“Rayne, I was wondering if you’d like to take in dinner or a movie sometime. Maybe a play. There’s a new one down at the Warner Theater. The latest one from the Destiny Wood National Theater Group.”
Chance was about to pop her eyeballs out to get my attention, mouthing the words “go for it.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Brown, but I don’t engage in flirting with customers of the bank. It appears unprofessional.”
Chance yanked her index finger across her throat, putting me on alert for the beatdown she planned to dole out later.
“I see,” Yardley responded, looking like someone had already slashed his throat. “And here I thought I’d found the lady of my dreams.”
I started shuffling some papers around on my desk again, adding his check reorder form to my outbox so it could go to the correct department for processing. I looked up at him and his sexy ass eyes and melted.
“I do wish you the best in finding the young lady of your dreams. You’re very attractive and you seem to have it together, so finding a mate should be a breeze.”
Damn, why did I say that? Here was the man of my own dreams, asking me out, and I was turning him down because of work ethics. Or was it simply old-fashioned fear?
“No, it’s definitely not a breeze,” he corrected me, standing up and putting on his wool overcoat.
“Under different circumstances, I’d consider getting to know you better myself. I do know a good thing when I see it.” To this day, I still don’t know where those words came from but I was definitely flirting with him.
“Different circumstances?” he asked excitedly. “So, if we were to run into each other someplace else, say the grocery store or out on the street, you’d talk to me?”
“Rayne, shut the hell up!” my insecure side screamed up my ear canal.
“Yes, I’d say that’s a safe bet,” I replied.
“Well, I better get back to my office. Thanks for assisting me with my checks.”
I stood up to shake his hand. “It was a pleasure.”
Yardley started for the door and Chance wasted no time jumping up to come over to my desk. I was hoping she didn’t plan to lay me out in Spanish.
Before she could open her mouth, Yardley turned around and came back.
“After work today, around five, I think I’ll check out that new bagel place a couple of blocks away. Bagels by the Bag. Ever been there?”
“No, can’t say that I have.”
“I hear they have the most delicious coffee,” he said, eyeing me seductively. “Maybe you should try it out sometime. Maybe even today.”
Chance elbowed me in the side and pinched my arm. I yanked my arm free.
“Maybe I will.”
Yardley started backing away from us. “Have a nice afternoon.”
“You, too.”
He walked out and paused outside of the window long enough to wave. Chance and I both waved back.
“Rayne, if you don’t go to that bagel place tonight, I’m going to kick your fucking ass!” Chance warned me.
I plopped down in my desk chair. I’d been through so much shit lately with Will, Basil, and Kahlil; even Conquesto. I’d always told myself that I’d judge each man individually, but saying it and doing it were two entirely different things. The bottom line was that an opportunity had presented itself. I didn’t embarrass myself by going after Yardley. He’d taken the leap of faith and come after me. The only question was would I leave him hanging.
Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.
—Leo Buscaglia
Sixteen