Trey stared at her. “You haven’t dated in eighteen years?”
God, it sounded even worse when he said it. “My focus was on Cam. Then going back to grad school. And then…there just wasn’t anyone who interested me for longer than a dinner or two.” And during the years of her cancer, men had been the last thing on her mind.
He didn’t try to minimize it. Instead he curled his hands around the desk, his fingers just brushing hers. “I haven’t dated much either.”
Sandy shot him a look. He was a vital, attractive man. “I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s not that there wasn’t opportunity. It’s just…hard to date in my position.”
“Your position?”
“Well, to be frank, it’s often hard to tell whether a woman is interested in me or in my money.”
“Oh.” She paused, thinking back to college. “Is that why you never mentioned what you came from when we were at Ole Miss?”
He shrugged. “I was tired of not being judged for who I actually am.”
“Understandable.” Sandy wished she didn’t know about the money now. She wanted to think it didn’t make her see him differently, but it did. He didn’t flaunt it, didn’t announce it, but the fact of his wealth was there, hanging out at the periphery of her mind, reminding her that they came from two different worlds.
It had been easier in college to imagine that they could have a future. To dream up the life they could create together. Now…
Sandy shook off the thought. Now they were enjoying each other’s company, getting to know each other all over again. Thoughts of futures and a life were getting light years ahead of things. Right now, she was just going to enjoy the ride.
Chapter 5
Get me to the church on time.
Trey’s eye began to twitch as he watched the clock creep closer and closer to when he needed to leave, while his business associate on video conference continued to drone on about some staffing problems with their new London project. Edward was so damned long-winded. Trey wasn’t even sure he’d stopped for breath for the past ten minutes. Maybe he had a future in filibusting. When it became apparent there wasn’t a chance he’d get out the door on time, he sent a text to Sandy.
Gonna be late. Tied up in a meeting. Meet you there?
Her answer came back moments later. Got it covered.
What did that mean? Did she not want him to come? He stared at the three little dots that said she was typing more.
Dinner after?
He grinned. At least until he remembered the proposal he had to get through tonight. He’d let a few things slide the last couple of days, but he really needed to get back on track.
Trey: I want to say yes, but I’ve got some work tonight.
Sandy: So do I. Want to pick up a
pizza and bring your homework over?
The grin came back full-force. This felt like college all over again. Except now there was the possibility of necking on the couch when they were through.
“Gerald?”
Trey snapped his attention back to the video conference. “Sorry. What?”
“I asked what you thought of the projections.”
He hadn’t even looked at the projections. “I’m still digesting them.”
“It’s pretty clear-cut.” Edward frowned. “Is everything all right? You seem…not yourself.”
“I’m just dealing with some personal things.” Like having a personal life. “Listen, I’m sorry. Can we wrap this up? I have another appointment I’m going to be late for.”