He was still kicking himself for not being persistent enough sixteen months ago. But when she told him then that she just started dating another guy, he backed off straight away. It was clear she preferred the other man and he wasn't desperate for a date. After all, he had his fair share of female admirers.
But how was he to know that he had already fallen for her and was just too proud to admit it? When he realised the extent of his feelings, the relationship she was in was already serious. She seemed happy and he didn't want to ruin her bliss.
He still couldn't believe how he had fallen for someone he hadn't even slept with. Jesus, they hadn't even gone out on a real date! But from the very first time he met her he was totally bowled over, not just by her captivating beauty but also her personality.
Faye was a confident, funny, outgoing, smart, loyal, caring and straight-to-the-point woman. But beyond that, there was something about her that called to that deep, hidden part of him that no one else had ever touched - except her. She had cast a spell over him and he couldn't seem to escape it.
There were no explanations for how he felt. He had already questioned and analysed his feelings until his brain hurt but he couldn't deny the fact that every time he saw her, even if it was simply bumping into her on the street, his heart raced and he wished with everything he had that he was with her - that she was his.
He'd given up trying to fight it. Instead, he'd resigned himself to the fact that he could be spending the rest of his life feeling incomplete and unfulfilled. That was until he learnt she was single again. And heavens above, he would be more persistent this time in getting her to give him a chance.
He walked to the vicinity of Faye's office where she worked as a senior career consultant for one of Australia's largest career consulting firms and stationed himself outside a coffee shop across the road from her building. He got there at exactly twelve noon. He didn't know what time Faye would be taking her lunch break but he would stand there until she came out. He just hoped he didn't have to wait around for too long.
And what if she had brought lunch with her and didn't have to leave her building?
He knew if he missed her today he'd just try again tomorrow.
He shook his head, unable to believe what he was willing to put himself through. But then again, patience, resilience and tenacity were some of his major traits that enabled him to build a highly successful business even after a number of failed attempts that almost bankrupted him. He was determined to succeed when it came to Faye, too.
It would be mortifying though if Faye rejected him again. So for now, he would have to be sneaky and make everything look as if it was pure coincidence.
He checked the time and noticed fifteen minutes had passed. He was tempted to order coffee while he waited for her but a woman walking out of the building he was watching made his heart pound like mad. There was Faye, looking just as beautiful as she had always been, strolling towards the nearby food court.
He sighed with relief and quickly followed her. All of a sudden, he found himself more nervous than he had been for a long, long time.
For fuck's sake, Ray. You're thirty-four, not fourteen. Relax!
~~~~~~~
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Heart Robber (Lifestyle by Design Book 2) Page 19