Man Crush Monday

Chapter 5

I smile happily, and the girl in the full-length mirror smiles back at me, her face flushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. A second date. I've been floating on a cloud ever since that kiss last night. Today at work, all my regular passengers kept asking if I'd won the lottery or something because I was in such a happy mood.

I smooth my hands down over my denim skirt and then straighten my favourite off-the-shoulder cream knit jumper. The straps of my black bra are visible, just teasing at what's underneath. The girl staring back at me looks confident and sassy. My hair is down again, like last night. It was a planned-out move. Last night, when he'd kissed me, Jared had threaded his hands into the back of my hair, and it was exquisite. I want that again tonight. I'm happy with my look. I feel cute.

I sigh happily and apply a last sweep of clear lip gloss across my lips, before looking at the clock—6:55. My excitement kicks up another notch. I can't wait to see him again.

When my phone beeps with a text, I practically skip over to my bedside unit and scoop it up. It's him.

I'm so sorry. I'm running late, and I haven't even left work yet. Meeting overran, and I couldn't leave. Sorry! Do you still want to go out? Totally understand if you want to blow me off. Though I hope you don't ...

Blow him off? Hell no!

I text him back.

It's no problem. I'll see you when you get here.

I wait, staring down at my screen, seeing the blinking dots to show he's typing. I grin in anticipation.

Excellent. I'm now leaving. Will be there in 15. x

When he finally arrives, he's in a navy-blue three-piece suit, paired with a maroon tie and matching pocket square. I quickly decide this is the best I have ever seen him look. It's so formal and smart, professional and just ... edible. I'm wowed.

"Amy, I'm so sorry I'm late," he says, frowning, his eyes alight with sincerity.

I wave one hand and invite him into my flat. His eyes linger on me as I step to the side, his gaze appreciative, and I see a muscle in his jaw flex. I smile inwardly and feel my face flush with pleasure.

Jared thinks I look cute too.

Score.

"You're a little overdressed for the cinema," I observe, pursing my lips as I look him over again.

There's a subtle black check in the material of his suit that you can only see when you're this close. I silently wonder how many other people have been this close to him today to see it.

He groans and nods. "I know. But I didn't want to make myself any later by going home to change. I hope that's okay. I'll leave my jacket and waistcoat and stuff in the car."

He tugs on the knot of his tie and unfastens the top button of his white shirt with one hand. After, he works on the buttons of his waistcoat, leaving it hanging loose against his body. I watch, transfixed. Somehow, he looks even sexier now that he's a little dishevelled.

I swallow and nod, lost for words. How is it that I get more attracted to the guy every time I see him? It's not fair.

When his stomach rumbles loudly, he puts a hand on it and smiles awkwardly. "Sorry. I haven't had time to eat today. I was in back-to-back meetings all day. Last thing I ate was a protein bar on the way to a ten a.m. conference call."

I frown, not liking the idea of him not taking care of himself. "Do you want to go to dinner tonight instead?"

He shakes his head and slips off his tie, carefully folding it up and pushing it into his jacket pocket. "No, it's fine. I'll get popcorn." But his stomach rumbles again, louder this time.