Page 3 of Zimyra

“You’re welcome. Um…to get started on viewing the unit, all I need is your driver’s license.”

He reaches into his right back pocket and asks, “Why do you need my license?”

“It’s company policy. We have to verify that you are who you say you are.”

“But you didn’t even ask me who I was yet?”

“No, I didn’t. Care to enlighten me?” I ask, looking up at him.

“I’m Axel Jennings,” he says as he hands me his license.

I take it and say, “Thanks.”

He hints at a smile as he looks down at my feet.

“What?” I ask.

“Do you normally walk around barefoot?”

“Uh…no,” I say, feeling slightly embarrassed. In full work mode, I’d completely forgotten I didn’t have on shoes. “I apologize. This is so unprofessional, but in my defense, there’s a story behind this.”

I make a copy of his driver’s license, then walk over to my desk, placing his identification in the top drawer. I lock it up and reach for my shoes.

“What’s the story?”

“You don’t want to hear the story.”

“I do. Tell me.”

I stuff my toes into the nude heels that haven’t fully dried and say, “I got caught in the rain. Wet feet in heels is not a good mix.”

“I’d say that was the case with all shoes.”

“Exactly. See…you understand where I’m coming from.” I grab the facility keys and ask, “Is it still raining out there?”

“It was down to a drizzle when I came in.”

“Of course it would be. When I got here, I saw Noah’s Ark float by.”

He grins, and he’s gorgeous! His white smile will live in my memory until the end of time. Why do I see the finest men when I’m not looking or interested? It’s almost not fair. While he is cute or whatever, I’m still holding fast to my life goals. A relationship isn’t on the list yet.

“The unit I’ll be showing you is in the next building, so we can walk, but bring your umbrella just in case.”

“Sure. I would hate for your toes to get wet again.”

I grin as we walk to the door. We step out and I lock it behind me since I’m the only person who works in the lobby. I have to keep it secure while I’m doing tours.

“Is it okay if I take the coffee?” he asks.

“Yes, as long as you don’t spill it.”

“I don’t plan to.”

I say, “Nobody plans to spill coffee.”

“Exactly.”

Axel falls into stride beside me like he’s known me for years. I tell myself to be professional yet again because he’s as fine as fine can get, but what do I care? I’m not in the market for a boyfriend. I’m just doing me, building my empire, and enjoying my family. My twin brothers – Zander and Zavier are both married and happy. I’m friends with their wives, Alyssa and Nykendy. Marriage, love, dating – none of that is on the horizon for me. I’ve never entertained the thought of getting married in my twenties. The twenties are for self-discovery and alignment, preparing for the thirties. The thirties is when life really happens.

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