wear tomorrow that doesn’t scream single mom in her mid-thirties.
“Yeah, maybe I will.”
Again, I ignore that prick of jealousy and kiss his cheek. I turn to leave, but he stops me, hand warm on my arm. “Scar.” His eyes hold mine for a moment before he shakes his head and offers me a small smile. “Never mind. Have fun. Theo and I will be ready with snacks and a movie if he ends up being a total dirtbag.”
My gaze finds Kellen directing his men on the project. I hope not. I’ve had enough of those in my lifetime.
