Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
She swallowed.
“But if you’d like to have drinks and watch the sunset on my boat, I’m up for that, too. I haven’t had anything but a sexual relationship with a woman in seven years, and to be candid, I’m not entirely sure what I’m capable of offering anymore. But if you’d like to start with drinks, we can most definitely see where it goes.”
Ireland started to shake her head. I couldn’t get a read on the surprised look on her face—whether it was a good surprise or one that confirmed she should run the other way.
“Was that supposed to be you pleading your case for me to go out with you? Because you basically told me you suck at relationships and might just only want to have sex with me. And oh by the way, if I’m up for banging on your desk, that’s an available option, too.”
“That depends. Did it work?”
She laughed. “Oh my God. I think I’ve lost my mind. Because I think it might have.”
“Good. Then shut up and eat your lunch because your food is getting cold.”
Ireland was still laughing and shaking her head as she bit into her cheeseburger. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that had started to lose his mind. Especially since watching her sink her teeth into her lunch made me salivate at the thought of sinking my teeth into her skin.
With the important stuff out of the way, we managed to have a relaxed meal. We talked about work, our routines, and she asked if my grandfather had attempted any escapes again—which I liked. She was thoughtful, and her interest seemed genuine.
Too soon, Ireland’s phone buzzed. She had a reminder set on her phone, and it made me think of how I had Millie call to get me out of stuff. I eyed her cell.
“Is that a made-up appointment to help get you out of here?”
She brushed a hair from her face. “No. I wish it were. I have to run out to meet my contractor. I’m building a house in Agoura Hills. Construction is supposed to finish in a few weeks, but my builder said there might be some sort of a delay, and he wants to discuss plans.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“No, it definitely doesn’t. Especially since my roommate is moving out in two weeks when she gets married, and our lease is up in just a couple of months.”
“I have a good real estate agent who can help you locate something temporary if you need it.”
“Thank you.” She squinted at me. “So is that something you do on a regular basis?”
“What?”
“Make up appointments to get out of a meeting faster.”
I smirked. “Occasionally.”
Just then, my desk phone buzzed, and Millie came over the intercom. “Mr. Lexington? Leo arrived a few minutes early. He just ran to the bathroom.”
Ireland raised a brow.
“That was a total coincidence. Leo is an actual person. I’m sure he’ll be busting in here when he gets back if I’m not out. So you’ll get to meet him. He has a button on his ass that makes him pop up after more than ten seconds of waiting if he doesn’t have a video game in his hand.”
“Is Leo an adult or child?”
“Child. Who thinks he’s an adult. He’s my… We spend time together every Wednesday afternoon. It’s part of a program my mother started twenty years ago for foster kids. It’s sort of like a Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, except all the kids in it are in foster care and all of the Bigs are former foster children. Bigs make a commitment to mentor a Little from five to twenty-five. Foster kids get bounced around a lot, and having the same Big for years gives them consistency.”
She shook her head. “That’s awesome. But there are really two sides to you, aren’t there? You should have told me that story the other night. I probably would have said yes to dinner.”
I chuckled. “Now you tell me.”
Ireland smiled. “But I’m also glad you didn’t make up an appointment to ditch me.”
“Likewise.”
“I should get going anyway. We both have things to do.” Ireland stood. “Thank you for lunch. Next time you don’t need to go overboard and order so much. I’m not picky. I eat anything.”
“Glad to know you’re planning a next time. I’ll pick you up Friday at seven?”
“I’ll come to you.”
“I’m capable of picking you up. Besides, I already know where you live.”
She smiled. “And I’m capable of driving myself.”
I shook my head. “You’re always a pain in the ass, aren’t you? I’ll see you Friday at 7 at the marina.”
Ireland picked up my empty food container and hers from the table and shoved them into a bag. She held the garbage out to me. “Oh. And I should tell you I don’t kiss on the first date.”