Julie smiled. “Sounds good.”
We got in my car and drove into town. Julie’s fingers were intertwined with mine the whole drive, but when we arrived at the café, she let go and hurried inside. I frowned and followed her. I wondered if she didn’t want to be seen holding my hand in public, but I knew better than to question it.
“Large cinnamon latte to go,” Julie ordered. “Please and thank you, Sarah.”
Sarah nodded and turned to me. “The usual, Michael?”
“Please.” I nodded and pulled my wallet out of my back pocket.
“I got it,” Julie said firmly. Her hand was already buried inside her purse.
“Julie…” I began, but she silenced me with a look.
“You’ve bought me two meals now,” she said. “Please. Let me treat.”
I shrugged. “If you insist.”
“I do.” She smiled and slid her debit card over to Sarah.
It was nice in a way. Most women were all too happy to use my wealth to their advantage. I already knew Julie was nothing like those women, but it was still a nice little reminder.
We got our coffees, and Julie let me drive her home. Her hand found mine again, and all my concerns melted away. The only thing I felt was dread because I had to say goodbye to her again.
“I’ll call you later,” I said as she slid out of the car.
She smiled back at me. “Bye.”
I watched her until she disappeared into her house, her hips swaying seductively from side to side.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I asked myself, speaking to my now-empty car.
I shook my head and threw my car in drive. As I drove toward the office, I tried to pull myself together. I’d never felt this way about a woman before. Sure, I’d been in relationships—more than my fair share—but no one had been able to drive me insane like Julie. No one could occupy my mind as frequently as she did.
My head was still spinning as I stepped into my office. Marcy had my meetings all set up, and I was grateful for the distraction.
&nbs
p; “Mr. Smart?” Marcy asked, poking her head into my office a little after noon. “Your brother’s on line one.”
“Thanks, Marcy.” I grabbed the phone and pressed the button for line one. “Josh. What’s up, man?”
“Just got back from that conference,” he said.
“How was it?” I asked.
“Fucking waste of time,” Josh said. “Nothing I didn’t already know.”
I laughed. “Why’d you go then?”
“It was mandatory for all residents,” he said with a sigh. “Anyway, are we meeting up this week?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I can do tonight.”
“Works for me,” Josh said. “When and where?”
“Why don’t you come to Ennis?” I asked. “You haven’t been down here in ages.”
“That’s because there are no good bars in Ennis,” Josh said. “There’s no good anything in Ennis.”