Page 21 of Saving the CEO

Later that night, Scarlett went to sleep believing more than ever that the Lord answered prayers. There was no other reason for how well she and Devin had gotten along because if it were up to her, she would rather fight than make peace. But God was obviously changing her heart. So much so that she found herself looking forward to the next time she’d see him again … for purely professional reasons of course.

CHAPTER11

Devin

Miniature golf or bowling—who did that?

Devin shook his head, thinking about the suggestions Scarlett had given him for his date tonight. That had been a week ago, and he still couldn’t stop smiling every time he thought about her innocent green eyes. Her enthusiasm was so pure and unmatched; it was nearly contagious. Not enough for him to go along with her plan, but he found himself wondering if he should have. If he and his date had done an activity instead of going out to dinner, he at least would have something to keep him entertained. Because the silence between him and the woman sitting across the table was as thick as the Béarnaise sauce on his plate.

Moira, a CEO he thought he’d have the most in common with, couldn’t stop glancing down at her phone. She wasn’t even being discreet about it. Watching her check her emails had Devin itching to do the same, but Scarlett’s five rules of etiquette wouldn’t leave his mind.

1 - Put away your phone.

2 - Don’t talk about your exes.

3 - Ask open-ended questions.

4 - Make eye contact without being creepy (her exact words, not his).

5 - Give her genuine compliments.

Fine. After all the preparation that Scarlett had done with him, he would at least do his part to give this date a shot. It wasn’t like he didn’t understand the struggles of being a CEO; he knew them full well. That’s why he’d been biding his time and making an effort to be patient. His patience had a limit though, one he was nearing. There were other things he could be doing instead of wasting his efforts here.

“Looks like your work keeps you busy,” he remarked as he tried again to make eye contact.

Moira’s head of short blonde waves bobbed up and down as her fingers flew over her phone screen. “You have no idea! The board’s been breathing down my neck over last quarter’s numbers. And lately, I’ve been putting out one fire after another. I barely have time to eat, much less sleep.”

“I can see that.”

She glanced up for a split second with a sheepish smile. If Devin had a dollar for every time she’d done that this past hour, he’d have enough to pay for their meal.

Their fairly expensive meal.

He’d taken her to the nicest steak and seafood house in San Jose’s Santana Row, yet she’d only taken two bites of her crab cakes. At the pace she was eating, they’d be here until closing.

Buzz!

His phone vibrated in his pocket, tempting him to check it. He’d resisted a multitude of times, but no more. What was the point when his date didn’t care if he paid attention to her or not? He pulled it out and read the new texts lighting up the screen.

Hey, Mr. CEO, how’s your date going? Isn’t Moira so pretty and sweet?! I’m sure the two of you have so much to talk about!

Devin scoffed. He’d never seen so many exclamation points in one message. Despite Scarlett’s enthusiasm, she couldn’t be more wrong. So much for her professional matchmaking skills. He quickly typed out his reply.

I wouldn’t know. She’s been glued to her phone all night.

Scarlett responded immediately:Devin! What happened to rule #1?! You’re not supposed to be on your phone during your date!

He paused, realizing her intentions.

Did you text me just to test me?

Yes! And you failed!!She added a smiling squinting face emoji.

I’ll have you know that I refrained all evening. The person you really should be testing is my date, not me.Before hitting the send button, he searched for an appropriate emoji to reply with. Two could play this game.

I can’t believe you’re sticking your tongue out at me! But good choice! I didn’t think you knew how to use emojis.

They’re not hard to figure out. I could say the same for you. I didn’t think you knew how to use periods at the end of your sentences.

---