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In the meantime, I extended a quiet apology to the gorgeous woman waiting for me, as a few men in the room got up to head to me and I knew not to address them.
I was able to dismiss the immediate concerns I had at the meeting, postponing it all to the following day, and then I was walking out of the building. Taking a deep breath, I felt refreshed and even more energized than I had expected to arrive here in Chicago - cranky and exhausted, but thanks to the woman by my side, I had never felt better.
She looked amazing as well. After our quick shower, she had changed into a jet-black suit, and although it looked normal and fit the occasion, I suddenly wished that she was wearing something a bit more feminine.
“I know a restaurant close to here that serves the best seafood pasta; I'm sure you've never tasted anything like it.” I said.
She turned to me then, surprised at my words. At her slightly widened eyes and confused expression, I felt as though I could read what she was saying.
“We're not having dinner as boss and secretary,” I replied. “I want to treat you. It's a personal outing.”
Surprised but unable to hide her pleasure as her smile spread across her face, she turned and then nodded in complete agreement.
"I'd love to. The plan is good, but it isn't enough.”
I agreed. I opened the door for her, she walked in with me following behind her.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Hannah
This, I guess, could count as a first date. However, he was so deep in thought that I almost wasn’t sure. Everything that had just happened at the conference had been so fast, but as he had said, it was because we were prepared. If we weren’t, it would have started a catastrophe that perhaps we would be stuck trying to reverse or mitigate in court for the next ten decades.
I knew he wanted me there; however, only when he looked up from his thoughts at the water interruptions or as a passerby went by our table did he seem to recall that I was there. I didn’t mind. I understood all that was on his mind, and I was most definitely not going to be the distraction.
“Have you sent the accepted offer over to the Japanese clients?” he asked, and I nodded. He went silent again and then opened up the menu to peruse the wine options.
“What would you like to drink?” he asked.
What I truly wanted to do was impulsive, perhaps crossing the line, but I couldn’t help myself, so I reached out and placed a hand on his. He was a bit tense, but almost immediately he seemed to loosen up and then even get warmer.
He lifted his gaze then and looked at me, and I noted immediately how his expression softened.
“I’m being rude, aren’t I?” he asked, and I shook my head, so endeared to him.
“I’m your secretary. I know the mountain of things in your head plus the battle with Haansbro is over.”
Inhaling a deep breath, he released it, and then he smiled at me.
“Thank you.”
“For nothing,” I replied, and he stroked my hand. The waiter came by then, and shyly, I instantly tried to pull my hand away, but he wouldn’t let me. He held me as he placed the order, asked for my preference, and then the waiter left us both alone.
After he left, he watched me.
“Maybe I should have given you some time to change. This counts as our first date, right?”
I looked down at my outfit, and although it was a bit formal, it was still quite feminine.
“I like this,” I said. “Hopefully, we can have another first date in New York?”
He was amused.
“That’ll be our second.”
“Alright then, it’ll be our second date. Just let me know when, and I’ll schedule it in.”
He nodded; however, it felt like I was being too forward, so I couldn’t help but explain.
