suddenly find buyers for them in just three months.
“Not your ideal first day?” a familiar male voice said, startling her out of her thoughts.
“Owen?” She jerked her head up and stared into the impossibly warm dark eyes of her new colleague. “What are you doing here?”
His lips curved into a smile as he lifted the cup and white paper bag in his hands. “Late breakfast before I meet with a potential buyer. Mind if I sit with you for a minute?”
She glanced around the busy café, noting all the other tables were occupied. Grace wasn’t in the mood to make small talk with a guy she’d just met, but she couldn’t exactly say no without being completely rude. “Sure. Of course.”
“Thanks.” He sat across from her and pulled a croissant from the paper bag. After eyeing the folder still sitting on the table, he added, “He gave you the Saint properties, didn’t he?”
Owen was a new hire to Landers Realty, and it irked Grace to no end that this guy hadn’t had to prove himself by selling impossible properties. “How did you know that?”
“Landers tried to pass them off on me, but I was more than willing to take a job with On Pointe if it came to that.” He grimaced. “It looks like I’m the reason you’re stuck with them.”
She blew out a breath and shook her head, knowing he wasn’t to blame. “It’s not your fault. Kevin has a grudge against Bill, my ex, at On Pointe. He was never going to hire me without making it painful. Unfortunately for me, my options are limited.”
“If you want any help, I’m willing,” he said, flashing a smile that brought out one dimple.
“Why?” It was an honest question. They’d just met, and with another agent around that meant more competition for commissions.
“What can I say? I’m a sucker for a smart, beautiful woman in heels.” He glanced at her shoes and then winked.
Grace’s entire body heated, and she had to refrain from fanning herself, though she wasn’t sure if she was having a hot flash or a surge of pure lust for the man. He was gorgeous. And flirting with her. How long had it been since a man had shown interest in her? Or at least interest that she’d noticed? Grace hadn’t had a wandering eye during her marriage, and any guy who’d flirted with her had been brushed off. She’d loved Bill and had thought they had a good life together. Too bad he’d blown it all up by not only sleeping with their receptionist but falling for her as well.
She continued to gaze at Owen and then took a long sip of her coffee. That only made her insides burn hotter, and she lost the battle and started fanning herself. “Is it hot in here?”
Owen chuckled. “I hadn’t noticed, but you do look a little flushed. You’re not coming down with anything are you?”
Just a case of complete mortification. Was she really lusting after a man who was at least ten years younger than herself? Snap out of it, Grace, she thought. You’re not a silly teenager. You’re a grown-ass woman who needs to stop drooling over this man. “I’m fine. Really.” She averted her gaze to get herself under control. “I just need to come up with a plan of attack for these homes.”
“How about we discuss it over dinner tomorrow night?”
Her gaze snapped back to him. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
A wavy lock of his dark hair fell over his glinting eyes. “If I say yes, will you let me pick you up at six?”
“No. That’s really—” she started.
“Too early? You’ll probably need some time after work. Seven then?”
She sputtered out a laugh. “You’re not going to take no for an answer, are you?”
“If the answer’s no, then sure.” He leaned in, holding her gaze. “But I’d really like to take you to dinner, celebrate your new job, and get to know you a little bit. Is it so terrible for two coworkers to have a friendly dinner?”
“Just friends?” she asked, dying to say yes. She knew she shouldn’t. He was too young for her. They were going to be working together. And yet, she liked him. What wasn’t there to like? He was tall with broad shoulders, a trim waist, handsome face, and an easygoing, friendly personality. If only he was a bit older, she’d have felt like she’d hit the jackpot.
“Definitely. Friends.” But he placed a hand over hers and