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make dinner. Why don’t you and your new friend enjoy a night out on me?” Alex watched him for a moment, noticing the stress lines around his mouth and how tired he looked. She hated when her father looked thus, and tried to get him to take a small break. “Why don’t you come to dinner with us and then you can get back to work? You need to eat, and I’d really like for you to meet Jake.” Marco finished his conversation and then disconnected the call, “You are correct. Let us go find some dinner and then I will come back to work.” He gave her an encouraging smile, unrolled his shirt sleeves, and grabbed his jacket. Leading her to the elevator, he asked, “So tell me about this man you met.” Chapter 13 “His name is Jake Travers and he just finished a stint in the military. He grew up in New York City and he showed me around this afternoon.” “That was very nice of him.” Marco finished making himself presentable as they rode the elevator to the ground level. “He’s meeting us for dinner?” Alex nodded, “He should be waiting for us downstairs.” I hope he’s waiting for us downstairs! “So you enjoyed seeing New York?” “Yes, but after spending a day amidst all of these people, I’m very glad that we’re leaving for Colorado tomorrow. Oh, that reminds me, Jake is moving to Colorado as well. He was only here getting his stuff from storage so it could be shipped out there. Isn’t that a coincidence?” Alex asked him. Marco slowly nodded, “That is amazing. What is he going to be doing in Colorado?” “A friend of his from the military has a business out there and Jake’s going to work with him. He doesn’t have any family, and he said his military friends filled that void for him. Isn’t that sad? I’m glad he has someone.” Marco nodded his head, “Yes, being alone isn’t all that great. So, is that your young man there by the motorcycle?” He was talking about the large man standing outside, talking to the driver of the limousine. Alex smiled and then waved to Jake as she and Marco exited the building, “Yes. That’s him.” She walked directly to Jake, Marco following in her wake. Stopping, she was secretly thrilled when Jake leaned down and kissed her cheek in greeting. Swallowing, she introduced the two men, “Jake, meet Marco. Marco, this is the man I was telling you about – Jake Travers.” Marco shook the man’s hand, pleased when he felt the strength in his grip. He hated a limp handshake, and often his first impression was bolstered by how one shook his hand. Jake’s first impression climbed significantly after their handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Jake offered him a smile of greeting, but Marco noticed his eyes were drawn back to Alex quick enough. “Likewise. Thank you for showing her around the city today. I would have done so myself, but several things have come up with my business that required my attention. Shall we go?” Marco gestured towards the car. When Jake and Alex nodded, he waited to see if Jake would play the gentleman, and he wasn’t disappointed. Jake courteously handed Alex into the car, holding onto her hand just a little too long before letting go and joining. Once in the car, the couple sat next to each other, and Marco went out of his way to make small talk amongst them. The restaurant he had chosen for dinner was across the city, and would necessitate a lengthy drive this time of night, but the food was worth every minute of it. Alex listened as Jake and Marco discussed various topics, content to listen to the low rumble of his voice and let his scent wash over hers. He’s showered since dropping her off, and while he was wearing the same cologne as before, it was stronger now and having the same funny effect on her senses. As she sat there, she suddenly wished Marco had stayed away this evening. That would have provided her an opportunity to get to know Jake on a much more personal level. “Alex?” Jake asked, wondering what thoughts were going around in her head. She had a little smile upon her face and her eyes had a special glimmer in them. Maybe your nearness is affecting her like being near her is affecting you! “Yes?” she looked between the two men, blushing as she realized she had been daydreaming. “Sorry. Did you ask me something?” she asked, looking up and meeting Jake’s eyes. Marco watched the exchange between the two people and recalled the early years when he had first met his wife. He had looked at her exactly like Alex was looking at Jake. The chemistry between he and his Sophia had been staggering and even though she had been dead for almost thirty years, he hadn’t forgotten what the first signs of attraction felt like. Feeling like a third wheel, he made a decision as the limo pulled up in front of the restaurant. He allowed Jake to exit the vehicle and then assist Alex out before making his move, pulling his cell phone from his pocket in pretense of having received an important call. After several seconds, he leaned his head out of the car and told the couple standing on the sidewalk waiting on him, “I’m sorry, Alex. But I’m going to have to return to the office. The call I’ve been waiting on has just come in and it can’t wait. Jake, it was a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Please enjoy dinner. Alex, just have everything charged to my account, and the driver will be available when you are ready to return.” [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |
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