Yes. I’d love to do dinner, especially if it
keeps me from having to do dishes tonight.
So where are we going? I will probably have
to meet you there can you text me the address?
Sure. I’ll look it up and send it to you.
I actually have to go now—work stuff—
I’ll text you later. Bye CJ.
—————————————————-
Sent from a busy man hard at work
Bye, Dev. See you later tonight.
* * *
After work, I drove to the restaurant and parked. Devin was waiting for me out front. He smiled as I walked up and took my hand as we walked inside. It was a place I’ve always wanted to go to but appetizers alone cost up to forty dollars.
Of course he had a reservation, so we didn’t have to wait. The waitress sat us down in a quiet corner and asked for our drink order.
“Water for me,” I told her.
“Same,” Devin echoed.
She walked off and Devin turned and smiled at me. That smile completely caught me off guard. “How was your day?”
“It went by pretty fast. I was texting you for a majority of the afternoon and the staff meeting took up most of the morning. And the rest was spent answering questions about the flowers on my desk. Thank you, again. I love them.”
“Good,” he said warmly. “I’m glad you love them.”
“It makes everything so bright and happy.” I laughed and picked up one of the menus, but before I could open it Devin took it out of my hands.
“I know you,” Devin said. “You’re going to take one look at the prices and pick the cheapest thing, even if it’s something you don’t like.”
I blushed at his correct judgment. “You know me? I thought we established there were a few things you didn’t know.”
“Okay, I know you fairly well, so I’ve already picked out what we are having and I’m fairly certain you will enjoy it,” he said. “You can trust me.”
I smiled. “You don’t realize that I already do. I trust you with my life.”
The waitress arrived shortly after and Devin pointed out the things he wanted without saying a word. The waitress smiled and walked off with the menus.
“Keeping it a secret?”
“For now,” Devin smirked. “Just enjoy the secrecy.”
And I did enjoy it. We started with a sampler appetizer with choices ranging from spinach-artichoke dip to fried calamari. Everything was delicious. The main course Devin had picked out was amazing.
We tried each other’s plates like a real couple would and enjoyed each other’s company. It would have been perfect if we had just stopped after dessert, but Devin insisted on walking me to my car, hand in hand, I might add.
“Did you have a good time?” Devin asked.
“Yeah, it was perfect. Thanks for this. I’ve always wanted to come here.”
“Anything for you, CJ,” he said, leaning toward me.
I stared into his mesmerizing hazel eyes and felt completely at a loss. He leaned in closer and as I realized what was about to happen, several things raced through my head.
Devin Malone was about to kiss me
I knew I couldn’t kiss, I mean I had been publicly humiliated for my horrible kissing skills
Devin was going to realize I couldn’t kiss and for some reason I didn’t want him to think I was a loser and horrible kisser.
I had to get out of there.
And that’s exactly what I did. Before he could kiss me, I sidestepped and quickly walked to the other side of the car. “I have to go,” I said before opening my door and climbing in. I sped out of the parking lot, trying to get away from the fear that gripped me.
When I got home, I waited in an agony of anticipation for him to return. I obviously hadn’t thought this out very well. I heard him open the front door and slam it. His angry footsteps climbed the stairs, stopping right in front of my door. He knocked, or maybe pounded, on my door and then opened it without waiting for an answer.
I was facing away from the door, leaning against my bed so all he saw when he came in was the back of my head, which was probably good because by that point I had started crying.
And before I knew it he was right by my side, sitting on the ground, wrapping me in his arms. “I’m sorry, Chris. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
He was apologizing, when I was the one who should have said I was sorry. That just made me cry harder.
“Talk to me, CJ,” he said, smoothing my hair and gently rocking me.
“Don’t apologize, Dev. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said, trying to slow my breathing. “I freaked out. I’m sorry.”