Part 8 (1/2)

”I hate to intrude, but I couldn't help but overhear you talking to Casey on the phone as we were leaving. I really hope you didn't skip out on her tonight because of me.”

Paul's eyes darkened and I immediately regretted bringing it up.

”No, it wasn't because of you. I had already asked you to dinner when she called with a spur of the moment dinner party invitation. Frankly, I'm getting tired of her doing that and had no desire to go. I would rather be here, with you.”

Joy spurted inside of me but I still felt guilty. ”I hate to be the cause of any stress in your relations.h.i.+p. She is your girlfriend. We could have forgotten about dinner, I wouldn't have minded.”

He reached over and put his hand over mine. ”I would have.” His green eyes were looking so intently at me I had to look away. He still gave me b.u.t.terflies.

”Well,” I said, ”I won't argue it further, but please know I have no intention of being a problem between the two of you.”

”Aly, you aren't, and you never have been. Please don't worry over this. Casey is my problem and I will deal with her. Okay?”

I nodded and grabbed another chip. I had to keep myself busy or I would melt to the floor at his attention. While there was nothing in this world I wanted more than to be his, I would never do anything as long as he was taken. I wouldn't be that girl.

”Okay,” I whispered. His hand was still over mine and the electricity was becoming too much. I took it away and pretended to brush something off of my s.h.i.+rt.

”Aly, we need to check in with Norman soon and see if he has the final number of residents who we will be helping. I would also like you to finalize the ribbon cutting with Mr. Sheldon tomorrow.”

”I've sent an email and will call him tomorrow. I'm sure he'd be honored to do it. It is very meaningful to have him do it. I love that you thought of it.”

The server came with the check and cleared our plates. I reached for my purse to pay my share when I heard Paul make a tsk-tsk sound.

”No, Aly. It's on me. I insist.”

I didn't feel comfortable with that. ”No, please. I want to pay for myself.”

Paul set his credit card down and instructed the server to take it. Looking at me, the server shrugged his shoulders and left the table. I was not amused.

”Paul, why did you do that? I can pay for myself. I wish you would let me.”

He leaned over the table and ran his knuckles down my cheek. ”You are so cute when you get mad, Aly,” he whispered.

My alarm bells started ringing and I sat back in my chair. He has a girlfriend, he has a girlfriend, I kept reminding myself. Be strong, Aly.

”Well, cute or not, I really wanted to pay for my meal.”

”We'll see,” was his response. ”Not this time, though.”

The server brought the bill back and thanked us. Paul signed the receipt and left him a ma.s.sive tip. He put the pen down and stood.

”All set?”

I was still annoyed, but decided to let it go. ”Yes, and thank you for dinner, I guess.”

He laughed and grabbed me to him as I stood. Taken off guard, I stood there helpless in his arms.

”You really are a firecracker at times, aren't you?” he asked in my ear. His breath was warm on my cheek and I had to restrain myself from leaning my head down on his chest. Removing myself from his hold, I took a few steps back.

”I can be,” I said, ”when someone doesn't let me pay for myself.” I started walking to the door with that, not looking back to see his reaction. I grabbed a mint from the hostess station and stood at the entrance waiting for him.

He caught up to me and opened the door. As I pa.s.sed him, he leaned over me and asked; ”I wonder what else brings the firecracker out in you?”

Stunned, I ignored the comment and kept walking. If he only knew.

Paul took me back to the parking garage to get my car. He pulled up next to it and cut the engine. Surprised because I was expecting to be on my way, I looked over at him.

”I need to go back to the office for a bit to work on some things,” he explained.

”Do you need me to go with you?” I asked.

He shook his head. ”Nope, you are free to go, Chase.”

I laughed. ”Are you sure? I don't mind. What do you need to work on?”

He ran a hand through his waves, making them stand out. I couldn't help but stare. He turned and caught me, making me blush.

”I want to look into expanding Pierce Homes more. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and I think it's something feasible. I've made contact with a few people in cities close by, asking their advice.”

”That's fantastic!” I exclaimed.

Paul smiled. ”I don't know why I've been putting this off. It's time to start branching out, but doing so will take a lot of work. I obviously can't be in two different places, so we will have to find someone to be in charge of each area. Our headquarters will be here, of course, but we will need qualified individuals to help make each location the best it can be. I won't settle for anything less.”

”I know you won't, and that's what makes you so successful. After working with you for three years, I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Paul. I'm very proud to be a.s.sociated with you and your company.”

A look came over his eyes that I couldn't explain. Had I said something wrong? Should I not praise him and his company?

That look disappeared as fast as it came, but Paul's mood had changed. Taking off his seatbelt, he unlocked the car and opened his door. Confused, but following his lead, I did the same. He came over to me and shut the door behind me. We walked over to my car and as I grabbed my keys from my purse, I looked up at him.

”Are you sure you don't need my help tonight?”

He shook his head again. ”I'm sure, Aly. Go on home and enjoy the rest of your night. Tomorrow will come too soon as it is.”

Feeling disappointed, I unlocked my car and hopped in. He shut the door for me and stood back as I started it up. I put it in reverse and waved good-bye to him. He stayed put and raised his hand in a short wave. The last thing I saw in my rearview mirror before I turned for home was him, standing in the same spot, watching me drive away.

I got home and threw my purse and keys on the end table by my couch. I was suddenly exhausted and all I wanted to do was go to bed, even though it was barely eight o'clock. Peeling off my clothes, I threw on my yoga pants and tank, and went to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. When I heard my phone vibrate, I waited to see if it was a text or someone calling. When it kept vibrating, I cringed, realizing someone was calling. I hated talking on the phone and much preferred communicating via text. I was guessing it was my mother calling since she's technologically challenged and doesn't know how to text.

Lifting up my phone I see that I'm right when I look at the caller ID. I click the b.u.t.ton and answer. ”h.e.l.lo?”

”Aly, darling. How are you? I haven't heard from you in days,” my mothers chipper voice burst through the phone.

”Hey, Mom. I'm doing well. I've just been swamped at work. How are you?”

I heard her sigh. ”I'm doing well, thank goodness. I thought I had a touch of the flu the other day, but luckily it didn't last. Your father is away on one of his many golfing trips to Carmel. I swear that man would golf 24/7 if he could.”

I sat and listened to her updating me on all of her friends' lives and her many social functions she's involved in. I started to zone out when I thought I heard her ask something about me.

”Sorry what was that, Mom?”