Page 19 of Man Seeking Woman

"Hello, I'm Gina, welcome to the Red Tavern." Returning a smile, she picked up a pen and asked, "Do you have a reservation?"

"Oh, I'm actually here to meet someone. His name is August. Do you know if he's here already?"

"Ah," she said with a smirk. "You must be Ella, he's been waiting for you. Please, follow me." The young woman stepped down from her post, and started to walk into the dining room.

"Wait," I said quickly, causing her to stop short and look over her shoulder. "This might seem like a strange question, but. . ." Pausing, my eyes shifted around hers. "Can you point him out first?"

Giving me a little giggle, she nodded. "Sure, he's right—" Her words hung in the air as she looked towards the back of the room from the doorway. "There, just past the table with the woman in the bright blue dress."

Peeking beyond Gina, August was sitting stoicly at the table, looking over the menu. We were standing too far back to make out any fine details, but he was wearing a black suit and had the look of a businessman.

Promising so far. At least he looks professional.

"That's him, huh?"

"That's August Burke," she said, giving me a teasing smile.

August Burke. . . Why do I feel like I've heard that name before?

Gina started forward, but I stopped her again. "Okay, one more question." Holding out my arms, I looked myself over. "Do I look alright?"

"Well," she said, glancing me up and down. "You look beautiful, plus you're wearing his favorite color. I think he's really going to like you." Giggling, she nodded her head. "Come on, I'll take you to the table."

One point, Ella. . . I'll take it, let's hope the trend continues.

Swallowing hard, I followed her through the tables, weaving around waiters and waitresses as they squeezed between us.

My heart was in my throat, my stomach was in knots, my skin was flushed and hot as my nerves went wild. This was out of my comfort zone, so far from what I was used to. He hadn't asked for a resume or credentials, he hadn't requested work history or a background check, not a damn thing for me to bring to this meeting.

All he knew was my name, that was it.

Approaching the table, August stood up and gave me a gentle smile, adjusting his blazer. "You must be Ella," he said, holding out his hand towards me.

"And you must be August." Placing my hand in his, I expected a firm shake.

That wasn't what I got.

August's lids lowered as he looked me over, curling his thick fingers around mine and bringing my palm to the back of his lips. Kissing my hand softly, he moved me gently, guiding me towards my chair.

I was taken back, unprepared for that type of greeting. My body reacted, moving with him easily. His touch controlled me, it manipulated me in a way that nothing had before. I could feel the air as it trickled into my lungs, I could sense the heat in my veins as the pads of his fingers swept over my skin.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Holding onto my hand, his thumb brushed over my knuckles, causing the hair on my arm to prickle.

Inhaling a sharp breath, I forced the flutter in my gut to calm down, reminding myself that this was an interview, not a date. It was crazy, the entire greeting was probably no more than twenty seconds long, but this feeling was intense, gripping someplace deep in my core.

Pulling my hand free quickly, I asked, "Do you always greet the women you interview like this?"

"Only the beautiful ones. You look stunning in that dress." Pulling out the seat for me, he gave me a sexy smile. Again, my heart went crazy, my stomach twirling, like a tornado had suddenly touched down.

He was the most handsome man I had ever laid eyes on, leaving me breathless with just a simple touch. I wasn't sure if I should thank him for the compliment or pretend I wasn't affected by it.

But, I could feel my cheeks getting hotter, knowing that they were probably fire red, and my hands were getting clammy from nerves. All I could do was smile back as I took my seat, unable to form the right words on my tongue.

Focus, El! He might end up being your boss! Stay professional!

Pushing me in, August took his seat. "I wasn't sure if you were going to come or not."

"Why wouldn't I come?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even and calm.

---