Page 14 of Love on the Line

AJ:Ilike a man with confidence. And shouldn’t you be working?

Mathias:I am indeed working, from home today. And don’t change the subject soquickly. Let’s get back to the fact that you like a confident man … a quality Ihappen to possess in spades.

AJ:There’sa fine line between confidence and cockiness.

Mathias:A line I never cross.

AJ:Goodto know. So, do you lounge in your PJs or actually dress for work?

Mathias:Sinceit’scasual Monday, I’m in lounge pantsand a polo. Does this meet your approval?

AJ:Isuppose, although I was envisioning you in black tights, gold breastplate, anda flowing red cape, Thor. ;)

Mathias:And I’m envisioning you in a nude onesie with silver sparkly boots,Miley … or is that too dressy for your day off?

AJ snorted with laughter, having so muchfun bantering with the man like this. And while she would’ve liked for the funto continue, she really wanted to answer Jen and get back to her project.

AJ:I,too, am taking advantage of casual Monday in t-shirt and leggings. I don’t meanto snub you, but must get back to work. Call me later?

Mathias:Of course, work beckons. Will definitely call later. Until then, beproductive, Amelia Jane.

AJ smiled at the text, feelingridiculously and inexplicably giddy. She then started texting Jen, only to findthe task cumbersome, so opted to call instead. The two spent thirty minutes onthe phone, during which Jen had gotten AJ to spill the beans on her conversationwith Mathias. Jen had been thrilled, insisted on updates, and stronglyencouraged her to make plans to meet the man this coming weekend. She evensuggested she and other friends, along with their men, arrange to be in thevicinity of their meet, should AJ feel even the slightest bit of unease aboutthe situation.

AJ acknowledged the smarts in that planand agreed. It hadn’t taken much to convince her, given she was ninety-ninepercent sure she already planned to meet him.

After disconnecting with her friend, AJmade use of her groceries and whipped up a delicious meal that would fuel herthrough a few more hours of work. Then, she would look forward to moreentertaining conversation with the stranger who captivated her.

****

“So, what are you wearing?”

AJ snickered at Mathias’s segue into theirconversation. It was seven in the evening, and after completing the project andresubmitting to her boss, AJ was relaxing with a glass of wine, along with a plateof smoked salmon and cheese. She still wore her t-shirt and leggings whilecurled up on her couch, answering the phone immediately when she recognized itwas Mathias calling.

“We really must get past this wholewardrobe fascination, don’tyathink?”

“Not at all. I’m a visualkindaguy, and while I’ve see … um, would love for youdescribe yourself to me, I realize we’re trying to build our relationship onconversation only.”

AJ thought nothing of his words as shefinished her wine. “Relationship, eh?”

“Well, sure. Isn’t that what we’re doing? Developinga relationship? Even if it only results in friendship, I’d be honored.”

“As would I.” AJ hesitated to say more,not wanting to sound eager and desperate. She continued with, “So, you weren’ttempted to look me up on the various social media sites? I mean, you couldsearch for me on Facebook and Twitter, and look at my profile picture. Then youwouldn’t have to fantasize about my appearance.”

“No, Amelia Jane, I didn’t stalk you onsocial media. Not knowing your last name, it would be nearly impossible to weedthrough all the AJs. And besides…”

“You don’t know my last name? Isn’t itpart of the profile onFlirt Chat?”

“You really haven’t even looked at thewebsite, or your own profile page, have you?”

“Well, no. I mean, I wasn’t the one whostarted it, and I certainly have no intention of chattingwith anyone else. Why? What’s on there?”

“For starters, no last names. It’s afirst-name-basis only, along with the number to be contacted.”

“Oh, well, yeah, I guess that makes sense.I mean, why put your true full name if a person could easily seek you out onsocial media. Guess that would defeat the purpose of promoting relationshipsbased on commonalities, rather than superficial trappings like appearances.” Sheused the same words Mathias had used just last night.

His boisterous laugh lit her up and causedher to laugh along with him.

“You’re something else, AJ.”

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