He smiles, his lips parting to showcase perfectly straight, white teeth. His blue eyes twinkle with amusement.
“Oh! Alex! How long have you been here?” I ask, unable to hide my surprise.
“Not long. I was walking by and to my delight, saw you. I thought I would stop and say hello.”
“Oh…..hello.” I wasn’t quite sure what to say. It felt a little strange to see him outside of work. He was dressed casually in beige khakis and a burgundy sweater. I notice the outline of his chest, the way the sweater skimmed over his muscles. His brown hair was combed back with just a bit of wave to it. I had the sudden urge to run my hands through it.
The saleslady brings me back to reality. “I can sell it to you for £150.” What? Oh, right. The cashmere scarf. I did a quick conversion to dollars, tallying the scarf at $225.
I debated a few seconds and decided the scarf was too pricey. “It’s a lovely scarf. I’ll think about it.” I said, politely. “Thank you, though.” I reluctantly hand the scarf back to the saleslady, aware that Alex is listening to every word. I turn back around to him and we begin walking through the market, side by side.
“I liked the scarf, it looked beautiful on you,” Alex says.
“Well, unfortunately, at £150, it’s a little too much for me,” I reply.
We wander through the market, stopping every so often at various tables and kiosks. He strolls with his hands in his pockets, with the kind of confidence of someone who is used to getting what he wants.
“I love markets like this,” I remark. “The people, the energy.”
“Yeah, Portobello is great. There are a few other markets that are interesting, but I think this is one is the best,” he replies.
We stop for a moment while I examine a gorgeous hand-painted teapot, then continue through the throng of people.
Finally, we get to the end of the market. I turn towards Alex, his handsome good looks making my heart beat a little faster. “This was fun. I’m glad we ran into each other.”
Alex smiles, his blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. “If you don’t have any other plans for the afternoon, would you like to join me for a drink? I know a great pub just around the corner.”
I hesitate, uncertain. “I don’t know, Alex. Don’t you think it’s a little inappropriate? I mean, you are my boss.”
“If you don’t tell, I won’t.” He flashes a devilish grin. “Come on, Katherine. It’s just a drink.”
He knows I want to. I know I want to. There’s no point in even trying to act like I don’t.
“Alright. But just one drink.”
We walk two blocks down from Portobello Market to a pub called St. Fredrick’s Tavern. The restaurant is softly lit with a cozy fireplace in the corner.
Alex, nodding to the barman, takes my hand and leads the way. We walk towards the back of the restaurant, passing several empty booths. We slide into a booth and he sits down across from me.
He seems suddenly very alert. His eyes scan the room, appearing to take note of each and every individual. He looks over my shoulder, his eyes fixed on the entrance to the pub. I take a quick look over my shoulder, wondering who or what he is looking at. I see nothing. I turn back to him with a quizzical look.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
“Of course. Why do you ask?” he responds casually.
“You just seem a little……I don’t know……preoccupied.”
“Not at all.” He cocks his head slightly, grins. “Well…..perhaps I am preoccupied. With you.” He fixes his eyes on me, the intensity of his stare making me uncomfortable and excited all at the same time.
I clear my throat and give a nervous laugh. “I think it’s time for that drink.”
Alex motions for the waiter. “Hello, Mr. McCall.” The waiter nods at me. “What can I get for you today?”
“I’ll have a glass of merlot, please.”
“And for you, sir?”
“A glass of whisky.”