by Gina Drayer
“Why not?”
“Because we’re ... we wouldn’t be a good match. Trust me. Sometimes you just know these things.”
Riley paused her show and turned to stare at Kira. “You know what I think?”
“Do I want to know?”
“I think you’re scared. I think you think going out with him would be scary, so you’d rather just not do it.”
Kira blinked, tears stinging her eyes, but it wasn’t because Riley had hurt her feelings. More like she didn’t know when her little girl had become such a perceptive young woman. What had happened to the little girl who’d played with Barbies?
“Maybe you’re right,” Kira admitted.
Satisfied, Riley went back to her show. Kira shambled back to her room, mulling over what her daughter had said. Was she scared? The more she got to know him, the more she liked him. She pulled her blanket over her head and inhaled, catching a whiff of his woodsy scent clinging to her quilt. She’d almost say he was perfect.
“But that doesn’t mean anything is going to happen,” she said to herself.
Chapter 8
Don’t Talk About Work at Home
Allow your relationship to grow without work mucking it up. You have eight hours during the day to discuss that memo; don’t do it over dinner. Your relationship needs more than just work. Make plans together. Celebrate special occasions. Be a couple.
* * *
Jason checked in on her once more over the weekend, but didn’t stay. Kira was definitely on the mend, and by Monday, she felt mostly human again. The cough and stuffy nose lingered, but her fever was gone and she no longer got dizzy just walking across the room.
She came in early to set up for the Monday morning meeting. Jason was already in, not that she was surprised. He worked almost as many hours as she did.
“Good morning,” she said, feeling rather shy. She crossed the break room, unable to look him in the eyes, and started the coffee.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. “You look better.”
“Thanks, I think. Last time you saw me, I looked like death warmed over.” She poured the water into the pot and the beans into the grinder. “I think I’ll come out the other side.”
“You still sound congested, though,” he said, moving toward her.
Kira mashed the button quickly and went over to the refrigerator, needing the distance. She was particularly attuned to him this morning, hearing his every step, his every breath, and she had the stupidest wish that he’d take her in his arms and kiss her.
She gripped the refrigerator door and closed her eyes. That can’t happen. We have to stay professional.
“Are you sure you should be at work? I don’t want you to push yourself too hard and get sick again.”
Her heart warmed at his concern. She glanced at him, trying not to focus on how he filled out his shirt, or how handsome he looked in that particular shade of blue.
“I’ll be fine,” she responded as she turned back to the open fridge. She couldn’t remember what she needed to get. The sound of coffee brewing filled the small space, and the awkwardness was back, and it was her fault. She grabbed the creamer and turned back to him, trying to act natural. They were just two employees chatting before work. But they weren’t. Kira sighed and set the creamer on the counter.
“Thank you, again. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
He reached out and touched her hand, but pulled back almost immediately. “I’ll see you in the meeting.” Just like that, he turned and left.
It was a strange and uncomfortable encounter—mostly because of her. As Kira returned to her office to sort through the mound of paperwork, she tried to make sense of it. Although she’d told Riley they weren’t friends, it wasn’t quite true. Over the last month, they’d grown close. But now things were … different. What did that mean for their budding friendship? What did it mean for her?
As she ran through her emails, that question kept bouncing around in her head. At times like this she really wished she had a girlfriend to confide in. There was Kim, but she couldn’t talk to her about Jason. And she already knew what her mother would say.
Then, like some kind of divine intervention, Kira came across an email from an old friend from night school. Diane had opened her own boutique marketing company. Pink Moon Marketing employed mainly women and they catered to women-owned companies. It was an interesting idea, but Kira hadn’t followed up with Diane since graduating.
Diane’s email was short and sweet. She invited her to lunch to catch up. Kira replied, setting up a time. Diane had been the closest thing she had to a friend from school. They both were single moms trying to make a better life without a man at their side.
When they met at King Dragon Sushi, things started out casual enough. Diane asked about Riley and her mother. They exchanged stories about juggling school activities and work. Kira thought about mentioning Jason, but then the conversation turned to Millennial Marketing.
“So how’s the transition going?” Diane asked, nonchalantly. “When I heard they’d hired the owner’s brother to run things, I wasn’t all surprised. We both know the job should have been yours. You’re more than qualified. It’s just another example of the good ole boys’ club.”
Kira swirled her chopsticks in the broth, feeling odd talking about her company to Diane. But this was what she wanted: a friend to talk out her problems with.
“Well, I was surprised,” she admitted, “but I think it’s going to work out. Jason’s not a bad guy, and he’s trying his best.”
“Listen, Kira,” Diane put down her chopsticks and folded her hands on the table. “You’re smart, savvy, and driven. You have a lot to contribute. To the right company. Have you thought about leaving?”
“Not really,” she said. The mood at the table shifted. It didn’t feel like she was having lunch with an old friend. Now it felt more like a job interview. “It was a rough few weeks, but everything is starting to get back to normal.”
“You shouldn’t settle for the status quo. Isn’t that why you finished your degree?” Diane fished out a card from her purse and handed it over. “Now that I have my company off the ground, I’d like to lend a hand. If you’re interested, there’s a position at my firm for you.”
Kira blinked down at the card. It said, Kira Clark, Senior Project Manager.
Was Diane really offering her a job?
“I’m flattered,” she began, but Diane held up a hand.
“Don’t say yes or no just yet. Mull it over.” She grinned, her eyes crinkling. “I know you aren’t one to make rash choices, so take your time. The offer is on the table.”
Once back at the office, Kira couldn’t help but wonder if she should take Diane up on it. Things had gotten better, and she was working well with Jason. But to what end? There was no place for her to go. She’d been passed over for the one job she was qualified for in favor of her boss’s brother. Jason was more than capable, but it still hurt. She’d put so much into this company, but what had they given her in return? A measly annual raise that they gave to everyone else?
Kira didn’t know what to do. And that was an uncomfortable feeling.
By the end of the week she’d caught up on all her work and had pushed Diane’s offer to the back of her mind. It was tempting, but she wasn’t ready to give up on Millennial Marketing yet.
And now wasn’t the best time to change jobs. There was a lot going on. They’d just taken on a new client, there were still a ton of smaller projects that needed to be followed up on, and Riley had her first concert of the year.
It just wasn’t the right time.
Jason was in the middle of explaining how the team worked to their new client. He shot her a sideways glance and smiled. Not the right time to start anything new. At least, that was the excuse she kept telling herself.
After the meeting was over, Jason shut his office door and yanked off his tie.
“Is it just me or did that guy talk forever?” he said an
d flopped down into his chair.
“He was a bit wordy,” she said as she packed up her files.
“You seem distracted. You should leave,” Jason said out of the blue.
“Leave?” Kira shot a questioning look over her shoulder. Had someone seen Diane’s email? Overheard them talking at lunch? “Why do you think I want to leave?”
“It’s the twenty-eighth, isn’t it?” Jason asked and checked his watch. “Tonight is Riley’s concert. I just thought you might like some extra time to get ready.”
“Oh.” Kira picked up the files and hugged them to her chest. She felt like a guilty child even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. “It would be nice to have some extra time. Thank you.”
Kira got home and was able to shower. Unfortunately, the extra time didn’t mean they were going to make it there early.
“Riley, are you ready? We’re going to be late!” Kira tapped her foot.
“I’m coming! I’m coming!” Kira heard a door slam, and then Riley walked down the hall, flute in one hand and her crutch in the other. She wore all black, like everyone else in the band. Kira had let her wear a little makeup tonight. Her little girl was growing up so fast.
After parking the car, they both entered the foyer in front of the large school auditorium. Riley seemed distracted. She kept looking around and then glancing at her phone.
“Who are you looking for?” Kira wondered if Riley was looking for Danielle or some other friend. She really hoped her daughter wasn’t waiting for her grandmother. “You know Nanny would love to be here, but she’s is still in Florida.”
“I know. That’s not who—oh, there you are!” Riley bounded off, and Kira never failed to marvel how fast her daughter could move despite having to use a crutch. Following after her, Kira wasn’t paying attention to the crowd until she almost ran into the person her daughter had been waiting for.
“Jason!” Riley beamed up at him. “You came!”
“Of course, I did.”
Kira stared, completely flummoxed. “Jason. What are you doing here?”
He, at least, had the decency to look sheepish. “Hi, Kira. I’m guessing that Riley didn’t tell you she invited me?”
Kira glared at her daughter, who was trying her best to pretend she was invisible.
“No, as a matter of fact, she didn’t tell me. When did she ask you?”
“I texted him, Mom. Duh.” Riley took Jason’s arm and began tugging him along. “I want to introduce you to my friends!”
“In a second. Let me talk to your mom a second, okay?”
Riley shrugged. “Okay. I’ll be over there. Don’t take too long. I have to be on stage in fifteen minutes.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you knew,” Jason started. “Riley texted me two days ago and asked if I could come. I thought she got my number from you. I told her no at first. I didn’t want it to be weird, but she was pretty persistent.”
Kira bit back a smile at that. “She’s pretty good at getting what she wants.”
“So I’m also guessing she didn’t mention dinner afterward.” He shifted on his feet. “That is, if you want to.”
Stop being so charming, Kira thought. Stop making me want something that’s impossible.
“I have a reservation,” he said, but quickly added, “but I can cancel it.”
“Well, since you’ve already made plans, I’d hate to ruin things just because my daughter doesn’t have manners. So, dinner sounds great.”
His face lit up with that smile she loved. “Great. Riley said you guys liked Porcini's. We have a reservation at eight.”
They both heard Riley call his name, and he put up his hands. “Duty calls.”
“Go to your awaiting fans, Mr. Popular,” she said in a wry voice. Porcini's? Riley had never been to Porcini’s, but it was where Kira’s last date had taken her. She saw right through her daughter’s plan.
The girls headed off backstage and Jason sat down next to Kira. He didn’t seem too shell-shocked by his encounter with a bunch of teenage girls. Or maybe he was too polite to say as much.
But those thoughts were quickly replaced when she realized how close he was. He was definitely cramped in the tiny seats, taking up both armrests. His knee kept brushing her own. Her elbow was only a hairsbreadth from his, and every time they touched it was like an electric current coursed through her veins.
When an older woman tried to make her way down the row, they both had to stand up. As Kira was about to sit down, though, her heel caught in the strap of her purse and she fell right on top of him. His big hands reached out and gripped her waist. She couldn’t help but remember the time he’d caught her and carried her back to her bedroom. Or imagine what it would be like to have him do it again.
“You all right?” His warm breath tickled the back of her neck.
She nodded. His hands were like brands around her waist, and his fingers were so close to her breasts, which only made her think about how he’d touched her that night in his office.
“I’m good,” she replied in a breathy voice. She reluctantly stood up and adjusted her skirt.
He gave her a look, his gaze darkening, and she had to stop the shiver from running down her spine. How did he manage to make her feel like this with barely a touch?
Throughout the concert, Kira had a hard time concentrating on the music. She could only think about how close Jason was, how his lips had felt on her skin, and how she’d give anything to have him touch her again.
When her arm brushed his, he looked straight at her. Although the lights were dim, she noticed his breathing increased.
“Kira,” he whispered.
It seemed like they were all alone in their own little world. Like anything could happen. But then the audience broke into applause as the band members rose to take their bow, and she looked away, trying to regain her equilibrium.
Thankfully, at dinner Riley demanded all of Jason’s attention. She kept up a steady stream of conversation, and Kira managed to fade into the background for a few moments to put herself back together.
“What are you ordering?” Jason asked from across the table while Riley went to the bathroom.
“I don’t know,” she said. Kira hadn’t even looked at the menu. She was too wired from being so close to him all night. And besides, she couldn’t think about eating. Her stomach was in knots.
“I know what you mean.” He looked over the menu intently, his eyebrows furrowed. “It’s really all the same dish, no matter what they call it. Spaghetti: pasta with sauce. Ravioli: pasta with sauce. Lasagna: pasta with sauce. Penne alla Vodka: pasta with sauce.”
Kira laughed. “I get it. I’ll get the angel hair pasta ... with sauce.”
He winked at her. “Good choice.”
She felt a blush on her cheeks, but luckily, Riley returned still energized from the concert. A twinge of guilt pulled at Kira’s heart when she realized she hadn’t been listening to the music. She’d been too concerned about the man next to her. Surely that was a good enough reason to stay far, far away from Jason Carver.
Jason swirled his spaghetti with a spoon. Riley called him a weirdo. He proceeded to swirl an enormous ball of spaghetti on his fork and shove it into his mouth.
“Oh my God, stop!” Riley held her stomach as she laughed.
Jason looked at her cross-eyed and took another bite, which made Kira roll her eyes, no less amused.
He handed the spoon to Riley. “Come on, you can’t knock it until you try it.”
She wrinkled her nose. “No, I’m good.”
“Aw, come on, Riley.” Kira couldn’t help but add, “At least try it.”
The girl looked at them both like they were completely insane before taking the spoon. She tried to keep the spaghetti on her fork, but every time she brought it up to her mouth, the ball unraveled. But now she was determined. After her fifth attempt, she managed to swirl a small ball and take a bite.
“See. Easy.” Jason waited.
“I stil
l say that’s a stupid way to eat spaghetti.” But Riley kept the spoon all the same.
When the bill came, Jason insisted on paying. Kira tried to protest. This wasn’t a date—she really hadn’t expected him to pay for her and Riley—but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
By the time they got back to the school, the parking lot was mostly empty, with only a handful of cars still waiting for their owners to return. Kira lingered outside Jason’s car, not ready to end the night. Riley, though, was already yawning. Kira knew the girl was done for the night and needed to go to bed soon.
“Riley, get in the car. I’ll be right there,” Kira said.
Riley thanked Jason for coming and yawned again. Kira had a feeling she would be asleep by the time they got home.
“I had a good time tonight,” Jason said.
Kira couldn’t make out his expression under the streetlamp overhead, but he sounded sincere. “I had a good time, too. Although I’m sorry if Riley put you in an awkward position. I have no idea why she sent you a text like that.”
He shrugged, smiling. “It’s no big deal. She’s a good kid. You should be proud of her.”
Kira’s heart clenched. “I am. She’s everything to me.” She tried to imbue those words with meaning.
“I understand, but …” He stepped closer and tilted her chin up. “That doesn’t change anything.”
She was closing her eyes as he leaned forward. Their lips met and her whole body shuddered. It was a sweet kiss, not pushing or asking her for more than she could give. It was a kiss that melted her heart and made her wish for something more than this.
His mouth was soft and warm, and he tasted like the wine they’d had at dinner. His fingers caressed her neck with light brushes, and she returned the kiss with equal longing.
But she couldn’t stand outside her daughter’s school, making out like some high school student. Even though it was the last thing she wanted to do, she pulled away, breaking the connection. Their breaths mingled in the cool night air. Kira realized she was holding on to his shoulders, and stepped back.