Page 20 of Things We Fake
I raised my hands in a defensive gesture. As she glared at me, hands on hips, her cheeks turning pink, my pulse skipped a beat. She was getting more gorgeous every time I saw her.
“Whoa, don’t hurt me,” I said, only half-joking. “The software works. This school bought the earlier version, but we’ve made upgrades that solved all the bugs.”
“We’ll see about that.” She pointed at the laptop on her desk. “The software’s in the main server. I’ve got it up and running.”
I eased into her chair, rolled up my sleeves, and got to work. The familiar tap of keys helped anchor me. My mind, so often a tangle of competing thoughts, quieted when I worked. I might not be the world’s most confident guy, but I was confident in my technical abilities. This stuff was as easy as breathing.
I could feel Susanne’s eyes on me. I caught a whiff of flowery perfume, along with a faint trace of sour milk.
“I have to say, your fashion sense is refreshing,” I said without looking up. “Your boyfriend must be constantly entertained. Never a dull moment with you.”
She made an adorable huffing sound.
As I risked a glance up, I saw her nostrils flare.
“I was the victim of a food fight at lunch,” she said primly. “And I’m between boyfriends, so I’m entertaining only myself.”
“Good to know. What kind of food?”
“Mac and cheese. I have more cheese on me than a double-loaded pizza. I had a choice between this lovely garment I borrowed from Irma, the art teacher, or my gym clothes.”
I moved my eyes slowly up her body. “Gym clothes would be a much better choice.”
“Only if I want to lose my job, which I don’t.” She smirked. “Bad software aside, I really love my job here.”
I grinned. “I don’t suppose you ever get bored.”
“God, no. Kids are the most interesting people.”
“I agree. Don’t tell Luke, but I’m crazy about that kid,” I confessed. “I’m hoping we can spend more time together now that I live here.”
“I get that. He’s very bright. Do you plan on having any of your own?”
I glanced up, unsure what to make of her question. She looked embarrassed for asking it. Was she fishing for information on my relationship status?
I smiled, trying to put her at ease. “For sure. But I think I’d like to go the traditional way and get a wife first.”
“Right. That’s wise of you.”
I hoped my honest answer contained all the details that might interest her.
After a final check, I closed all the tabs I’d been working in. The desktop was a nightmare,and I had to physically restrain myself from organizing the chaotic piles of folders and shortcuts. Instead, I pushed the chair away from the desk and stood.
“Alright, we’re done here for now.” I rubbed the back of my neck and cleared my throat. This was the moment to reveal my true reason for coming here today. “Susanne, I… want to apologize for Saturday night. I got a little loaded, and if I said or did anything inappropriate, I’m sorry. We were all just letting off steam.”
Color bloomed in her cheeks again and she moistened her lips. “I suppose some women might be flattered by that invitation, but I’m not one of them.”
“No, of course you aren’t that kind of woman, and I apologize, for myself and the rest of the guys. Actually, I apologize on behalf of all men.” I gave her a lopsided smile. “Can I make it up to you? Say, by taking you to dinner Saturday night?”
I held my breath. I could see my invitation had taken her by surprise, and she took a few long moments to think it over.
Her sudden smile was like a punch to the gut as she stared up at me with those whiskey-colored eyes. I could drown in them and stay drunk forever.
“I never refuse an apology that comes with dinner,” she said.
My heart did a flip and I smiled back, feeling excited for the first time in weeks, maybe months.
I forced myself to play it cool, instead of pumping my fist in the air. “Great. Do you have any preference on where to go and what to eat?”
