“You’d be right,” he said. “Like many other people are guessing too.”
The gas just ran out of the rocket ship she was riding on. Dang it. He must know what his aunt was doing and he was just playing along with her.
“Sorry. We can get back to work.”
“Don’t be sorry,” he said. He got up and shut her door. She wasn’t sure what this was about but decided to wait and see before she opened her mouth and embarrassed herself some more.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yes. Let’s cut to the chase here. We are working together and have before. I feel like there is some kind of dance going on and I’m not good at those things. You and I both know my aunt and what she considers her favorite hobby.”
“Setting people up?” she asked.
“Matchmaking. She thinks we are perfect for each other. I’m going out on a limb you know this?”
“This is horrible,” she said. “I didn’t until Ella told me the last time you were here. Jolene has been hinting that she needed to find me a man and I laugh it off. I didn’t put two and two together.”
“That’s fine. It took me a bit to realize it too. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that might be slow on this. Not to insult you, but it’s more I’m trying to ignore my aunt. I make my own decisions in life.”
She let out a breath and then laughed. “Me too. I’m honored and all that she thinks I’m good enough for you.”
He frowned. “What nonsense is this?”
There she went again. Open mouth, insert foot. “Never mind. My point is, I’ve noticed you before. Long before I realized what your aunt was up to. As I said, I didn’t realize it was you she had in mind.”
“And based on your other comment you haven’t said anything to me or made a step because you didn’t think you were good enough?”
She shrugged. “You are part of the Fierce family.”
“I am, but if there is one thing I would think you’d have learned is that my family only cares about people’s happiness, not what is in their wallet or where they came from. My aunt and uncle both came from very humble backgrounds and have worked hard to get where they are.”
“I know. I’ve heard all about it.”
She wondered now why she was just realizing what he said was right. Everyone that Jolene had set up with her kids and her nephews all worked for Fierce or with Fierce. No one came from wealth but rather had a good work ethic.
All the spouses worked. None of them lived off the Fierce name even though they could.
She’d been a fool to think what she was.
“Good. Here’s the deal. I’d like to ask you out on a date, but I don’t want anyone to know. If my aunt finds out she’ll never let me live it down. I don’t want her getting any ideas in her head she set us up. I can make my own decisions in life.”
“Thank God,” she said.
He laughed. “Why did you make that comment?”
“Because I was going to say almost exactly what you did. That I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better, but I worried you would think it’s only because your aunt was behind this. I almost wish I’d taken a step months ago before I found out. It’s still in the back of my head you might think I’m doing it because of her.”
“Don’t think that,” he said. “We are having this conversation so you don’t think it’s the only reason I’m asking you.”
“This is almost too funny, don’t you think?” she asked.
“Very. I’m going to open the door now, and we’ll get back to work. No more talk about this. Work only when we are here. When I leave I’ll email you. Or you can give me your cell number and not just your work one.”
“I can do that,” she said.
Wow, guess her mother was right.
7
