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“Hi, Raph.”
“Are you ready to go?”
“I’m just finishing up in here. I’ll be right out,” I said as I filled Derrick’s mug.
“Okay. See you soon.”
I hurried back to my boss’s office with his coffee and let myself into the room instead of knocking. He was on the phone and glared as I set the coffee on his desk. Before he could stop me with a lecture about my complete lack of professionalism, I rushed back to my desk. Arbitrary errands took time I didn’t have.
I grabbed my coat and purse from my desk and headed out the door to meet Raph. Butterflies sprang up in my belly and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey, I’m not rushing you, am I?” Raphael asked, leaning over to look at me when I opened the car door.
“Not at all. My meeting just ended. Looking forward to getting some inspiration from the site, though!”
My excitement wasn’t forced. Derrick’s lack of faith lit a different kind of fire in me. This was a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. Derrick had to know I could take on real clients. My degree qualified me for more than coffee runs, and it was time to prove it.
Tension hung heavy in the air between Raph and me. A buzzing awareness that wouldn’t leave me in peace. My stomach growled, interrupting the silent contest.
“In that bag by your feet, there are a few breakfast sandwiches. Take your pick. Cheese, sausage, and bacon.”
“Do you want one, too?”
We rounded a corner, and the sun shone in our faces. Before Raph shielded his eyes with his sunglasses, I saw their accentuation. His hazel eye glowed like molten honey over the lushest greenery. He looked over, facing me for a bit too long, then nodded.
What was he agreeing to?
“Give me whichever one you don’t want. Also, there are spare sunglasses in the glove box if you want them.”
I nodded and unwrapped a sandwich for each of us, handing him his. I didn’t know if it was my company or the lack of breakfast, but the gooey cheese, salty, smoky bacon, and warm soft egg on croissant hit the spot.
“Um, oh wow.”
Raph chuckled as he took a bite of his breakfast, too.
He looked deliciously dressed down in a sport coat and button-down shirt, no tie. I could get used to this more relaxed version of him. He was at ease while having some greasy breakfast while we drove. It reminded me of the boy I met so long ago.
I wonder if he could still climb a tree…
“I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with today. Based on yesterday, though, you are everything I’m looking for.”
I startled and looked over at him, watching the road. My mind darted to our kiss, but I knew that wasn’t what he was talking about.
This was about design. Business.
“I’m looking forward to it, too. I spent a little time last night going over my visuals, and I’ll do more after we finish the walk-through. I’ve got a good feeling about today. Do you feel it, too?”
I eyed Raph, searching for the answer to the question I wished I was asking. Are you struggling to keep last night from your mind? Did you sleep like a baby, or were you tossing and turning all night?
The puffiness around his eyes hinted at a sleepless night, which was its own solace.
“This project has been in the works for quite some time. The progress gets me going, yes. I’m so close to seeing this thing through, and I couldn’t be more ready. It’s my first solo venture since inheriting Experience, and success is imperative.” Raph stopped short, holding something back. “But I don’t want to bore you. Did you like the sandwich? The place had good reviews. Dave’s Diner.”
My eyes lit up. “Yeah, I love Dave’s. I thought they smelled familiar.”
Raph looked sheepish, and I grinned in response. I hadn’t expected uncertainty from Mr. I’m Confident All The Time. He was full of surprises.
“My roommate Shell and I like their muffins a lot. We keep them at home for busy morning. Fully recommend the carrot muffin, if that’s your thing.”
