his house.”
“Gosh, Em, it sounds like things are getting serious, fast.”
“Yeah, I guess, but we are so compatible. It’s pure magic.”
“I’m thrilled for you. I’ve never seen you look so happy.”
“Oh, Kat, I feel like I’m walking around in a dream that I never want to wake up from.”
Anthony picks Emma up at five, leaving me on my own for the night. I have a texting date with Damon at seven that I’m looking forward to.
Too lazy to go out for tacos on my own, I change into my old comfy jeans and make myself a bowl of instant macaroni and cheese, then curl up on the couch to read.
Turning to my earmarked page, I try to catch up, hoping to get to page 125 before he texts. I’m lost in the book when my phone rings.
“Hello,” I say.
“Hello, Katarina. This is Della from Noble Enterprises.”
Oh, my God, my heart beats as fast as a hummingbird’s wings. “Ms. Fields. How are you?”
“I’m well. I’m calling to offer you the internship. Can you start tomorrow after your classes? Your first day will be all paperwork. You’ll start work with Trevor on Friday.”
I dance around the living room as Della Fields gives me the details. Once I hang up the phone, I shout joyfully from the top of my lungs.
Holy smokes, I have a paid internship at Noble Enterprises. They’re paying me double what I make at Java Joes. I immediately call my current boss to let him know about my new opportunity. I agree to work the weekend shifts until he can replace me.
At exactly seven o’clock, my phone rings. I expected a text from Damon, but I guess he decided on something different.
“Hi,” I answer.
“Hello, Kat,” he responds. His pronunciation of my nickname comes out with a nasally twang, making it sound unattractive. I think he does this on purpose.
“Aren’t we texting?” Although I’m glad he called because I miss hearing his voice. He has a strong, commanding tone that I find incredibly sexy. I guess you could say I’m a traditionalist when it comes to relationships. I expect a man to act and sound manly.
“I wanted to hear your voice. Is it okay that I called?”
How sweet is that? “Yes, it’s okay.”
“I’m in your area, and I don’t want to eat alone. Will you join me for dinner? As a friend.”
“I just ate a delicious bowl of instant macaroni and cheese,” I say.
“Oh … okay.” The disappointment in his tone is obvious. “I thought maybe if you hadn’t eaten, we could eat together.”
“Well, I haven’t had dessert, so … how about I have something sweet while you have something savory?”
I don’t know why I offer to go. Maybe it’s because I can’t stand for him to sound disappointed. And if I’m being honest with myself, I want to see him again.
“That’s great,” he says excitedly. “I’m just around the corner and will be at your doorstep in a moment.” His tone went from sullen to ecstatic in a heartbeat.
Seconds after I hang up the phone, he knocks on my front door.
I swing it open. “Wow. That was quick. Should I worry because you were so close to my house?” I ask him teasingly.
He laughs. “I hoped you’d say yes, but if you didn’t, I’d have driven past your house and gone home. I don’t have stalker tendencies.” His eyes glide over me. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” I take him in from his loosened tie to his Italian leather shoes. “You, too. I see you’re getting used to my nickname.”
“It doesn’t roll off my tongue easily, but I respect your wishes, even though I prefer to call you Katarina.”
Looking down at my jeans and cotton T-shirt, I say, “Let me change into something nicer.”
Without waiting for an answer, I turn and head toward my bedroom. His grip on my elbow pulls me back.
“You look amazing the way you are. There’s no need to change. Let’s go to the Asian restaurant up the street. If they don’t have a good dessert selection, I’ll take you someplace else.”
Once I slip into shoes, he walks me to his car and opens the door. He’s always a gentleman, and I never tire of his good manners.
At the restaurant, he orders a combo platter while I get deep-fried banana wontons with caramel sauce and ice cream.
“Now that we’re here, let’s talk about the book,” he says just as they deliver the food to our table.
The mention of the book makes me blush. Texting about it is