“We could do it tomorrow,” She offers. “after work, if that’s okay with you.”
“I’d rather go out with you tonight.” I take her hand and see her focus on our fingers as I lace them together.
“So outside of the office, you like me?”
“I appreciate your work ethic too much to have it minimalized. I don’t want anyone to be able to say that you’re not professional or that your only place here is keeping the bosses … satisfied.”
She perks up a little at that. “If anyone said that to me, I’d show them all I do. I tackle so many emails, I do all the scheduling, I approve the time off requests, and make sure we’re not understaffed. I’ve also streamlined Holden’s access to immediate business expense requests.”
I smile. “I know, Bella. You’re capable of just about anything you put your mind to.”
“So … tonight? Seven?” She tries to hide her pink cheeks. “Do you want to do dinner and movies or something?”
“I was thinking something a little more … interesting.”
“Is there a dress code?”
“No heels.”
She beams and kisses my cheek. “I’m excited. I’ll send you my address or you can text me where you want to meet me.”
“I’ll pick you up. I do dates correctly.”
“I bet you do!”
I get ready, pulling on jeans and a t-shirt. Roman looks at me for a long moment. “Going out with Bella?”
“Yes.”
“Enjoy.”
When I get to Bella’s apartment, I see her waiting outside. She has a simple red top on that shows some cleavage, but isn’t crazy and black leggings. Without her heels, she’s a solid five inches shorter, but she looks excited. I open the car door for her and she sits down, grinning at me.
When I get in she rubs my hand. “You’re a gentleman, Matthew.”
“We’ll see about that.” I wink at her.
She giggles and then I head towards a fair that is in town for just this week. I know Miles takes her out to fancy restaurants and galleries and all that, but I want to do something real, where we can talk and get to know each other. Where we can make memories.
I don’t want Bella to forget me among the other five guys.
BELLA
When Matthew parks at the fair, I just stare at him. “Are you serious?”
He smiles at my excited tone. “I am.”
“I’ve never been to a fair! I mean, as a kid, I went, but never as an adult.”
“The beer is cheap and when you pair it with an elephant ear, it’s perfect,” I tell her. “Plus, the ridiculous food is great.”
I laugh and watch as he buys us expensive bracelets so we can ride every single thing offered. I bump his hip. “I’m paying for food.”
“It was my date idea, I’m paying.”
“Sure … for the rides, which you did.” I wink.
Matthew chuckles, but then we’re on rides. We get right on a few of the rides, like the scorpion and the twister. I can see Matthew’s a little pale. I rub his shoulder and tell him I’m tired and need to sit down.