“Well, you’re not alone anymore. What are you drinking?”
“Um, how about a banana daiquiri.”
I stilled. Was she fucking with me?
Uncertainty flashed in her big eyes. “Sorry, is that weird? I don’t usually drink. I guess I’ll just have a glass of beer or wine.”
Grateful for her company, I decided she should have whatever she wanted. “Can we get a banana daiquiri, please—with an umbrella?”
She smiled, and I was glad to see her confidence return. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure.”
The blender ground up the fruit and Lucy grinned like a kid at a candy shop when the bartender slid her tall, tropical cocktail in front of her. She sipped and sighed, her long lashes lowered in pleasure.
“Is it good?”
“Delicious.” She took another sip than slid it away. “How come you’re alone tonight? You usually have me make reservations for you somewhere.” Her gaze remained on the bar.
“I didn’t feel like spending the night with someone meaningless.”
Her lashes lifted, her gaze traveling to my eyes. “Oh.” She sipped her daiquiri. “Do you want to hear something silly?”
“Sure.”
“Every year on Valentine’s Day, I get dressed up like this. I buy a new outfit and new shoes and spend extra time on my makeup and hair, but I never make plans with anyone.”
“Why?”
She blushed, her lips twisting into a shy smirk. “Because I think it would be especially romantic to meet the love of my life on Valentine’s Day. I fantasize about telling the story about how I met my Mr. Right and everyone who hears the story sighs because it’s so romantic.” Her smile faded. “I’ve been doing this since college, and you’re the first guy who’s ever actually bought me a drink.”
“That can’t be true.”
“But it is. I know what men want. They want long legged bombshells. They like confidence and class. I’m awkward and mousey.”
“You’re smart and dependable, Lucy. I’d call you a tiger before I’d ever call you a mouse. The office would be lost without you. I know I would be.”
“Thank you. But it would be nice to get a guy’s attention for a change without the help of my resume.”
“I think most men go after the wrong women anyway. Don’t take it personally. And as far as confidence goes, you just have to put yourself out there, which you seem to be doing.”
Her shoulders shifted with a deep breath, and she twisted to better face me. “Noah, can I tell you something else?”
“Sure.”
“If you asked to take me home right now, I’d say yes.”
Every sound silenced as the thoughts skipping around in my head skidded to a stop. Was this a joke? Was someone playing some sort of prank on me? I swallowed, trying to find my voice and laughed nervously. “Pardon?”
“I’m sorry if this is inappropriate, but…” She drew in a deep breath. “I like you—a lot. I have for a while. I know you’re my boss, and I hope my job’s not in any danger by me telling you this, but I thought you should know.”
Ohhh, it was awkward… “Lucy, I’m flattered…”
“But?”
“But you work for me.”
If she was disappointed, she hid it well. “Okay.” She lifted her drink and took a long sip.
It wasn’t okay. I felt terrible. “I think you’re amazing. I wouldn’t want to lose you because things got complicated.”
She put down her empty glass with a shaky hand. “Please don’t make excuses. I’m fine. As a matter of fact, I should be going.” She scooted off her stool and took her purse. “Thanks for the drink.”
“You don’t have to leave.”
“I do. I have an appointment I forgot about. Have… Have a good night, Noah. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Fuck. I threw some money on the bar and went after her.
The place was packed, and she was so damn short. I lost sight of her. Exiting the bar, I rushed onto the pavement and searched the people walking by. When had it started snowing? A small figure turned at the corner.
“Lucy, wait.” I raced after her, my leather soled shoes slipping on the dusting of snow. “Shit. Lucy, slow down.” When she didn’t stop, I sped up. “How the hell does she move so fast on such short legs?”
I turned the corner and came to an abrupt stop as she stood on the other side of the building. I winced at the sight of tears. Fuck me.
She pulled a red shawl tight over her shoulders. Her bare arms and legs must have been freezing.
“I’m sorry,” I said, unsure how to make this better.
“I told you I’m fine, Noah.”
“But you’re not. I… I didn’t know.”
Her head tipped to the side as she looked at me. Stepping close, she closed a hand over my sleeve. “It’s okay.”
“It’s not okay! Nothing is okay!” I forked my fingers through my hair, leaving it standing on end. Work was my escape, the one thing that took my mind off Avery. I couldn’t have stress there as well. And I couldn’t risk Lucy quitting. “Why does everything have to be so fucked up?”
“I…” She shook her head, genuine concern reflecting in her eyes. “I don’t know.”
“You like me. She likes him. I like her. Can’t anyone get it right?”
Her eyes turned startled and wide. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
“Why does everything have to be so damn complicated?”
Her teeth were chattering, and her breath formed a cloud of vapor between us. I’d been so out of it when I left my apartment, I didn’t even have a coat to offer her.
Cupping my hands over her arms, I tried to warm her skin. “I think you’re great, Lucy. The reason my company works so well has as much to do with you as it does with me. And I think you're pretty. Some guy is going to—”
My eyes widened as she lifted to her toes and pressed her lips to mine. I broke the kiss and stepped back.
My hand covered my mouth as I stared down at her with a startled gaze. “Uh…”
“It doesn’t always have to be complicated, Noah.”
Oh, yes, it did. “Okay, let's not do that again.”
“Sorry.”
I held up my hands. “It’s cool.” My voice took on a higher pitch. The wind cut through my clothes, and I shivered. “How about we walk for a little bit?”
She nodded, and we strolled through Rittenhouse. Her little heels ticked along the cobblestone as I tried to think of something to say. I couldn’t say goodnight until I was certain things wouldn’t be awkward in the office between us.
“How long have you felt this way?” I asked.
“Since the first time you called me at home on a Saturday and said you needed me. I think that was about two weeks after I started working for you.”
Shit. That was over three years ago. “I do need you.”
“I know. And I love feeling needed like that, so I might misread it from time to time. Maybe I tend to romanticize things, and I’m sorry. But … please don’t fire me. When you called me at my nephew’s party, I would have come to you. It didn’t matter what you wanted. You’re the only person who makes me feel … important. You’re the only person who actually needs me to be there on a regular basis. And so long as I remain necessary, I matter. I know it sounds stupid, but—”