Page 56 of Open for Negotiation
“That sounds like something I could use right now.”
“Then it’s settled. Turn off your computer, turn your phone on silent.” I pull my phone from my bag and open Spotify. “I’ll find some music, and we’ll just enjoy a quiet dinner.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he smirks.
“Talk about getting used to something. I could get used to that, for sure.” I scroll through the app and decide on a random playlist of old favorites and set it off to the side with the screen facedown.
“All we’re missing is candlelight, right?” he asks. “Hold on.” He pulls his iPad from the drawer to his right and the screen illuminates his face. I watch him scroll through apps, clicking here and there before placing it between us with a digital candle flickering on the screen.
“Did you just download a candle app?” I ask him when I see him smiling proudly.
“I did. Just for this occasion.”
“I’m honored.” I place the back of my hand on my forehead, dramatically swooning.
“You should be. Utilizing precious memory space on my ridiculously large tablet, which has more memory than one person will ever need, just for us to have a romantic, candlelit dinner of takeout on my desk. I’m giving you the fairy tale here.”
I stare across from him, the yellow glow from the digital candle dancing across his face, and he looks like the perfect blend of Prince Charming, who wants to woo me, and a dark knight, who wants to bend me over this desk and have his wicked way with me.
And I’m okay with either… both… simultaneously.
“There’s nothing better than this, to be honest,” I admit to him. “This is perfect. Thank you.”
He removes the twist-off cap from the cheap bottle of wine I brought with me and tilts his head in confusion at my thanks.
“This was all you. You brought the food, the wine, you’re keeping me company and distracting me from everything, and yet I’m the one being thanked? That just doesn’t compute, Scarlett.”
“I’m saying thank you for not laughing me out of the office or turning me away. I know today has been hard, and I guess I thought there was a real chance of you being upset that I came here unannounced.”
He drops the cap from the wine on the desk. “If there is one thing I will never be upset about, it’s you surprising me with your company, a meal, and wine.” He looks around then sighs heavily. “I don’t have wine glasses.”
I reach across the desk and take the bottle from him, then lifting it in a cheers motion. “Bottoms up.” I place the opening to my lips and tip it up, drinking the sweet liquid straight from the bottle.
“That’s certainly one way to do it,” he laughs and takes the bottle from me, following suit with his own drink.
The minutes pass by in a blink while we eat, talk, and drink. The wine runs dry and we are using what bread is left to mop up any Alfredo sauce left behind… and my cheeks hurt from laughing.
“Oh my God. Stop. I can’t breathe.” I hold my stomach and try to calm the giggles that have taken over.
“Is that all I have to do? Tell you the cheesiest joke in my repertoire and you’ll reward me with your perfect laugh?”
“My laugh isn’t perfect. I laugh like a hyena.” I wipe the tears pooling in my eyes.
“Hardly. Your cheeks flush and you toss your head back, showing off your neck. It’s sexy.”
The booze is making me feel hot and tingly and coupled with being in his proximity… I’m a ball of energy that needs to be released.
“You can’t say things like that to me.” I lean forward and place my elbows on the desk.
“And why not? This is my office, isn’t it? I can say anything I’d like.” He leans in, matching my pose.
My heart is pounding out of my chest and my lips part when I suck in a breath.
“That seems very arrogant of you, doesn’t it?” I lean in a little closer.
“Arrogance? I’ve always hated that word.” He moves toward me ever so slightly. “I prefer confident, deserving, in control.”
“And what do you want to have control over right now?” Our lips are so close together that I can feel the heat from his breath. I can smell the toothpaste and wine on his tongue, and I want to taste them.
