it’ll be that cut and dried for you? You might miss the assembly line of women.”
“I know I won’t. Being committed to someone is like swearing a sacred oath. You can never break that person’s trust. And if you truly love them, you won’t. Loyalty is everything.” He points his emerald gaze at me. “Maybe you’re the one who doesn’t understand what being in love means.”
Maybe you’re the one who doesn’t understand what being in love means.
Adam’s words have been on repeat in my head all last night and through this morning. I’m ashamed at how I went on the attack and questioned his character. I assumed he’s always going to be an unattached playboy, and I shouldn’t have. He doesn’t owe me any explanation. His romantic history isn’t my business. I mean it is, but it isn’t. I slap my hand on my forehead. I’ve found myself in a predicament. Adam is nothing like he looks on paper. There’s so much more to who he is, and I haven’t given him enough credit when it comes to a lot of things.
Stepping off the elevator, I trek down the hallway to the bathroom Adam’s been working on, but he’s not there. I check the other bathroom and still have no luck. I’m disappointed. I wanted to ask him to lunch as a way of making up for my behavior last night.
Oh, well. I guess it’ll have to be another time. I’m starving, and since there’s a stack of work on my desk that I need to get back to, I better get moving.
Leaving the building, I slam into a wall of humidity, or at least it feels that way. The sun burns down on my bare shoulders with each step I take. Though a short walk, every inch of me is damp with perspiration when I reach the cafe. I smooth a hand over my slicked back hair and, using my forearm, wipe the beads of moisture from my upper lip before entering the cafe.
My eyes take a moment to adapt to the change in lighting, and once they do, I step up to the counter and place my order. Taking my receipt, I turn around to search for a vacant table.
“Hey, Rocky. Have a seat.” Adam gestures at the chair across from him.
“This is a nice surprise,” I reply.
“It is? Are you feeling okay?” he jests.
“Ha ha. I was looking for you.”
“And you found me.”
“I wanted to ask you to lunch, but I guess we’ll have to do it some other day since you’re almost done eating.”
He tears another chunk from his meatball grinder and chews. I watch his jaw tense with the effort and notice the precise moment he swallows, his throat muscles flexing beneath his skin.
“Why would you want to have lunch with me, Rocky? Last night you made it pretty clear what kind of man you think I am.”
“Yeah, about that… I’m sorry. I was a judgemental shrew to you. I shouldn’t have assumed things about you before asking.”
He nods. “Apology accepted.”
“Just like that? You’re not going to make me grovel?”
“That would make me an asshole, and I’m not one. Your apology seemed sincere to me.”
“It was. I meant every word I said.”
“Then why should I want or expect more?” he questions.
“I guess you shouldn’t.”
“Now that you got that out of the way, how do you feel about going out with me tomorrow night?”
“On a date?” I ask. I know he can hear the surprise lacing my voice.
He looks amused. “Yes. Can you handle that?”
I raise my shoulders in a semblance of a shrug. “Sure. Why not? Where are you taking me?”
“That’s for me to know, and I’ll clue you in when I pick you up. Wear jeans.”
“Jeans? It’s early August.”
“Trust me. You won’t be hot where we’re going.”
“Do you want my phone number in case you need to contact me?” I ask.
He settles back in the chair, a smug look on his face. “I already have it programmed in. You’re not the only one who knows private investigators.”
“Can I have yours?” I pull my phone from my pocket.
“Not yet. Let’s see how our date goes first.” His dimple makes a quick appearance.
My tongue and teeth press together, tsking. “How is that fair?”
“Who said anything about being fair? I play to win.” He gathers his empty plate, water bottle, and napkin before standing. “I’ve gotta get back to work. I’ll pick you up at six sharp.”
“You need my address,” I tell him, and he smirks. “Let