“Sounds like a plan to me.”
Did I just agree to another date? This one’s not even finished, and it could turn out to be a disaster. Something tells me that it’ll end okay. Nick’s easy to talk to, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. He’s in the same business suit that he wore this afternoon, as I assume he came right from work. I’d say he’s around five-foot-ten, good build, not too buff but decent. Sandy brown hair and hazel eyes, with a clean-cut shave. I’m curious what he’d look like with the five-o’clock shadow that Jayden always sports. That thought brings on a whole new level of questions and ideas.
“Nick, will everyone be at the party?”
“Yes, all of my team and the executives. I think they even placed a cake order with you already.”
I stop to take into account the upcoming orders I have. “Yes, I do have a two-tier to make that day for them,” I say with a gulp, as I know I’ll run into Jayden. My whole body clams up as I picture the awkward moment of being in the same room with him again. How will I be able to focus on Nick and not seem like I’m the other woman that took Jayden away in the middle of the night? Even though nothing happened, it doesn’t matter with the fact that I mentally prayed for it and have each day since.
Nick and I finish our sushi rolls and enjoy some light conversation about this and that before a yawn slips out. I’m embarrassed, as I don’t want him to feel that he’s boring me. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”
“No reason to be sorry, Morgan. Let me grab the check and I’ll walk you home.”
“You can grab the check, but I’ll walk myself back. Remember the rules.”
“Oh, yes, how could I forget them?”
“Maybe soon, but not tonight.”
“Then at least let me pay for a taxi. I’d feel better if you were safe and not alone in the middle of Atlanta walking.”
I know this isn’t a fight that I would win, so I quickly agree, but I’ll pay for the cab ride home.
We exchange our goodbyes and Nick leans in and places a chaste kiss on my cheek. It’s sweet and simple. Just the way it needs to be. The final score for Nick tonight ends with him around ten points. I hope I made some points with him. I feel that I did, since he invited me to his company Christmas party. Just so happens I have the perfect dress to wear and can’t wait to show it off.
THIS MORNING HAS BEEN off the charts crazy, like no other Customer Appreciation Day. It’s definitely one for the record. I should be shot for agreeing to attend a company Christmas party after hosting this madhouse today. The girls are all interested in the fact that I did agree, and like I explained, it’s only a date. I mean, come on, it’s not like we are getting hitched. I’ve spent the last few years in a useless relationship; I don’t see where it’s wrong to try something new. Butterflies are creeping in as the clock ticks away and it gets closer to the time for me to leave. I’ve already laid my dress out for tonight and have everything prepared so all I have to do is shower and get ready.
Orders have been filled, trays of free treats are topped off, and the training with Jaime is going surprisingly well. I’ve been impressed with her people skills and anticipate she’ll be a lovely asset to the company. Zara, on the other hand, might not adjust to having someone else running the front. The overall plan is to be able to give her a day off here and there, or for that matter, me. I live in this place and know that eventually I’ll burn out. Since the breakup, I’ve come to the conclusion that the bakery is my life, but there has to be more. My friends and family are what I love just as much as the shop. The new me has agreed to live life to the fullest, accept the things that can’t be changed, and keep my head held high. My relationship with Nick is just starting, but who knows if it will go past tonight? He seemed nice last night and was a complete gentleman. The problem I see is that, as I’m handing out samples and thanking people, he’s not the one I’m thinking of; Jayden is.
Which leads me to the next problem that I worry about. What am I going to do if he’s in attendance tonight? The A-Team had a small office party a few weeks back, so I imagine this is more of the executives tonight. Well, that’s what I keep telling myself anyway. I had every intention of casually asking Nick after I agreed, but then that would only raise red flags.
“Are you nervous?” Zara asks, breaking my contraction.
“A little. I mean, we just met and he invited me to his Christmas party. I don’t know, do you think it’s too late to cancel?”
“You are not going to cancel. You, my dear, will go and be the most stunning person in that room. I know the dress you’re wearing, and if Jayden is there, he’s not going to know what hit him. Consider it a business transaction, you can mingle and introduce yourself to new clients. Never know.” She shrugs.
“True, and my dress is lovely.”
“Oh, now she says things like ‘lovely.’ Are you sure Morgan Lewis wasn’t kidnapped by aliens or something? This whole transition has done a number on you.”
“Funny… Would you like me to find the old one again? I stuffed her in a shoebox and placed her in the attic. I’m sure she’d like to come out and play.”
“Play? I think the new one is having more fun. Oh, I actually think she should come join me at the next Zen class.”
“Not going to happen. You can boil all the rabbits and chickens you want without me,” I answer, and Zara turns to walk away from me. She gets a little testy when we start picking on her now. I thought she’d be excited to not have Hatcher around as much, but she’s been a grumpy the past few days. I need to remember to ask her what’s going on. I make a mental note of it.
I go back to the kitchen to double check a few pickups that haven’t been claimed yet and notice the one for tonight’s party hasn’t been picked up. I worry my lips as I picture who’s coming to retrieve it. I spent a little extra time decorating it this morning, as I wanted to make sure it was perfect. The last thing I need is for someone to know that I made a crap of a cake, especially while I’m attending and eating said cake.
After one last check on everything and a quick goodbye to everyone, I walk back and grab my stuff from the office. I have just enough time to walk home, shower, dress, and call a taxi to get me over to the hotel. I’d adjusted my schedule with the girls and some family that were going to come later in the day, as I didn’t want to get tied up and run late.
Just as I round the corner, I stop as I notice Jayden and the girl he’s been with at the counter. Zara is nowhere in sight, which leads me to believe they’re the delivery team. My foot taps against the vinyl floor as I contemplate walking over to say hello, but then I don’t have to. He’s spotted me.
“Hey Morgan, Merry Christmas,” he says with a wave.
I release a gush of air as I head in his direction. “Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you guys. Make sure you grab a few treats on your way out.”
“Thanks, we will. I can’t wait to see what you came up with for the order.”
“Oh … Well, I hope everyone likes it. I stayed simple but elegant today. Look, I got to run. It was wonderful to see you again.” I don’t even wait for Zara to come back out front. I nod quickly to Jaime and leave. Talk about awkward, and I can’t believe he didn’t even introduce me to his girlfriend. Maybe he’s worried I would spill the beans on our late-night baking session.
I ponder the Jayden situation as I walk home, and it pisses me off some. I feel like he led me on. I know we never had the conversation, and nothing was spoken about relationships, but still. Then I question the fact that I might have led him on, which raises the whole other side of it. Did I want to lead him on? The whole Nick thing is new, and it might not work, but I think in the mystery of it all, I’d rather it be Jayden.
My mind is boggled as I try to process it all over and over as I get ready. Just as I start to slide on my sheer black thigh-highs, I want to cancel the whole date. I immediately grab my phone and call Natasha, as she’s the level-headed one out of us all.
“Hello,”
she says.
“Hey, you got a moment?”
“Always, what’s up? I thought you had a date to get ready for.”
“I do, but I need to ask you something.”
“I’m listening.”
“Am I crazy for going on this date? Is it too soon after the whole Simon thing? I mean, what happens if I run into someone he knows? Then what do I do?”
“You are crazy, but not because of a date. I think you need to test the waters, see how it goes. There’s no rule for how long you have to wait. He sure isn’t. If you run across someone, which I doubt, just say it was a mutual break and you are both moving past it.”
“What do you mean he isn’t?”
“Oh… Well… we were going to wait, but he’s seeing one of the partner’s secretaries, and I can’t wait to get stuck in the elevator with her.”
“I’m glad he has someone, really, I so don't want to cause problems for you at work. Okay, well let me finish dressing before I’m late.”
“You’ve got this, Morgan. Oh, take a selfie when you’re done. I’m dying to see what you look like.”
“Whatever, selfie slut.”
“No, that would be Frankie, not me. Have fun and call me if you need anything.”
“Will do, later.” I toss my phone back to the bed. My hand reaches over and snatches up the other thigh-high and slides it up. I stand to snap them into the garter belt and as I reach for the dress, I stop. “How long were they together?” I ask myself as I pick up my outfit and stare at its beauty, pushing Simon to the back of my head.
This really is a killer outfit. I daydream back to the day I found it at the vintage shop around the corner. It’s a 1950’s style Harvey Berin Designer Couture, black Chantilly lace covers emerald green satin. The clerk said it was a knock-off bombshell full-shirt party dress. I, on the other hand, didn’t understand a word she was talking about. I really need to study up on fashion, but I’ll pass on that for tonight. All I knew was it was alluring and lonely on that rack, begging me to take it home. After I had purchased this one and several others, I wondered if I would ever have the right place to wear it. Now I do. I zip up the back and slide my feet into my low-heel pumps. This is about all I can handle, as I surely don’t want to fall face first and not only embarrass myself but Nick in the process. It’s a little on the cold side this evening, so I reach all the way in the back of my closet and pull out my black petticoat. It’s just long enough to hit the top of my knees and gift me a little warmth as I take the short car ride over to meet Nick.
I glance in the mirror and notice how put-together I look, so much so that it actually shocks me. My hair’s in a French twist updo, and my makeup is light and flawless. Whoever thought I could actually figure this whole makeup thing out should have placed bets on it. Small diamond studs rest on the edge of my earlobe, and a matching single diamond pendant caresses my neck. Simple and elegant, but I pray that I’m not overdressed, or for that matter, underdressed. Natasha has reassured me that this will be perfect, and until I arrive I’ll silently pray my attire will fit in. After a quick snap of my camera phone and a text to the girls, I throw my keys and lipstick into my clutch. Just as I pass by my jacket, I grab it up and throw it over my shoulders as I make my way outside my apartment. The taxi should be arriving downstairs at any moment to shift me off to my destination.
THE CAB PULLS UP to the curb of the Marriott and I immediately notice Nick on lookout for me. He said he’d wait for me in the lobby, but I guess he decided to wait out front. I toss some cash up to the driver and open my door. Just as one foot hits the pavement, our eyes lock and instantly I receive a smile from his direction as he heads over to me. I can’t help but smile back at the playfulness in his face. This is something I’m not used to. No one ever looks at me like this; it’s almost as if the sheer thought of me being here has taken his breath away.
“Evening. You look gorgeous tonight, Morgan,” Nick says as he takes my hand and pulls it up to his mouth, placing a soft kiss on the top of my knuckles.
“Thank you. You look very handsome, and you haven’t even seen my dress,” I say playfully, as my coat is buttoned in the front.
“Now I really can’t wait to get you inside. Shall we?”
“Lead the way.”
He takes my arm and intertwines it with his as we move up the path. It’s definitely a poles apart experience from Simon. We never held hands, locked our arms together, or anything romantic. Nick just might outscore me again this evening with his level of sweetness. When we enter the lobby of the hotel, I glance around at how cheery the inside is. Between the garland, white Christmas lights, and the smell of fresh pine radiating from the ten-foot tree, it’s breathtaking. It’s like walking into a winter wonderland, but without the snow. We glide across the marble tile toward the ballroom, and just when I think it can’t get any better, it does.
The room is just as fabulous as the lobby. Lights twinkle against the crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceiling; another huge tree is decorated with glass balls and twinkling lights. Each table is topped with a glass vase holding a simple arrangement of red and white roses, the table settings are elegant, and the linens are crisp. I have to say, this might be the fanciest party I’ve ever attended, which makes me thankful for what I have on underneath this coat.
“Shall I take your jacket, miss?” a gentleman to my right asks, and I nod as I start to unbuckle the huge buttons. Then, I swear I hear a sharp intake of air come from Nick’s direction when the gentleman helps slide the jacket off my shoulders.
“You sure weren’t joking about what was underneath. You, Morgan Lewis, are full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“I might have a few. I hope it’s dressy enough?”
“I have a feeling you will be the most exquisite woman in this room tonight; all eyes will be on you. I might just have to fight them all away from you this evening.”
I laugh because I find it hard to believe.
“Shall we make a grand entrance?”
“Sure, why the heck not? Lead the way, sir,” I say playfully.
We enter further into the grand ballroom, and I take a moment to glance around. I don’t spot Jayden, and this relieves me. I do, however, notice a few regular customers standing around chatting with others. Nick guides us over to a group of people huddled together and introduces me right away. I know I’ll never remember their names, but I’m pretty good with faces. I listen as they talk about some new equipment and a program they are working on, and I try to keep up. A little thirsty, I excuse myself to grab a drink at the bar.
While in line, I consider pulling out my phone to check my messages, but pass, as I don’t want to be rude. I step up to the cash bar and inspect the wine selection.
“What can I get you?”
“A glass of your merlot, please,” I say as I pull out some cash from my purse. I glance around from side to side as I take in the others around me. Everyone is huddled in groups and in deep conversations. A part of me feels out of place, while the other part feels at ease. I’ve never been the “go out and meet new people” type, but since I’m on a new path, I plan to do just that. I’m lost in my own thoughts as I try to drum up something to talk to these people about. All of them are in television production somehow, and since I’m not a big fan of watching TV, I haven’t the slightest idea of what to say. I remember this new program that started recently and I happened to catch the last ten minutes of it. Maybe that will be what I go with.
“Here you go,” the bartender says, and I quickly pay him and throw some cash in the tip jar. When I turn, I try to locate Nick and finally spot him across the room. I weave myself through the crowd as I focus on not spilling any of the red liquid on myself or the floor.
“There you are. I was wondering if someone kidnapped you,” Nick says playfully as I join him.
“No, long line at the bar,” I say and take a small sip of my wine. Just as the smooth liquid hits my taste buds, I cough as I recognize the person
that just turned around to speak.
“Morgan, dear, are you okay?” Nick asks as he pats my back, and I eye the glass as it sloshes around.
“Yes, yes, I'm all right. Thank you.” I swallow and take a deep breath. I knew it was a possibility that he would be here, but I prayed that he wouldn’t. I’m already on edge, as this is the second date with Nick, and the man that my thoughts are consumed by is right in front of me.
He extends his hand in my direction. “Morgan, it’s great to see you again,” Jayden says, and my eyes pop over to Nick to gauge his response before I speak.
“Yes, it’s great to see you again,” I say as I shake his hand and jerk it back to my side just as quickly as I shoved it out there.
“Oh, you know each other?” Nick questions.
Before I can respond, Jayden opens his mouth. “Yes, we’ve met at the bakery, since you had me running around to collect the orders.”
Nick laughs. “I’m pretty sure our Morgan here knows the whole staff. Isn’t that right, baby?”
“Oh … Well … Umm … I doubt that, but I know a few of them.” I try to pull it together.
Nick laughs my comment off and turns his back to speak with someone else, leaving Jayden and me in a stare-off. I’m nervous and fiddling with my bottom lip as my grip tightens around the glass. I loosen it before I break the stem and embarrass myself.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight. I didn’t know it was him,” Jayden says, and I’m confused about his comment and can only stare at him with a blank face as he continues. “Guess I don’t know my boss that well after all.”
“What?”
“You and Nick. I didn’t know he was married.”
“Married? What?” This conversation is confusing me more and more, and for some reason I can’t find the words or my voice.
Just as Jayden goes to say something else, the girl I’ve seen him around with comes and stands next to him. “Jayden, this is annoying,” she whines.
Frosted Sweets (A Taste of Love Series Book 1) Page 9
