Page 20 of Man Seeking Woman

I didn't want him to sense my nerves or realize how extremely uncomfortable I actually was. He made me so damn nervous and I wasn't sure why. Maybe it was the power that seemed to radiate from his body, a confidence that made him seem larger than life.

Smirking, a small dimple popped against his cheek and my stomach flipped upside down again.I'm screwed. Even if I get the job, how the hell will I ever work with this man?

"I can't answer that," he said, tapping his finger on the table. "I don't know a thing about you, yet. But in my experience, a woman who isn't confident, doesn't show up."

"Maybe, I just went against my better judgement." Lifting a shoulder, I tilted my head a hair and studied the man in front of me.

His suit was not something he just bought at any old store. It was tailored to fit him to perfection. The arms met his wrists, the shoulders curved over his back as if it was crafted on his body. Not one stitch was out of place or loose, there wasn't a piece of lint or stray hair or wrinkle tarnishing the crisp black fabric.

August had light brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail, and a perfectly manicured beard adorning his face. Our eyes connected, and I noticed his were a color I had never seen before. They were bright green, with a dark blue ring around the outside, speckles of gold and amber glittered under the flicker of the candle on the table.

He had a rugged jaw with sharp angles, and his cheeks plumped up when he smiled, causing that fucking dimple to pop again.

August was handsome, the type of handsome that stops you in the street and causes slow motion tunnel vision. The kind of handsome that women swoon over, drawing them in like a moth to a flame.

And I'd be lying if I didn't say that same force was curling around my insides, making my muscles shiver and my thighs clench.

"I think good judgement brought you here." His smile widened, baring perfect teeth. "Let's get you a drink." Holding up his hand, he flagged down a waiter.

"Yes, Mr. Burke, what can I get you?"

"I'll take a Whitecap IPA." Letting his eyes float to mine, he asked, "What would you like?"

"I'll just have some water, thanks."

"Water? This place has some really great brews on tap, you should try one."

"Maybe after, but right now, water is good."

The waiter nodded, leaving us alone.

August's eyes flicked to mine, settling on my face as he sat motionless.

Instantly my chest tightened and my stomach clenched. The oxygen seemed to get sucked out of the air, making my muscles feel weak. Every inch of my body was suddenly begging me to move closer to him, to let this power have what it desired. I had to shut it down, telling myself over and over again that I was there for an interview, not a blind date, not to meet a man who could probably make me scream louder than I ever had before.

No more, El!

August sat back in his chair not saying a word, his eyes zeroing in on me, seemingly aware of the thoughts running thorugh my head.

"So," he finally said, running his thumb over his bottom lip. "Tell me a little about yourself."

"Alright, well. . ." Pausing for a moment to gather my thoughts, I looked down at the table. "I'm a hard worker, I learn quickly, and I'm not afraid to ask questions—"

"No," he cut in, his voice a firm command. "Tell me something else."

"Like what?" I asked, folding my hands in my lap. I couldn't keep my nerves in check. The way he spoke, the smoothness in his voice and look in his eyes was creating a rush of warmth across my body.

"Let's start with the easy questions. Are you from New York?"

"No, I moved here a little over a year ago." Fiddling with my hands, my lips curled into a half smile. "Came here to live a dream, just like everyone else." Letting out a light laugh, I shrugged a shoulder. "But, dreams take time."

"Do you like it?"

"I do." My voice was weak, but not because of my nerves, it was because I didn't believe my answer.

I did love this city, but the longer I was there not living the life I wished for, the further that love seemed to fade away.

Grunting, August shifted in his seat, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. "It doesn't sound like it."

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