still riding high from our big success the other night. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
I waved a hand in dismissal. “You didn’t need me. Your stellar reputation speaks for itself. Everyone knows you’re a man of your word.”
He smiled and put his arm around my shoulder, giving me a friendly squeeze. “You are too good to me. What would I do without you?” Continuing into his private office, I slumped back in my chair, trying to calm down my nerves with having him so close.
The morning flew by and before I knew it, it was noon. As I was debating what to do for lunch, Ethan popped his head in the door. “Hey there. Wanna grab some lunch?” Smiling at him, I nodded. “Let me just tell Paul I’m leaving and I’ll be right out.”
He came in and sat on a chair, crossing his legs. “Take your time.”
I walked to Paul’s door and lightly knocked. “Hey, Paul. I’m off to lunch. Do you need me to do anything before I go?”
He looked up at me from some plans on his desk. “What? Oh...no, you go ahead. I’m just trying to figure something out with this one house plan. It doesn’t seem right.”
Walking in his office, I stood behind him and looked over the plans. Not exactly sure what to look for, I lowered my head and felt my hair brush over his face. I laughed and apologized while tucking it behind my ear. “What exactly is wrong? I’ve gone over this plan and haven’t found any issues. What is troubling you?”
He sighed and sat back in his chair, rubbing his hands over his face. “That’s the problem, I’m not quite sure. Something just doesn’t feel right. It’s got everything we need, four bedrooms, two bath, and a nice family room. The kitchen is small, but comfortable, and the backyard is a good size. Maybe I’m just being too careful, too picky. Everything will work out.” Rolling the plan back up and putting it in the tube, he put the lid on and tossed it aside.
“Aly? Are you ready to go?” I heard Ethan ask. Looking up, I saw him at the door, looking between Paul and me.
“Yes, sorry. Paul was just going over some plans and I was trying to help him.” Turning to look at Paul, I told him, “If you aren’t completely satisfied with this, then we need to change that. When I get back from lunch, we’ll sit down and go over it with a fine-tooth comb until you are satisfied. Sound good?”
He looked between Ethan and me. “Thanks, Aly. That would be great. I didn’t realize you two were going to lunch together. Sorry for keeping her, man,” he said to Ethan.
Ethan smiled. “No problem, but I am starving, so if you’re ready, Aly.” He held his hand out to me with a wink. Walking to him, I took it and told Paul I’d be back soon. A look of annoyance came over Paul’s face, which startled me. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because Ethan held my hand, but I immediately pushed that notion aside.
Ethan took me to a fun cafe down the street from our offices. I’d been there a few times and had always enjoyed it. After we ordered, he leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed, looking at me.
“What?” I asked with a laugh.
“You have it so bad,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
Pretending not to know what he was talking about, I looked at my menu. “I have no idea what you mean,” I lied.
“Bullshit,” he laughed. “You have got it so bad for Pierce. I mean, I’m aware you’ve lusted over him for years, but it seems even more so now, much to my chagrin,” he said with a pout.
I waved my hand in the air, dismissing his teasing. “Maybe, maybe not. I’m just so happy with how Saturday night turned out. I think that’s what you’re seeing. I actually swore to myself I was going to get over him, start dating now.”
Ethan grinned as he leaned over the table. “Oh really? So are you saying I have a chance?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. I looked at him and saw the twitch of desire in his eyes, but shrugged off his little innuendo.
I decided to tease him, to pretend to think he was joking. “Everyone has a chance, I guess,” I said with a laugh.
He put his elbows on the table, leaning