Page 70 of I'm Looking for a Man in Finance
“Roxie’s out all evening for a gallery showing. I think there are worse ways to spend a night, like sitting at a bar every weeknight at Whiskey Locker or any other bar in FiDi.” She flashed me a knowing smile, then disappeared into the kitchen to grab the popcorn. “So, what’s the big news?”
I glanced between the couch and the kitchen, not sure if I should make myself comfortable or just share my news and go. Suddenly, spending all my free time with Hallie had become the only thing I wanted to do.
“If you don’t have anywhere else to be tonight,” I called out to Hallie, who was returning with a bowl of popcorn. “I wouldn’t mind watching a movie with you.”
She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she turned back around, disappearing into the kitchen for a moment. When she reappeared, she was carrying a fresh glass of wine—and a second one for me.
Hallie paused in front of the couch, her expression softening into a smile as she settled beside me. “That sounds perfect.” She tucked her legs up under her, the bowl of popcorn resting next to her. “I’ve been wanting to watch this all week.”
It felt like knocking off rust, like we were playing house. The last time I’d gotten this comfortable with someone, I’d also gotten my heart broken. I’d been too distracted, too caught up in the routine we’d created to realize that our routine had never been as perfect as I thought it was.
But instead of letting myself dwell on unresolved feelings, I kicked off my shoes by the front door and settled down on the couch next to Hallie.
“So, that good news you were going to share?” Hallie prompted.
“Right.” I slung an arm over the back of the couch, and without thinking Hallie leaned back into me. The two of us both moving almost involuntarily, unable to fight against our bodies’ desires to be close to one another. “Every Wednesday is Rossi family dinner. Tonight, my grandfather asked me about my ideas for bringing the restaurant into the modern era utilizing social media, influencers, and reviewers.”
Hallie’s attention was fully on me. I never realized how unfamiliar it felt to have someone genuinely interested in what I was saying. Rather than faking interest in memerely because it provided them a means to an end. The only people who ever gave me that kind of undivided attention were my mom and dad, and even then, it only happened when there wasn’t some kind of family drama hanging over us.
“He was interested?” Her voice was full of excitement, and I felt the warmth of her enthusiasm radiate through me.
“Surprisingly, yes.” A burst of laughter escaped from me, the realization of everything that had happened hitting me all at once. After all the time and effort I’d spent trying to convince my father of my plans, all I’d really needed to do was convince the head of the Rossi clan. “He brought it up before dinner and my father and uncle cut our conversation short at first. But my aunt insisted they let me speak, and he actually listened to me. He expressed he might not fully understand social media and how it could help the restaurant, but he was adamant about hearing me out. After I gave him a quick explanation of what I wanted to do, he was on board.”
“James!” Hallie reached over to throw her arms around my neck. “That’s great news!”
My hands slipped around her waist. Her palms moved to my chest as she leaned back in my arms. “I’ll talk with Roxie about planning a day to go over to the restaurant together. That way she’s free to take pictures and I can plan out a blog posting—”
I silenced her with a kiss. I didn’t even hesitate. I was unable to resist Hallie’s intoxicating energy any further. And when her fingers fisted the soft fabric of myt-shirt and she pulled me in closer, I knew I’d made the right move.
When I heard her moan into my mouth, I nearly splintered into a thousand pieces. There was no way I was going to walk away from her at the end of our five dates. I’d already mentally shredded our agreement in my head.
Hallie Woods was going to be mine.
25
Hallie
SUBJECT: THE SOCIAL EATERY—DUE BY EOD FRIDAY (YOU’VE GOT ONE CHANCE)
An email from Anthea sat at the top of my inbox Thursday morning. The subject line alone was enough to make my heart rate spike. The body of the email was even more cryptic—just a link to an article about the opening of a new restaurant in Soho that night, followed by a reservation for two thatSophisticatehad already pre-booked. No message. No instruction. Nothing else.
I stared at the screen for ten minutes straight, wide-eyed and unmoving, as if even the slightest movement would make it disappear. After our last conversation, I’d written off any hope of landing the food critic position. But maybe, just maybe, this was Anthea’s way of throwing me a bone. A chance to prove myself.
Hallie:
Please tell me you’re free tonight for a dinner in Soho?
