Chapter 17
Otto
Where Do We Go From Here?
T minus three weeks and counting to the fundraiser. My illustrious colleague has stepped up her game and we’re meeting twice a week to go over the project spreadsheet. I’m not complaining. It means I get to see her more often.
I think we’re both a little unsettled by that nuclear kiss. Our first fundraiser meeting after that eventful night took place at Emma’s bakery. Emma acted like a chaperone the whole time—I suspect she was roped into doing that by Mia. Emma stopped by our table numerous times to make sure we had sufficient coffee and sweets. Mia conveniently ignored the elephant in the room—that kiss—as she plowed through each item in the spreadsheet with me. When the meeting was over, I was hoping that we’d have a chance to talk about us. But Mia immediately hopped to her feet and fled, off to a class, if you can believe that. I prefer to believe she was being chicken.
At today’s meeting, I’m gonna take charge. We’re going to discuss that kiss and where we go from here. I’d love to date Mia and see where this relationship goes. We need to move beyond a relationship based solely on working together on this fundraiser.
Just like last time, we are meeting at Emma’s bakery. Hopefully Mia hasn’t begged her friend to check in on us every two minutes again. That distraction technique was very effective at our last meeting. Every time I opened my mouth to talk about our relationship, Emma was right there, pushing more coffee or those delicious banana cupcakes at us.
As usual Mia is already there when I arrive. Since she works the early morning shift at the bakery, it is the logical place to convene. When I spot her and her companions at a cozy table in the back, my footsteps falter and disappointment sets in. Looks like there won’t be any alone time for a discussion about our relationship. Again.
“Good morning, ladies,” I say as I take a seat at the table. Mia has returned to her prim and proper self, wearing another suit and giving off project manager vibes. Her laptop is open in front of her, and her fingers are poised over the keyboard as if I interrupted her mid-type.
“Nice to see you again, Nora and Madison,” I say to our guests, giving Madison a high-five. Turns out the kid is a hockey fan, so I invited her and her mother to the next Golden Stars home exhibition game. Fortunately, the arena accommodates wheelchairs, but the pair will have to sit at the top of a section, not near the ice.
“We’re discussing which inclusive parks to include on the posters,” Mia reports in a no-nonsense tone.
“Excellent! But I need some coffee and sugar first. Do you want anything else, Nora or Madison?” I say, purposely ignoring Mia.
“Can I have another banana muffin?” Madison asks her mother. I expect Mia to leap in and correct the child that it’s a breakfast cupcake , but she doesn’t.
“Sure. Do you mind getting her another one?” Nora says.
“I’m happy to,” I reply, as I stride over to the ordering counter while Mia’s eyes shoot lasers at me. Maybe she wanted another banana cupcake?
“What can I get you Otto?” Emma asks when I get to the front of the line.
“Black coffee and three banana breakfast cupcakes,” I say. “Does Mia have a favorite breakfast cupcake?” I ask.
“Oh, yes!” Emma says with a giggle. “She’s a fan of the chocolate chip ones, although she’d never admit it.”
Emma and I exchange knowing smirks. “All the more reason for me to purchase one for her,” I say with a wink. Emma efficiently fills my order, then adds, “She’ll deny liking the chocolate chip.” A sly grin appears on my face as an idea hits. I pay for the order and stroll back to our table.
Plunking the plate of breakfast cupcakes down in the middle of the table, I grab a banana one, put it on a napkin and set it in front of Madison. “Banana for the lady,” I say with a flourish while the child giggles.
After settling in my seat, I announce to the table while looking directly at Mia, “If anyone wants the chocolate chip one, I’m happy to share. It looked so delicious.” I swipe one of the remaining banana cupcakes and dig in. Mia licks her lips and stares at the lone chocolate chip cupcake on the plate.
“Show me which parks you’re considering for the posters,” I say, addressing both Nora and Mia. That opening leads to an energetic discussion, during which Mia continues to eye that cupcake. Nora has done extensive research and has selected a terrific variety of parks to display at the fundraiser. This will give the donors a good sense of what their money is going towards.
“Shall I place the order for the posters?” Mia asks as our discussion winds down.
“I’m happy to do that task,” I say, knowing she has a lot on her plate.
“Thanks Otto,” she replies in that project manager tone of hers as she types.
Having had enough of her standoffish manner, I stand, grasp her hands, and tug her to her feet. Her eyes go big as saucers. “What are you—” she sputters.
My lips effectively cut off any resistance. She stiffens for an instant and I hold my breath hoping that I haven’t misjudged the boundaries of our relationship and will get a slap in the face. As soon as our lips touch, she leans into the kiss and kisses me back. Time stands still and the world around us fades as we savor each other. Just like that first kiss, this one heats up quickly. My brain registers that we’re starting to stray into non-PG-13 kissing in front of a minor. Gently pulling back, I rub my thumbs along Mia’s cheeks as she blinks up at me.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
The sound grabs our attention. Emma is standing at the bakery case, sporting a broad smile, giving us a standing ovation. Nora laughs and Madison joins in the applause. Sweeping my hand out to my side, I bow, then assist Mia back into her chair. Her cheeks are bright pink, and she looks thoroughly kissed. Mental fist pump!
I take my seat and slide the chocolate cupcake over to Mia. She eyes it, clears her throat, and returns to the spreadsheet as if nothing happened. Apparently, I’m just like that chocolate chip cupcake. Something she loves but won’t admit that she has a hankering for.
“You two are so cute together!” Nora encourages.
“Are you getting married?” Madison asks. “Whenever a prince kisses a girl, he marries her.”
I arch an eyebrow towards my colleague, waiting for her response. That innocent observation makes me chuckle. If only life were that simple.
“Um, well...” Mia says as she squirms in her seat. She turns pleading eyes towards me, silently asking for my help. I stifle a laugh when she grabs the chocolate chip cupcake and takes a big bite.
Nora leaps into the conversation, saving both of us from having to respond. “Mia and Otto are just dating, sweetie,” her mom explains.
Madison’s brows slam together in confusion. “But they kissed!” she says.
“They’re allowed to kiss when they’re boyfriend and girlfriend,” Nora explains gently.
Madison’s disappointment is obvious. “That’s not how it works. Prince Charming married Cinderella after the glass slipper fit and they kissed! The prince married Snow White after he gave her true love’s first kiss!” Madison says in an insistent tone.
How can you argue with that logic? “Madison has a good point, don’t you think Mia,” I reply, putting my new “girlfriend” on the spot.
Mia shoots me a glare that could set off the fire alarm. She polishes off the cupcake in two more bites, either buying time or hoping that I’ll field Madison’s inquiry. I silently wait it out, wanting to hear Mia’s reply. After swallowing, Mia says, “We are just dating. Otto isn’t a prince and I’m not a princess.”
I roll my eyes. Way to let the kid down gently.
“Madison,” I say, trying to repair the damage Mia just did. “I’m hoping to win over Mia’s heart someday, but apparently my kisses aren’t enough. You’ll have to give me some ideas.”
The child’s face brightens, and she claps her hands. “I’ve got lots of ideas! You can give her a single red rose like in that TV show.” Nora blushes at that reference. “Or, how about taking Mia for a ride with you on your horse! Do you have a horse?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t have a horse.”
“Bummer. You could give Mia a library of books like the Beast did for Belle!”
“That would be a lot of books,” Nora interjects, then tells Madison, “You can think of some more ideas and share them with Otto later.”
“Okay,” Madison says. “I’ll write them down for you,” she says as she pats my arm.
“I look forward to all your suggestions,” I say while tossing Mia a wink.
“Well, shall we get back to discussing the project?” Mia says crisply, pretending to focus on her laptop screen. But do I detect a glint in her eye? That’s a challenge I simply can’t ignore.
Unfortunately, I have to dash off to hockey practice before I have an opportunity to get Mia alone. Based on her reaction to my impromptu kiss, she’s not immune to me. I need to figure out how to win her heart like I told Madison. I doubt a single red rose is going to do it.