Groaning, I pull up the company directory and begin scrolling for her name. Holy shit, am I really doing this? Am I stalking one of my employees? Then again, it wouldn’t hurt to send her an email saying hello, would it?
I snort. Shit, I’m behaving like a seventh grade boy, but then my fingers stop, and I actually do it. I drop Jemima a short note saying hi, and then press Send. Damn, I’m so pathetic but it’s too late now. The system shows that the message has already been delivered, and I turn back to my work with a grimace.
But before I become immersed in the latest company report, a notification pops up on my screen from Jemima. Holy shit, she’s already replied! I smile at her name in my email inbox and immediately double click to open up her message.
“Hi Bruce. I’m glad I heard from you because I want to thank you for being so kind when I was at a low point. Can I buy you a coffee? I have a break in an hour if you’re free.”
My smile widens as I read her words. Coffee, huh? I hadn’t pegged her for the bold type, and I love how she’s asked me out. Color me surprised. I already know I want to see her again, so I quickly reply.
“I’d like that. I’ll make sure there’s a table available for us in an hour at the coffee shop on the first floor.”
She responds immediately. “Perfect.”
I make a quick call down to the hotel’s coffee joint, La Verve, and tell the manager to hold a table for me. It gets busy in the morning hours and I want to be sure nothing gets in the way of my java date with the curvy girl. Now, I just need the next hour to hurry by so I can see Jemima, and then maybe I’ll get my fix and finally be able to get some work done.
Cafe La Verve isn’t flashy like most places here in Atlantic City. We wanted to give our guests a place to start their day in a cozy environment that allows them to relax. The walls are a light peach, except for one accent wall made up of white washed wood planks. The shop is lined with shelves displaying hand crafted coffee mugs and other trinkets our guests are free to purchase. Muted lights hang from strings, giving the space a light, airy feeling. It’s restful, and I always enjoy my time here.
I’m at a table in the back corner facing the door so I can see Jemima coming. I’ve got two lattes and two cream cheese scones in front of me. Of course, I don’t have any way of knowing what the curvy girl wants, but it felt weird sitting here at an empty table. As it is, I can sense the occasional stare coming from the staff behind the counter because they know who I am, although neither my brother nor I come here that often. Pete and I are usually so busy with work that when we do stop by La Verve, we just grab a coffee before heading to our offices, or more often, have someone deliver it to us upstairs.
But then I see Jemima as she strolls into the coffee shop. She’s wearing the standard receptionist skirt suit, but it looks lovely on her. The gray blazer covers her big bust, leaving just a peep of a demure purple sweater beneath. The fitted skirt emphasizes her long legs, which end in a modest pair of black court heels. Mm, what I’d like to do with those heels.
I wave from my chair, and she smiles upon seeing me before making her way over. Jemima tries to tuck her hair behind one ear, but a couple of unruly curls fall forward framing her beautiful features. Then, she looks at me through dark lashes, catching my gaze with those large, coffee colored eyes.
“Hi Bruce,” she murmurs. “Thanks for coming.”
My mouth curves into a smile of its own accord. “Hi, sweetheart. I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.” Then, I pull a chair out for her and she sits, very lady like. Smiling, I take a seat myself and then push a latte and scone towards her. “I should have asked what you like, but I was hoping I’d be safe with a vanilla latte and cream cheese scone. What do you think?”
Jemima looks surprised but then smiles. “Thank you. These are my favorites, so it’s perfect.”
“Good to know.” Smiling, I take my own latte and sit back in my chair, very much the alpha male at ease. “So are you feeling better today?”
She looks up from her latte and her eyebrows draw together, making a few faint wrinkles on her forehead. But then, after a moment, her features relax. “Yes, thanks to you. I really appreciate what you did yesterday because it must have been so weird, stumbling upon a crying woman in the hall.”