She met her mother’s gaze. “I said no, but I was tempted. He’s so different than me. I’m afraid.”
Her father’s voice was firm. “My daughter shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.”
Wow, that could be interpreted wrong. She turned toward her dad. “I’m not afraid of Galen at all. He’s dreamy and sweet and nice, but his world is so different. His home could double as a museum and his family is really big.”
“He probably had a decorator, sweetie,” her mom said. “If you want, I’m sure he’ll let you transform the house into a home.”
True. She needed their logic and being afraid of money meant she was probably being a bit of a snob too—hadn’t she warned her parents not to do that? She lowered her eyes to her mom’s thin wrist. “It’s not just that. I met his family.”
Her parents shared a look and then her mother said, “Wow, that’s good if he’s introducing you to his family. When do we get to meet your Galen?”
Her mother’s voice but her dad’s command. She knew them, so she glanced at her father, “I’ll invite him over soon if things get serious.”
Her father nodded. “Only if you want to, sweetheart.”
Her body relaxed as she’d shared everything “I want you to like him, Dad.”
Her father reached over and took her hand. “Well I don’t know about that, but he clearly has good taste.”
A huge smile grew on her face. Her parents were the best. She laughed. “Aww, you spoil me for every other guy, Dad. But promise me you’ll give him a shot.”
Her father let her hand go, picked up his newspaper, and said, “He’ll have to be super special if he gets my approval.”
“I’ll let you both know soon.” Natalie stood, eager for her date that night.
Hope surged through her veins that her mother would be cancer free, though she’d never voice that out loud. She had a bounce to her step as she exited the hospital, found her car and drove home.
The question where she was going tomorrow flew in her mind, over and over again. Galen could mean anywhere. She had no idea what to pack for their trip, where she’d sleep, how long they’d be gone… but she looked forward to getting to know him better. Natalie stopped at the security desk the moment she spotted her ex in the lobby. She met the guard’s cautioning gaze but then walked over to the couches as he stood. “Rocco? Why are you in my lobby?”
He reached out and tried to touch her, but she pulled back. “I wanted to see you again.”
No. Perhaps she hadn’t been clear before and she needed to be. She put her hand on her hip. “Whatever this is about for you, it’s not the same for me. I have a boyfriend and I’m happy, Rocco. I don’t want to see you around anymore.”
His eyes widened. “The guy from yesterday?”
“Yes, Galen Morgan.” She nodded and stepped back. “It’s time for you to leave and not come back here, ever.”
Rocco took a step closer and goosebumps of alarm raced up her arms. “I see. I hope you’re happy Natalie.”
Whatever. She was safe. Security was ten feet away. She nodded, “Okay, goodbye now.”
She then trekked to the security desk and waited until Rocco left. Once he was behind the doors, she smiled her thanks at the building staff and headed toward the elevators.
Inside she found her suitcase in the back of the closet and realized this was the first time she’d use it and not head to Orlando for a theme park. Finally. Her heart jumped even though she knew this was for work while she sorted out a few date outfits to pack, tonight’s jeans and cute top, a few work outfits to pack including today’s new suit and found her toiletries.
Once she freshened up, put on makeup, and finished packing, the doorbell rang. She checked her cute purple lace top was on right and then opened the door. Galen stood in her doorway, dressed in a button down black shirt and a pair of black pants which only made him look sexier. She waved him in, so she could get her purse. “Galen, come in.”
“Your apartment is cozy.” He walked in and glanced at the art on the walls and her silver trimmed mirrors on both sides of the windows to help distribute the light into the space.
She checked her lip gloss and picked up her Coach pocketbook. “I’ve lived here for years now. There’s a lot of me in the decorations.”
He stopped near the kitchen wall and stared. “You have so many pictures.”
Now that she thought about it, he hadn’t had a lot of family pictures around. Interesting. She walked beside him and saw him focus on a Christmas portrait. She smiled. “True. That’s my parents.”
He nodded and studied the three of them in various pictures. “They seem nice. Your dad smiles.”
“Yeah, I have his blue eyes.” She pointed toward her own eyes.
