that he doesn’t wear them often. I suppose managing a steel manufacturing factory wouldn’t require three-piece suits.
I chose a charcoal poly/wool blend dress with a flared skirt. The neckline is cut into a V, showing a hint of cleavage. Being the end of November, there’s a little bite to the air, but because it’s Charleston, my thin black stockings and leather jacket are enough to keep me warm. My suede ankle boots place my face at his throat, but I still have to crane my neck to look at him. I twisted a small portion of my hair into a bun on top of my head and went all out with the makeup. The smoky eye highlights my silver irises, and the berry lipstick infuses the right amount of color into the look.
His grin is lopsided and adorable. Ryder doesn’t have many adorable grins like that. What he does have is about four different versions of a I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll feel the imprint of my dick inside you for a week grin.
Second commandment.
Right. I’m on a date with Myles, so I’m going to be on a date with Myles.
“I feel like this is the part where I should extend my arm and say something gentlemanly like, ‘Nice night for a stroll, milady. Shall we?’”
I clasp my hands together and rock back on my heels. “And are you going to?”
He shrugs. “Eh.”
Then he just saunters off without waiting for me.
A laugh bubbles up my throat as I lock my door. “Ass.”
“Heard that!” he says over his shoulder.
“You were supposed to!”
He barks out a laugh that echoes off the brick walls of my building. By the time I reach his truck parked along the curb, he’s holding the passenger door open for me. I lift an inquiring eyebrow.
He winks. “Well, I can’t be completely predictable. Got to keep you on your toes.”
“I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re planning on buying me drinks. I turn into Calamity Jane after I’ve had a few.”
“Then let’s see how quickly we can get you to a few.”
Myles takes us to a swanky new jazz club downtown that opened a few months ago. I’ve been dying to come here, but haven’t had time with work lately. We’re squeezed into a small table just off the side of the stage, in the middle of a packed house.
“Great choice.” I drape my purse strap and jacket over the back of my chair. “How did you know I like jazz?”
His look of surprise answers my question before his words do. “I didn’t, actually. I’ve just been hearing great things about this place, so I figured we’d try it out. I’m not even a huge jazz fan.”
I make a pfft sound. “Poser.”
“Hey, I can appreciate the sound without loving the genre.”
As I incline my head in agreement, I can’t help but recall how much Ryder enjoys jazz. More than once he’s had it playing through a speaker in his office when we’ve worked late nights together. We even favor a lot of the same artists.
“I’ll go get us some drinks,” Myles says, standing up.
After relaying my order, I hunker down in my chair to listen to the set. It’s a local band I’ve never heard of, but they’ve got a smooth hook to their rhythm. I’m already digging their style and making a mental note to pass their name along to Ryder.
My phone buzzes with a text from my dress pocket. Normally, I wouldn’t look at it while on a date, but since Myles hasn’t returned from the bar yet, I figure I’ll make it quick.
When Ryder’s name pops up on the screen and my heart does a little kick, much like the percussion of the drums onstage, I know I’m in deep shit. Nothing has kicked around inside me with Myles all night. Not even a slight poke. But just seeing Ryder’s name is like feeling the kickback of a twelve-gauge shotgun.
Ryder: Check your email. Just sent you the updated spec sheet for the Chadwick account. They want to add a local radio spot.
As much as I itch to check my inbox because I’m obsessed with my job—and possibly with my boss—I refrain.
Me: Can’t right now. Busy. Will check it later.
Ryder: You’re busy, yet you’re texting me…
To make my point, I set my phone back down on the table and don’t respond.
Until another text comes through.
Ryder: Busy doing what?
Me: None of your business.
Ryder: Are you on a date, Gretchen?
Why do I feel like I should