Chapter 13
Laura
The shrill ring of my phone startles me from my daze. I glance at the caller ID and my heart skips a beat. Mr. De La Cruz.
I take a deep breath and answer, “Hey, how are you?”
I hesitate, warring with myself. Did I dare go? But there is something about his vulnerability, revealed in unguarded moments, that intrigues me.
Pro: The chemistry between us was undeniable.
Con: If it ended badly, I’d be jobless.
Pro: He seemed different with me, softer. Vulnerable, even.
Con: He was still my boss. Totally inappropriate.
Pro: When was the last time a man had sparked my interest like this?
Con: I could read this all wrong. He could just see me as a conquest.
“Ms. Stevens?”
“Yes, I’ll be there,” I say, my cheeks flushing. What am I getting myself into?
After we hung up, I race to my closet, flinging dresses and shoes everywhere. What does one wear to a date with their boss? I settle on a little black dress, modest but figure-hugging, and a pair of killer red heels.
As I did my makeup, my nerves jangled. Is this a mistake? But the memory of his smile surfaces in my mind, melting my anxiety. I want to see where this leads. I am tired of playing it safe. It is time for an adventure.
I glance in the mirror and don’t recognize the woman staring back - a woman ready to take a chance on love. With a smile, I grab my purse and head out the door. The night is full of promise.Mr. De La Cruz better be prepared. I am not his assistant tonight.
We meet at an upscale Italian restaurant, all white tablecloths and low lighting. I spot him at a corner table, dressed in a sleek suit that emphasizes his broad shoulders. When he sees me, he stands and smiles. Not his usual smug grin, but something warmer, shyer.
“You look stunning,” he says, pulling out my chair.
“Thank you.” I sit, formal. “You look very nice yourself.”
“Shall we order some wine?”
Over antipasto and red wine, we chat about work, our families, hobbies. He is an excellent conversationalist, listening and asking thoughtful questions. I find myself relaxing into the familiar rhythm of our banter, realizing how much I enjoy his quick wit and challenging mind.
When the waiter brings our main courses, Mr. De La Cruz says, “I’m interested in getting to know you better.”
My heart skips. So this is an actual date. I take a sip of wine to hide my smile. “I think this will make working together quite interesting.”
He chuckles. “Your trouble, Ms. Stevens.”
Our lively debate over certain cases segues into a walk in the nearby park. The air is crisp, scented with blooms. Moonlight filters through the trees, dappling the path.
Dallas takes my hand, his fingers warm and sure around mine. I glance at him to find his gaze already on me, soft with tenderness. My heart skips a beat.
Perhaps sensing my sudden shyness, he says, “I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable. I should have asked before taking your hand.”
“No, not at all,” I say. “I like it.”
He squeezes my hand and we continue walking, shoulders brushing. I steal glimpses of his profile, struck by how content I feel strolling with him under the stars. It is as if I’ve known him for years rather than months.
We pause on a bridge overlooking a pond. Dallas leans on the railing, gazing out at the rippling water. “I haven’t felt this way about anyone for a long time,” he says.
I turn to him, heartbeat quickening. “Me either.”
“But I think it’s best if we take things slow.”
Disappointment flickers, but I appreciate his restraint. “You’re right.” I squeeze his hand. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“The pleasure was mine.” He gazes at me with a tenderness that makes my knees weak. “Goodnight, Laura. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.” I watch him go, heart full and tingling with anticipation of what the future may hold. What an adventure this is turning out to be indeed.