I have to laugh.
“So, did you have a bad breakup in the past or something?” Danny looks genuinely curious. “I guess I’m trying to work out why you’re single.”
“I haven’t had any time to date and I haven’t put in enough effort to make new friends after losing touch with people from Gamin after the merger. My job has taken over my life. Working for a CEO isn’t your typical nine-to-five.”
“So, what was that rose on your desk?” He raises his eyebrows expectantly.
“It was a joke.”
He waits for me to elaborate but when I don’t, he gives up and changes the subject. “Did you get your application in for the new exec position?”
“It’s in. Interviews are next week.”
“Is there a big field?”
“The shortlist for interviews is just me, a couple of externals, and my good buddy Joshua Templeman.
Four applicants in total.”
“You’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Danny surmises. Maybe I’ve got my crazy-intense eyes on again.
“Helene has been big on developing me. When we were Gamin Publishing, I was earmarked to transfer
into the editorial team after a year of working for her.” I hear how bitter my voice is.
Danny considers. “It’s not uncommon to get into publishing any way you can. Even if it means taking an admin role. Half the people here didn’t start out in their dream job. It was smart to jump on any opening you could.”
“No, that’s not my issue. I really am glad I’ve moved into a business role.”
“But then the merger happened.”
“Yes. So many people lost jobs; I was lucky to keep mine. Even if it’s meant staying in the same role. I lost my best friend.” I make it sound like she’s dead now.
“Chief of operations will look pretty impressive on your CV, especially at your age.”
“Yes.” I breathe, imagining it in Arial font. Then I imagine it on Joshua’s CV, and the delicious daydream turns sour. “I’m preparing a presentation for the interview. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I haven’t been in the position to be as influential as I’d like. The timing’s always been off. I want to set up a formal project to get the backlist into ebook format. Repackaging the whole book, covers, the works. I think getting this new role will give me the leverage I’ve been lacking.”
“Sounds like you’ll be needing lots of support in terms of cover design. Keep me in mind,” Danny says.
He rummages in his pocket and gives me his new business card. A lady at the next table looks at him sideways like, What a douche.
He signals for the check and hands over his credit card.
“Oh, thank you,” I squeak awkwardly and he smiles.
We walk to my car. “Sorry I talked so much about work.”
“It’s no problem. I used to work there, remember. So. This is it. Your car.” Danny stops, frames his hands around the car. “It’s incredible.”
“Isn’t she?” I lean on the door. “Free at last, free at last.”
“Did you just quote Martin Luther King Jr. in relation to your car?”
“Um. Yes, I guess I did . . .”
He bursts out laughing. “Man, you’re awesome.”
“I’m an idiot.”
“Don’t say that. I’d like to kiss you. Please,” he adds courteously.
“Okay.” We lock eyes. We both know this is it. The moment of truth. Either Danny blows my mind, or I have to pump up Josh’s ego.
We look like a pretty little Valentine’s card. The road is slicked with rain; a streetlight rings us in white. My red party dress is the focal point, and a man with the angelic white-blond curls is bending me back a little, his pale blue eyes dropping to look at my mouth. His height means we clinch together perfectly.
His breath is light and sweet from his dessert, and his hands spread respectfully at my waist. When his lips touch mine, I implore myself to feel something. I wish on every single shooting star overhead. I pray for the first dizzying kick of lust. I kiss Danny Fletcher again and again until I realize lust is never coming.
His mouth tips mine open a little, although he keeps his tongue in his mouth like the gentleman he is. I put my hand on his shoulder. His frame, which looked so fit and muscular at first glance, feels as light and insubstantial as chicken bones. I bet he couldn’t even lift me off the ground.