I thought about it again, replaying the flash of memory I’d had when I saw him standing in the lobby. Sandy blond hair, piercing eyes, charming
smile: I’d been hit with a wave of nostalgia and grinned as he crossed to me.
“Hey there, stranger,” he’d said, offering me his hand.
“James!” I gasped, but recovered quickly. “You look great!” We hugged—to gawking Ashley’s surprise.
“Yes, I’m sure,” I told Jil ian. “It’l be good for me. Cal it a growth experience. Plus, I don’t want to give up the commission. We’l see what
happens tonight.”
At that she looked up from her menu. “Tonight?”
“Oh, I didn’t tel you? We’re going for drinks to get caught up.”
I stood in front of the mirror, fluffing my hair and checking my teeth for wayward lipstick. The rest of the workday had gone quickly, and I now
found myself at home getting ready for tonight. We’d agreed to just drinks, very casual, although I was leaving the option open for dinner. But skinny
jeans, black turtleneck, and cropped gray leather jacket was as fancy as I was gonna get.
The time I’d spent this morning with James at the office was pleasant, and when he’d asked me to go for drinks to catch up, I agreed instantly. I
was anxious to learn what he’d been up to, as wel as make sure we’d be able to work together. He’d been a huge part of my life at one time, and
the idea of being able to work with someone I’d once been so close to felt good to me. It felt mature. Closure? Not sure what to cal it, but it seemed
like the natural thing to do.
He was picking me up at seven, and I planned to meet him outside. Parking on my street was ridiculous. A glance at the clock told me it was
time to get going, so I gave a quick kiss goodbye to Clive, who’d been on his best behavior since the pee incident, and let myself into the hal way.
And straight into Simon, who was in front of my door.
“Okay, you are official y my stalker! There’s no more zucchini bread, mister. I hope you made that loaf last because there is no more for you,” I
warned, pressing him back from my front door with my pointer finger.
“I know, I know. I’m actual y here on official business.” He laughed, throwing up his arms in defeat.
“Walk with me?” I asked, nodding toward the stairs.
“I’m headed out as wel . Going to rent a movie,” he explained as we started down.
“People stil rent movies?” I joked, rounding the corner.
“Yes, people stil rent movies. Just for that you’re gonna have to watch whatever I pick out,” he replied, raising an eyebrow.
“Tonight?”
“Sure, why not. I was coming over to see if you wanted to hang out. I owe you for dinner from the other night, and I got an urge to watch
something spooky…” He launched into The Twilight Zone theme.
I couldn’t help but laugh at his claw hands and crossed eyes. “Last time someone asked me to rent a movie it was code for ‘let’s make out on
the couch.’ Am I safe with you?”
“Please! We’ve got that truce, remember? I am al about the truce. So, tonight?”
“I wish I could, but I have plans tonight. Tomorrow night?” We rounded the last stair and entered the entryway.
“Tomorrow I can do. Come on over after work. But I get to pick the movie, and I’m making you dinner. Least I can do for my little cockblocker.”
He smirked, and I punched him in the arm.
“Please stop cal ing me that. Otherwise I won’t bring dessert,” I said, lowering my voice and batting my eyelashes like a fool.
“Dessert?” he asked, holding the door open as I walked out into the night.
“Mmm-hmm. I picked up some apples yesterday while I was out, and I’ve been craving pie al week. How does that sound?” I asked, scanning
the street for James.
“Apple pie? Homemade apple pie? Christ, woman, are you trying to kil me? Mmm…” He smacked his lips and looked at me hungrily.
“Why, sir, you look like you’ve seen something you’d like to eat,” I offered in my best Scarlett.
“You show up with apple pie tomorrow night, and I may not let you leave,” he breathed, his cheeks rosy and his messy hair blowing in the cool
air.
“That would be terrible,” I whispered. Wow. “Okay, so, go get your movie,” I said, playful y shoving the six feet of hot in front of me. Remember
the harem! I shouted inside my head.
“Caroline?” a concerned voice came from behind me, and I turned to see James walking toward us.
“Hey, James,” I cal ed out, stepping away from Simon with a giggle.