Gold Rush

Chapter 11

"I kissed her and forgot to breathe, it just didn't seem important at the time."

-Atticus

Just as Harry suggested, dinner became part of our new routine and we didn't miss another lunch.

Ever since Harry made the comment about how I always talk about myself I've become much more attentive. Not that I wasn't before, because let's be honest he had me hooked since the moment I saw him. It's just that now I notice the little things. The way he says and does everything.

For example, when Collette calls he speaks as if he is speaking to someone from work. He's very blunt, and curt, and doesn't joke around like he does when he is talking to me. Perhaps that's just how he speaks when he's on the phone but I can't be sure because he's only ever on the phone with her and the occasional co-worker.

Another thing I've noticed is that he draws out going home as much as possible. Even when it seems like he is done with work he will check things over and find an excuse to stay longer. I always end up going home before him. Now it's Friday and for the first time all week, he starts packing his things to go right after we finish eating.

"Leaving so soon?" I say exaggerating the shock in my voice.

"Well yeah I'm done with my work" he shrugs nonchalantly.

"Don't you have to 'check the numbers' or some other excuse you always use?" I ask while making air quotes with my fingers.

"It's not an excuse," he says blandly, "It's just that it's Friday. I thought I could go home early and get some sleep."

"That's so turned around!" I practically shout, "It's Friday, we should be going out!"

"Oh God. I need more than an hour's notice before going out with you" he says with his eyes wide while pointing a finger at me.

"Oh come on!" I say swatting the air, "I swear it won't be as crazy as last time."

He tightens his gaze on me while fighting the smile that's creeping up on his lips.

"Ehh I don't know G," he says, making my blood rush at the return of his new nickname for me.

"Why? Is Collete waiting for you?" I say rushedly trying to stifle the stirring feeling in my stomach from him looking at me so goddamn hot.

"Invite her out with us, I'd love to meet her!" I continue. That was nonchalant, right?

"As fun as that sounds," he says sarcastically, "she's actually out of town."

My blood rushes again. Bad Gigi! You should not be blushing at the thought of his girlfriend being gone!

"What?" I say a little too excitedly, "Your girlfriend is out of town and you're just going to go home and sleep? I can't let that happen. You need to go out and have some fun, especially after that stressful week that you just had!"

He schrunches his nose while rubbing his forehead for a moment and I wonder if my pushing him is bothersome.

"Fine, fine" he finally says and I can't help but let out a little excited shriek.

"But nothing too crazy!" he says sternly while pointing that damn finger at me again.

"Nothing crazy, I promise," I say while holding my hands up.

I decided to take him to a relaxed bar not too far from the office and when we walk in it's buzzing with the typical crowd of people working boring yet high-paying jobs trying to take a load off for the weekend.

"Okay this definitely seems more chill than last time," he says.

"I told you we wouldn't go crazy. I can behave myself sometimes!" I say cheekily.