Chapter 5
Iclear my throat. “Okay, ladies. Let”s get started.”
My presentation boards are all set up, and I wait for Colleen and Antonia to give me their attention. I walk them through the graphics I’ve created for the annual fundraiser for Warrior Cares, which is one of my favorite projects every year. I always do it pro bono, no matter how many times they insist on paying me.
“Wow, Aimee. These are incredible! You’ve outdone yourself this year. I love these graphics,” Antonia gushes, pointing to the board with my design they’ll use on their website.
Colleen nods, eyes wide. “They’re incredible, Aimee.”
“I”m thrilled you like the designs.” I smile with satisfaction. I’ve worked with Colleen and Antonia for a few years, but even though I’m confident in my work, there’s always that moment of “Will they like my designs this year?” that’s hard to shake. “Now, let’s talk about options for the banner.”
The rest of the meeting rushes past, but my thoughts keep drifting to Mack. Since we kissed at the car show, I haven’t stopped thinking about his strong arms around me and how easy and comforting it is to be with him. I don’t care that he’s older than me because I’ve never met any man who made me feel even half as adored and isn’t intimidated by me running my own business.
“We appreciate you donating your time and talents.” Colleen smiles. “You have a real talent for graphic design.”
I beam, filled with purpose. “It’s my pleasure.”
“Okay, I think we’re all good to go, Aimee. Thanks again for your work this year. Just email all the files to us, and we’ll get them up and running,” Colleen says, hugging me before she and Antonia rush out for another meeting.
As I make my way back to my car, I realize this is the first time I’ve been truly happy in a long time. Work is going exceptionally well, and…Mack. I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but now I’ve met Mack, I can’t imagine him not being in my life. Telling him about my dad isn’t something I usually do with people I’ve just met, but he made me feel like he cared and truly wanted to know.
My phone vibrates, and I smile. Speak of the devil.
“Hey, Aimee. How are you?” Mack asks, his husky voice sending a shiver of desire across my skin.
I smile at the sound of his voice. “I’m great! I just got out of a client meeting, and they loved the designs.”
“Congratulations, Aimee. Are you free after three?”
I glance at my portfolio bag and realize I have nothing else that needs doing today. With Colleen and Antonia happy, and it being Friday, I can afford to start my weekend early.
“Yeah, I can make that work. I need to drop my work stuff off at home, then I’m all yours. What are you thinking?”
Mack’s chuckle lights a flame of desire in my core. “It’s a surprise. Meet me at Rebel Autos in two hours.”
“I can’t wait,” I breathe, bursting with anticipation.
* * *
“You really like this guy,don’t you?” Maya asks as we video chat while I tear through my closet, trying to find something to wear.
“I do, Maya. I really do. It’s true what they say about finding someone when you’re not looking. What do you think?” I ask, holding up a black blouse.
She shakes her head. “I think you need to go further. Wear a dress this time.”
“But I don’t know what we’re doing,” I say, hesitating.
“Doesn’t matter. Dress for him, not for what you might be doing.”
I turn to Maya and grin. “You might be on to something. Hold on.” I rifle through my closet, looking for the dress I’ve wanted to wear but haven’t had a reason to. “What about this?”
“Oh, Aimee,” Maya says. “That dress is gorgeous. It’s so pretty! Try it on and let me see!”
“Okay. Hang on,” I say, stepping away from my laptop so I can change. “When do we get to do this for you?” I call out as I slip into the dress. “It’s been ages since you went on a date.”
“I can barely get a guy to talk to me for more than five minutes at the bars lately.” I can hear Maya sigh. “I haven’t really been looking, but I’m always kind of looking when I meet men, you know?”
“Yeah, I do. You’ll find someone soon, Maya. I know you will.”
“I haven”t seen you this worked up over a guy since we were in high school. Mack must be something special.”
“There’s a connection between us that I’ve never felt, Maya. It feels weird to say that when we’ve only seen each other a couple of times, but it’s like finding someone I didn’t realize was missing from my life. Am I crazy to think he might be The One?”
Maya laughs. “He must be something special to make you so giddy. I trust you, though. You’ve never been one to fall in love at the drop of a hat.”
“You’re right,” I say, moving back in front of my laptop. “What do you think?” I twirl in a dark pink dress with a tiny flower print over it.
“Aimee… You look so beautiful. You’re going to knock his socks off!”
I sure hope so!I let Maya get back to work and ensure my makeup isn’t smeared before I grab my purse and head out.
More than anything, I want tonight to be perfect with Mack.