Then

Chapter 4

Korrie's POV

"Korrie, did he just ask you out?" Lisa asked as I walked out from the back room.

"Yeah." I admitted with a breathless laugh.

"He was smiling so I assumed you said yes?"

"Yes, I did say yes."

"Gosh this must be a dream come true!" Lisa gushed and I blushed. The entire building knew how I was fan of Hunter's.

I couldnt help but flatter myself as I texted Emerald that I wouldn't be home for dinner. That I had a date with Hunter. Growing up together, she didnt even question me when I talked about his music or where he was touring. I was his number one fan. Her and I went to quite a few of his concerts through out high school. I've mellowed out since then though.

I listened to Lisa talk about how I must be something special because he's been denying her for a year now. I smiled as I listened, but my thoughts were miles away.

After signing off of work, I went to slip my coat on before I came out of the break room with my purse to see Hunter talking to Lisa. His head snapped up as my boots clicked against the hardwood floors, blush flooded my cheeks and my eyes fell to the floor. My heart fluttered in a panic as I realised I was going out to eat with my teenage crush.

He stood up straight, his chest puffed out, shoulders back in what seemed an attempt to increase his height. I smiled at the thought. In a relaxed position, he was still a good three inches taller than me. I bit my lip and stepped up to him, not sure how to approach the night.

"Are you ready?" He asked and all my built up nervousness flush away. With a nod, I looped my hand into the crook of his bent arm.

He helped me into his truck and ran around the front to his side quickly to get himself out of the cold. Hopping in the driver's seat quickly as to avoid the busy street. He gave me a warm smile that I reciprocated as he put the key into the ignition and pulled off the curb.

"So Korrie, how was work?" He asked, glancing over at me before bringing his attention back to the road.

"Good, got a lot done." I said with a smile and brought my hands to my lap.

"So you're studying production and ballet?" He bit his lip. "Two very different things."

"That's where you are wrong." I stopped him and he raised an eyebrow, his lips turning to the side in a teasing smirk.

"Please, Ms...."

"Roberts."

"Ms. Roberts, enlighten me."

"Oh my pleasure, Mr. Hayes." I mocked and he let out a chuckle. I was slowly relaxing into the plush seating of his tidy car. "You see, I like production because you have control over what others see. And when I dance, I have control over not messing up when people are watching. Either way I'm in control."

"I think I get it." He squinted through the windshield as he contemplated.

"See, you create music. Therefore you have control over what people hear if they listen to the radio station your song is playing on. And when you're live, you're in control of getting the words and notes right."

"You're logic has me thoroughly astounded."

"Seems I'm doing my job, then." He turned to look at me as I said this, flicking me a wink before speaking.

"Seems so."

***

"So do you miss Seattle?" He asked around a bite of pasta. I took a sip of my drink and churned through my thoughts, thinking of how to respond.