She studies her hand in mine but doesn’t pull away. “Why does it seem so natural for you to hold my hand? It makes me wonder what we’re doing. I’ve never felt this level of comfort with any man before. Especially someone I work with. The day I met you, I wished you were an old man with a wart on your nose so I wouldn’t feel this attracted to you.”
I cup the back of her neck and graze her cheek with my thumb. “I’m not an old man. The man I am would tell you every day you mean the world to me. The man I am wants to pull you on my lap so I can kiss your plump lips. The man I am wants to touch you until you scream in delight. You have no idea what you do to me,” I growl.
I take my hand away from her neck and sit back. “But unfortunately, I need to keep my hands to myself, because our business relationship is in the way.”
She looks away but won’t allow me to take my hand from hers. “No one has ever spoken to me like that before.” Her eyes slowly return to mine. “What do you want me to say?”
I hesitate for a moment. “That you want it too.”
Chapter 10
Tina
Of course I want it. What woman wouldn’t? Look at him! I’ve been fighting it, but I can’t anymore. I want him to kiss and touch me. I wouldn’t mind doing a couple of things to him either.
“Look at us holding hands, and we hardly know each other. There’s a magnet between us that keeps pulling us closer together. But I need to keep my distance from you because of my job. It’s very important to me, and I don’t want to jeopardize it.”
The server arrives with our coffees and cake. My mouth waters when I see the creamy chocolate icing. He motions for me to eat some first. I pull the plate in front of me and cut a big piece with my fork. “One thing you should know about me is I love food. I’ll try any type of food once. If you ever need someone to experiment new recipes on, I’m your girl.” I sigh as the gooey madness melts in my mouth.
“Unfortunately, another reason to like you.” He laughs. “Back to your job. It should be important. But why does it seem it’s even more to you?”
He caresses my thigh, and I twitch with pleasure.
He pulls his hand away. “Sorry. I know I shouldn’t touch you, but that magnet is pretty strong.” He smirks.
I put my fork down and wipe my mouth with a napkin. He eyes the plate.
“Hungry, fella? Eat some.”
He smiles and pulls the plate to him.
“Just don’t eat it all,” I warn.
“Since it’s your turn to talk, I should try this and judge how it tastes. Matt’s the best baker, so I need to compare.”
I watch him munch away, wishing I was his fork.
“Enough interruptions. About your job.”
“It’s kind of sad.”
“Do I need tissues?” he says as a wide grin with a chocolate crumb in the corner forms on his face.
I wipe the crumb off his mouth. “I see someone has a sense of humor. More brownie points.”
He laughs while covering his mouth.
I spend the next few minutes telling him about the car accident and how my mom died. “I grieved, but I grieved alone.” Don’t tell him everything. “From the time I was sixteen until a couple years ago, I was like a mom to Lisa. My friends in college called me Mother Hen half the time; I watched over everyone. I was the designated driver, stayed sober to make sure nothing happened to anyone, and was the problem solver.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your mom and Lisa.”
“Thanks. I can’t say I didn’t enjoy life, but I couldn’t let loose and do stupid things either.” My eyes wander around because I can’t tell him the full story.
“But things changed a couple of years ago when Lisa met James.”
He interrupts me. “Actually, Matt told me a little bit about their story. It’s pretty amazing they have a child now.”
“Isn’t it? Lisa’s life changed in so many ways after she met him, and I’ve never seen her happier. She doesn’t need me like she used to, because she has her daughter, Felicia, and James now.”
“During the time you took care of everybody else, who took care of you?”
Nobody, because that’s the way it should’ve been. I didn’t deserve to be taken care of.
I shrug. “I never really thought about it. I did what I had to do. Yes, it would’ve been nice to have someone to lean on, but I’ve always taken care of myself and still do.”
He nods but remains quiet.
“So now it’s time to focus on me. I took the job at Modern Web to start over, take charge of my life, and to be almost selfish. It’s time to spice things up.
“I go out with Alexa, but it’s mostly to restaurants, bars, and stores. I live near the city, but I haven’t been to a play since high school or gone to the top of the Empire State Building or even gone to one of the multiple museums or art galleries. There’s so much I want to do, but I don’t even know where to start. And that’s just New York City.
“I want to travel more. I’ve had my passport for a while but have no stamps in it.” I press my hand to my chest. Excited energy speeds through my blood.
He flashes his gorgeously crooked smile without saying anything. I could look at his face forever.
“Some of those destinations would be the beaches you mentioned.”
“Not just beaches. I’d love to sit in a café with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I dream of Venice and Rome. Maybe Dubai or Tokyo when the cherry trees blossom. Or run through the lavender fields in Provence.” I sigh as I envision myself lying in a field of lavender, high on the scent. “But they’re only dreams.
“This job is the starting point, because I chose to move away. Granted, it’s still my home state, but it’s all new. It feels like another world because Hoboken is a big city compared to the little towns I’ve lived in. Believe it or not, I dreamed of going to college in Southern California. I’d already picked out schools I wanted to apply to…but I threw out the applications after the accident.”
“Why California?”
“It was as far away as I could go without leaving the US. I liked the thought of a laid-back surfing lifestyle and beaches. I spent as much of my summers down the Jersey shore as possible. I was so different back then.”
He pushes on his temples and closes his eyes.
“What’s the matter? Do you have a headache?”
He stops. “I’m trying not to picture you covered in suntan oil and in a bathing suit.”
“You’re bad. Just think of me as an old lady with a wart on her nose. It works like a charm.”
He crinkles his nose.
“Now about work. One of the things that made me really interested in this job is Modern Web has several clients in Southern California. Maybe I’ll have the chance to go there for business meetings.”
“Do you think that will happen?”
I shrug. “I have no idea. Thomas said there’s a chance. The point I’m trying to make is, my job gives me freedom and the challenge I’ve been longing for. Thomas believes in me, and I want to succeed. That’s why I’m so hesitant about us. I feel the strong connection between us, but I can’t let that interfere with my job. Do you understand? I need to put me first right now.”
His face gives nothing away.
I shake his arm. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“So you want to spice things up?”
I nod with interest.
“I just happen to love spice.” He grins.
I cross my arms. “Who would’ve guessed?”
He becomes antsy with excitement. “I have a brilliant idea. Until my website is done, we’ll remain friends. It won’t be easy. But I’d like to spend time with you outside work. We can explore the city together. I’ve seen a lot, so I can be your guide sometimes. Something tells me we’d have a lot of fun together.”
I pull my hands through my hair. “I’ve been living a train ride away from the city my entire life, and you’ve probably seen more of it than me. Won’t yo
u get bored showing me around?”
“Never. The difference is, I’ll see everything through your cinnamon eyes. It’ll be even more fun.”
I pull my hair over my shoulder. “You have your restaurant to manage. Don’t you work seven days a week?”
“Not if you say yes. I’ll make the time. I need to stop working so many hours anyway. It’ll give us a chance to get to know each other without getting involved while we work together. It’s a win-win. Once our project is finished, we can take it from there.” He drums his fingers on the table. “Even though I’d like more. Right now…just friends.”
“It isn’t easy for me either, but thanks for understanding. We need to be very careful in front of my manager and coworkers. My team’s cool, but I don’t want them to know we’re spending time together outside the office. It’s good we don’t have a lot of face-to-face meetings planned.”
“It’s a deal. I’ll take anything I can get. If this is the way I’m able to spend time with you and have fun, then I’m happy to oblige. Let’s see how our calendars match up. Hopefully, we’ll both have time during the weekends and maybe on weeknights. Let’s be spontaneous.”
I clasp my hands on the table. “Are you sure? I’m not used to being the focus.”
“Well, get used to it. At least for the next few weeks. Maybe you’ll be sick of me by the end.”
“Maybe you’ll be sick of me.”
He cocks his head to the side. “Do you really think that’ll happen?”
I move my head back and forth. His eyes never leave mine.
I wish I was still at my old company. I wouldn’t care if I got fired.
Chapter 11
Tina
“Great job, Peggy and Tim. Thomas will be pleased. We’re right on schedule for the website to go live the end of September. Let’s keep up the momentum. I’m really enjoying this project.”
We smile in unison as we close our laptops and push away from the meeting table.
I wish I had a basketful of flowers to throw around as I walk to my cube with my head held high. My team is awesome. As I walk to my chair, I’m surprised by a light-purple envelope placed in the middle of my desk.
I check behind me to make sure no one’s looking. I love being secretive. My hands shake in anticipation as I open the envelope. Inside is a note and theater tickets for The Lion King.
No way! The date is for tomorrow. I open the note. There are no names on it, but I know it’s from him.
I couldn’t help myself. It’s supposed to be great show. Call me to let me know if you have the time. I hope you can make it.
I want to scream out loud in excitement. I do a happy dance instead. After I’ve had my elated moment, I run my fingers over the tickets. He’s the sweetest and so impulsive. Of course I’d love to see The Lion King. Other than Lisa, I’m probably the only person who hasn’t seen it. She’ll be so jealous.
I slip the tickets back into the envelope and put it in my handbag. I’m dying to call him, but I should wait until my lunch break. It’s in thirty minutes. That feels like a week right now.
“What are you smiling about?”
I yelp when Peggy speaks next to me. “You just scared the hell out of me.”
“Does that smile have to do with you know who?”
I put my finger to my lips. “Be quiet.” I need to tell someone. “Do you need to go to the bathroom?”
“No. Why would you ask me…”
I give her a pleading look.
“Oh.” She nods. “Yes, I need to pee like a racehorse. Let’s go.”
We check that all the stalls are empty. Paper towels lie on the floor. How hard is it for someone to throw them in the garbage? I hate litterbugs.
“Am I right? Is it about him? Details, please.” She goes to lean against the counter but changes her mind because everything’s so wet.
“Yes. Can you please, please, please keep a secret?” I beg her.
“Of course. As I’ve said, I was in your position once. Spill it.”
I tell Peggy everything.
“Isn’t it fun? Being a little bit sneaky? It brings back so many exciting memories.”
“I love it!” I can’t stop grinning. “We’re only friends, but it’s fun trying to remain just that.”
I pretend to wash my hands when a woman walks in. “Hold on a second.” I dry my hands and motion to leave.
Next, we hide in the copy room at the far corner, away from the cubes and offices. “I really like him, but I can’t let anything happen until this project is finished. Am I being too cautious?” To mute out our conversation, I grab a piece of paper from the garbage to copy.
“Absolutely not. However, I think Thomas would be happy for you. I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Unless you screw up this project. But keep it to yourself anyway. People love to gossip. Even though this department is dead, our group knows what’s going on with other people.”
Well, that doesn’t help me feel any better.
She touches my arm. “There are times you just need to take risks. I don’t regret meeting my husband at the office. We kept it quiet, but when our coworkers found out, they were thrilled for us. Granted, there were a couple who made their snide comments. But it doesn’t matter. Do what is right for you. Either way, you can still have fun with him.”
I look at my clock. “Do you need something for lunch? I’m going to the café across the street.”
“Nope. I have my lunch at my desk.”
Before we leave the room, I grab her arm. “Thanks for listening and for your advice. It’s great to have someone to talk to. I’ll give you updates as things move along.”
“You’d better. I’d be pissed if you didn’t. Have a good lunch.”
Ten minutes later, I pay for a chicken salad sandwich and wait for it to be prepared. I pull out my phone and dial Gerry’s number.
“Hi, Tina,” he says, out of breath.
“Everything all right over there? You sound like you were running somewhere.” I can hear the constant activity of the restaurant in the background. Why do I always call him during lunchtime?
“I was outside my office when I heard my phone ringing on my desk. Let me close the door. Give me a second.” The door squeaks.
“I’m good now. How are you?” Before he closed his office door, he was all business. His voice is rough, as if he was yelling a lot. Yummy. As I’ve said, I’d rather eat him like a sandwich.
“Great because of you. Thank you so much for the purple surprise on my desk. Your brownie points are adding up pretty fast. I don’t want to know how you delivered that envelope.”
“I have my sources. Would you like to go with me?”
I feel like he just asked me to the prom, which I never went to. “Of course. Have you seen The Lion King?”
“I wanted to when I lived in Hamburg, but I never had the time. To get to the theater there you need to take a ferry. It adds to the experience.”
I skim the floor with my foot. “It sounds great. Should I meet you at the theater?”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to pick you up and bring you home.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s out of your way. I can take the PATH.”
“Just let me pick you up. We can spend more time together.” A file cabinet slams shut in the background.
“Sorry. I know you’re at work. I’ll let you go.” My number is called for me to pick up my sandwich. I swerve through the line.
“Never hesitate to call me. When I’m busy, I’ll call you back.”
“Thank you again. I can’t wait to see the show and you,” I admit without hesitation.
“I’ll pick you up at six o’clock. We can have a drink before the show starts.”
My appetite disappears from the excitement. I toss my sandwich in my bag for later.
“It sounds like a plan.”
Chapter 12
Gerry
Just as I’m about to press the doorbell, the door swings w
ide open.
“Hi there. I saw you from my bedroom window.” Tina beams. “Come in.”
I stroll in and look around. Red curtains…several red and dark-purple pillows spread out along the large black leather couch. The walls in the kitchen are painted red. Interesting. A bit much, but I’m a guy. “I know you like purple, so I’m guessing your roommate loves red.”
“Yes, Alexa loves anything red. It’s bright like her personality. She has a business dinner tonight.”
The cell phone next to her rings. She looks at the screen. “Let me answer this. It’s Lisa.”
I nod as my eyes follow her every move. Her flowing black skirt shows off her long golden legs. I wonder what she’d do if I trailed my finger up the back of one of them.
“Hey, Lisa. Everything’s good. But can I call you back tomorrow? I’m just heading out the door. I’m going to see The Lion King. Isn’t it cool?” She flashes me a giddy smile.
To distract myself, I scan the living room for clues about what Tina and Alexa are like. Something tells me I’ll be able to tell what is Tina’s. There’s a vase full of dried lavender sprigs. She mentioned something about Provence. Marilyn Monroe coasters are stacked next to the vase. Definitely Alexa’s. A rolled-up purple yoga mat leans against the wall next to the TV.
Think about walking on nails instead of how flexible Tina is.
“Who am I going with?” I glance at her. She turns to me with big eyes. “Um, a coworker had an extra ticket. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know how it was. Have a good night. Kisses to Felicia.” She taps her phone.
I tilt my head as I move closer to her. “Why did you lie to her? You can say you’re with me just as a friend.”
“I didn’t lie, because you are technically my coworker.” She pulls her hand through her shiny hair and whispers, “Do you mind if we keep this a secret from our friends and family too?”
“Why are you whispering? There’s no one else here?” I whisper back.
She cocks her hip. “I just want it to be you and me without outside interference. I think it’s more fun this way. It’s nobody’s business what we do together. When she knows, then James knows… You get my point, right? I just want something for myself. She’ll find out eventually, but just not now. It gives me a thrill.” She bites her lower lip. “Does that make any sense?”
Dreams Collide: Collide Series Book 2 Page 9
