I don’t do the dating thing. I can’t make the commitment it requires to maintain a healthy relationship. There isn’t enough time to do it all, and I’ve got other priorities.”
It’s the other things that are his problem. Everyone can make time to build a friendship, but something tells me Damon is not sharing everything, and that’s okay, that’s his prerogative.
“Would you like dessert?” he asks.
My mind is elsewhere, and I barely register his question. Shaking my head, I try to clear the errant thoughts from my brain. “What?”
“Would you like dessert?”
“Um … no, I’m good.”
“Coffee, then?”
“That I’ll have because I have a test tomorrow and will undoubtedly stay up late studying.”
We sit tucked in the corner of a tiny Italian bistro sipping coffee. Damon drinks his black while I take mine with a dash of cream. Not enough to make it white, but enough to cut the bitterness.
“Thanks for having dinner with me tonight.” He turns his cup round and round on the saucer, then stops and pins me with a questioning look. “Can we talk about earlier?”
I play dumb and pretend like I don’t know what he’s talking about, although I know it’s the intoxicating kiss we shared in his office.
“What are you referring to?”
“You can’t sit here and pretend we don’t share a physical attraction. Kissing you is like being hit by a train.”
“Is that supposed to flatter me? If so, you need to work on your wooing.”
“A lovely woman once told me flattery will get me nowhere.”
I made a pfft sound. “She was crazy. Flattery from you might get you somewhere.”
He placed both hands flat on the table. “Herein lies the problem. I want to see you again, but I can’t give you what you want.” He moves one hand to take mine in his. “I enjoy the time we spend together. You make me feel something I haven’t felt in years.” Looking into my eyes, he asks, “What would it take for you to consider seeing me regularly? Not dating, but something we can mutually agree on.”
I sit at the checkered table, shocked. This man can’t possibly be that stupid. I mean, he runs a multimillion-dollar company for God’s sake.
Pulling my hand from his, I respond, “We’re back to a business transaction?” My heart plummets to the pit of my gut. “I’m not interested. You’re a nice man and an excellent kisser, but I’m not for sale or rent.” I toss my napkin on the table. “I’m ready to leave if you’re still willing to take me home. Otherwise, I’ll have the restaurant call me a cab.”
“No, I’ll take you. You should study and get rest before your class tomorrow.”
I nod in agreement. What an idiot I was to think I could have someone like him. I don’t know if I’m angrier with myself or Damon.
He helps with my sweater, letting his hand linger on my bare arm while he slides up the sleeve. A buzz of energy runs through my body where he touches me. Reaching up, he pulls my hair out of the sweater, so it hangs loosely around my shoulders. With his hand placed firmly at the small of my back, he walks me outside and helps me into the car.
We drive in silence all the way to Emma’s house. Once we arrive, I throw the door open and dash up the long walkway to our front door. I’ve had enough of Damon Noble for the night.
But his long legs give him an edge as he catches up with me. Reaching out, he grabs my arm and spins me around to face him.
“Wait. It doesn’t have to be like this. We could see each other, go out to dinner, and attend various functions, then you could quit your job at the coffee shop and invest time in your studies. It’s a win-win.”
“Nothing about that scenario is a win for me. You get what you want, and I get a new boss. I trade my time for money and my soul for time with you. I like you, and I think there is definitely something between us that could have been explored, but we have different needs. I can’t give you what you want, and you won’t give me what I need. I’m sorry.”
Looking at him, I see understanding in his sad eyes. Resignation is written all over his face.
The tall, proud man gets smaller with every step he takes back to his car. He stops at his door and glances my way