Page 25 of Forever Fascinating

“Actually, I thought I would take you to this great place that was completely romantic so you would feel inspired to write me after I leave,” she began but there was almost a mocking tone to her voice that caught him by surprise.

“When do you leave?”

“Much too soon,” she admitted, “But I’ve got to get back to work. Duty calls, you know? C’mon and we’ll head out.”

They walked towards the rental vehicle – and he found himself suddenly curious to know more about Jana. If they weren’t going someplace romantic, then where were they going? And where did she work? What did she do for a living?

He realized he knew nothing about this woman beside him.

“You look distinctly unsettled,” she began quietly, turning the key in the ignition, not looking at him.

“I’m not used to someone being so open about things, you know? You aren’t like most girls…”

“What do you mean?”

“The games, the chase, playing hard to get…” he replied quietly.

“Do you think youhaveme, Mr. Barlow?” she asked suddenly, looking a little alarmed as she glanced at him, driving down the road. There was something in her expression that caught him unawares as he looked at her, seeing her for the first time.

“I don’t think I do…” he uttered softly, stunned. “I think there is something there, but I haven’t managed to win you over yet… have I?”

“We’ve just met,” she replied easily, relaxing a bit as if his answer appeased her. “While you are light on your feet, and I was completely thrilled? It’s like waking up the next morning and thinking, ‘What have I done?’ suddenly.”

He nodded, because he thought the exact same thing. He’d been so wrapped up in the cyclone of wonder and emotions, that today had been alarmingly brutal and down-to-earth.

“Let me guess, you got the same pep-talk as I did?”

“I gotapep-talk, yes…” she replied, frowning.

“Tell me about yourself,” he said suddenly, changing the subject. “What do you do for a living?”

“Honestly, nothing glamorous,” she muttered. “I’m a realtor and loving the freedom it gives me. I work as much as I want, when I want, and schedule my life around my clients’ needs. For me, it was having the ability to come and go as I please, helping people find their ‘Forever homes’that kinda did it for me.”

“I like that term,” he smiled, “‘Forever homes’sounds so wonderful and hopeful.”

“What people don’t know is it’s a massive amount of research, cold-calling, stress, and worry that something will happen to make it all fall apart at the last minute,” she admitted. “I honestly love it, but it’s hard sometimes, because my livelihood depends on the market.”

“I can imagine.”

“Ever play sports in high school?” she asked suddenly, keeping him on his toes regarding the conversation.

“I did,” he admitted. “I played football, baseball, and ran track. I ran track at the Academy, too.”

“Do you still run or play baseball?”

“Only when I’m in trouble,” he smiled, looking at her. “I wish we could play baseball sometimes because we get bored on base. We run laps a lot – and I do so to keep fit.”

“So then,” she said quietly, smiling as they pulled into a parking lot. “You’re okay with batting cages and Skee-ball? I lied about the romantic restaurant thing.”

Matthew looked up to see that they were pulling into the parking lot at some weird arcade or entertainment center with a ton of neon lights in the windows. This was probably about the best first date ever, because they could just hang out, have fun, and talk… without having the stress of it being overtly romantic.

“It’s perfect.”

CHAPTER7

JANA

Jana didn’t wantto elaborate on the pep talks she’d received and how many there had actually been. She was scolded by Emily for putting her in such a bad position – and thanked in the same breath. Her brother had pulled her aside and told her simply ‘be careful’– which surprised her completely.

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