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“If you changed your mind, then talk to me so I can stew on it and come up with a response because I’m not giving up on us being a thing,” Max blurted out and sounded nervous.
“Hi,” she began and hesitated, fighting back a smile. Man, this was flattering to have someone so gorgeous chasing her and actually meaning it. She hadn’t been on a date in forever. “I lost track of time and am glad you texted.”
“Whew,” he chuckled. “You had me sweatin’ it for a moment there…”
“Nope. I haven’t changed my mind, but I did want to explain that I was running behind. I’m leaving the office right now to go home and change.”
“Um, Elana…?”
“Yes?”
“What if I told you that I was so nervous you would back out that I’m actually sitting here in the parking lot?”
“You’re here?”
“Yeah, I planned on coming back inside and begging on my knees. Please don’t think less of me. I swear I’m not a pathetic loser, but I really am interested.”
Her smile broadened as she sat there silently thinking.
“Okay, maybe it’s ‘slightly loser-ish,’ isn’t it?” he paused. “Elana?”
“I haven’t changed…” she warned and heard his soft chuckle.
“I’ve got a thing for smart women who are dressed in business outfits. You looked completely stunning when I was there earlier, and I’m walking in the front door.”
“You are?”
Only to hear her voice echoing as she looked up to see him standing in the doorway holding a single, long-stemmed rose.
“Hi,” he smiled gently. “The pathetic-and-clingy loser is here to take you to dinner.”
Chuckling, she hung up the cell phone and looked at him before leaning in her chair to pull out the bottom desk drawer and get her purse. Putting it on top of the desk, she dug out her keys and looked at him.
“I don’t think you are a pathetic loser. Clingy? Possibly.”
“You think I’m amazing?”
“Let’s not go that far,” she grinned and heard his own laugh as she stood up, moving towards his side. He stepped out into the hallway as she pulled the door closed, locking it and flipping over the sign that said ‘Will Return At 8 a.m’.
As she turned, he was standing close and handed her the rose.
“You look incredible,” he murmured.
“You are a flirt,” she countered.
“Just with you, I promise.”
“Your record from high school says otherwise.”
“That was a long time ago.”
“Tigers don’t change their stripes.”
“This tiger does just for his pretty girl.”
The banter between them and the warmth in those chocolate brown eyes watching her was making her heart flutter. He’d always been handsome, but now there was something more there in his face, his features, and his entire being.
He’d grown up, matured.
