Page 38 of Sweet Spot

While Eli grumbled about exercises and training, I watched Isaac, Gordon, and another man have an animated conversation. Every so often Isaac would look at me and his eyes would flash. Flirting. So much flirting. I loved it. The only problem was the tension building in my body. Every day, every glance, every phone call, the tension wound tighter. He invaded more of my thoughts. I started dreaming about him. I began to worry that by the time Isaac and I actually spent time together he wouldn’t live up to the imaginary man I made up.

“And the work you’ve done so far is fantastic. Even more than Max promised, which was, to be honest, hard to believe. But you have a way with people. Have you ever thought about staying with one company permanently instead of contract work?”

I snapped my attention back to Eli, his words slowly sinking in. Was he offering me a job? “Contract work is lucrative and gives me a certain amount of control that I enjoy. But yes, I suppose down the road my goal is to find a permanent position.”

Eli actually smiled. “Maybe that place is here. Or with me at least. I know I’m a bear to work for. And I’m not suggesting your job would be to put out all the fires I set. I am trying to be less chaotic. But anyway, it’s something for us both to think about.”

I wondered what Eli’s views on fraternization in the workplace were.

“Oh my god, get out of the car already.” Mei glared at me. I got ready for my date at her place and she offered to give me a ride to the restaurant. I was uncharacteristically nervous for a date with someone I spoke to nearly every day.

“I’m trying.”

“No you’re not. You’re just sitting there like a frozen bunny rabbit.”

Mei was headed to Jeri’s for pasta night with the girls. The Tangerines had a home game this week so they were hosting. “I just…I think I like him.”

“No shit. And he likes you. So get out of my car!”

It all felt so important. Like messing this up would somehow have detrimental repercussions. And that made no sense whatsoever. It wasn’t like I was performing a surgery to save his life. It was dinner. Dinner between friends. Even if things progressed and Eli decided it was improper, it wasn’t detrimental. I could quit. Or we could end up disliking each other. “I’ve never done this before.”

“What? Go on a date with someone you actually know?”

“Work with.”

With a sigh, she unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to face me. “Look, I know I gave you a hard time because my boss is married to Eve. And I know you see part of your job as having a certain image, which is probably true. But I’ve also never seen you like this. Ever since that night at Reds you’ve been…relaxed. Even with this job, which normally you disappear into. Dating sucks. You know this better than anyone. Why are you splitting hairs over a guy you actually like?”

“I’ve never hit the dating lottery, have I?”

“No,” she laughed. “There was Darrell, The Walking Dead fan who was convinced his name would somehow get him a role on the show. And Anthony who only cared how he looked. And don’t forget Suit Guy.”

I groaned. Not only did I have bad luck with dating, but my mild obsession with only dating obviously successful men had landed me jerks like Garrett more often than I’d like to admit to myself. I never would have picked Isaac out of a lineup, which was part of why he was actually a good date.

Or at least I was about to find that out.

“Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck.” Mei rolled her eyes. “Just have a good time.”

I waved as she drove away, then squared my shoulders and marched into Loretta’s. The smell of garlic and pasta hit me hard and my mouth started watering. The watering intensified when Isaac turned around in a suit.

A god damned suit. No tie. Unbuttoned at the collar. He was a dream. “Hey Kate. Thanks for coming.”

“Of course,” I croaked. I thought I was done for before? I needed a fan to cool me off now.

“I noticed the way you dress and how you seemed to like the suit I wore that day at the stadium so,” he spun once, “what do you think?”

“Very good. Excellent work. Your tailor deserves awards.”

He chuckled and took my hand. “My tailor has nothing on you. I’m a very lucky man to be seen in public with you.” He rested my hand on the crook of his elbow. “We have a reservation,” he said to the hostess.

We wove through the packed restaurant like that. Side by infuriatingly close side. I could smell a hint of cologne that was oh, so Isaac. He was warm and strong, a presence to be beside. A few eyes swung our way. Some simply appreciative of his sexiness. A few that flashed with recognition. I was grateful for his arm because the whole experience overwhelmed me.

We were given a cozy table slightly tucked away from the open part of the room. It had two candles burning and a bottle of wine waiting. “We are honored to have you dine with us tonight, Mr. Anson. Loretta would like you to have this bottle of wine with her compliments and great hopes for the season ahead.”

Isaac blinked, clearly in shock. “Uh, yes. Please tell Loretta I’m flattered and honored. The team looks good.”

The hostess bowed slightly and was immediately replaced by a boisterous waiter who poured out our wine and explained the specials in excruciating detail.

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