“Thank you.” I smile up at him. “How much longer are you in San Francisco?”
“A week. What about you?”
“Same,” I say. “At least, that’s what’s on the schedule. Who knows, things could change.”
“Yeah, doesn’t it always seem like the schedule is changing? I was only supposed to be here for a few days, but the time keeps getting extended. This was the first night I’ve had that didn’t involve business. It was a nice reprieve.”
“I’m glad I could help with that.”
“You did.” He sticks his hands in his pockets. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course,” I say with a bright smile, because I have a feeling I know what he’s going to ask. He’s a bit shy, so his approach doesn’t surprise me. My answer will be a yes when he asks for another date. I’ve truly enjoyed myself tonight. We had some laughs, and even though there were some stutters in our conversation, overall, it was a great night. So, yes, I’ll say yes to a second date.
“I was curious.” He bashfully looks away. “Would you be comfortable with telling me how you like working with Cane Enterprises?”
“That would be great,” I answer before I can process his question.
Wait . . .
What?
Confused, he looks at me with a pinched brow, and that’s when I actually register what he asked.
Cane Enterprises.
Working with them.
Oh.
“Errr, that would be a great question to ask,” I say, trying to cover up. Not very smooth. “And the answer would be yes. I enjoy working with them a lot.”
He nods. “They seem sort of ruthless. Dave was telling me all about what Huxley and Lottie did. It seems they would do just about anything to score a deal, like they don’t care about the people around them.”
“No, that’s not the case at all,” I say. “They care deeply about their employees and the work they do. That entire situation stemmed from a momentary lapse of judgment on Huxley’s end. He felt awful and swore he’d never do something like that again.”
Derek nods. “That’s really good to hear. I know Dave can be sort of blind at times when working with other people. He has a heart of gold, and I just wanted to check. I hope I didn’t ruin the date by asking.”
“Not at all. I actually like that you asked. It shows me that you care about your brother.”
“I do. He can be a knucklehead, kind of weird at times, but he’s a good man and he’s built a solid business. I just want to make sure no one is taking advantage of him.”
I smooth my hand over his arm. “That’s really kind of you.”
He smiles down at me and sticks his hand in his pocket again just as we make it to a row of cabs. “I had a great time, Kelsey.”
“I had a nice time too, Derek. I truly did.” Such a good time that I hope he leans in and kisses me. I’d totally kiss him back. I think there could be something there between us.
But a kiss would tell me if we have the chemistry I think we have.
I wet my lips as he reaches for a cab door.
Kissing outside a cab, how romantic.
I step in closer to him.
And wait.
Wait for that kiss.
For him to bend over, pucker up, and lay it on me.
But just as I expect him to plant one on me, he takes a step away from me and offers me his hand.
His . . . hand.
Confused, I take it, and he gives me a solid shake.
“Great meeting you,” he says, before letting go and taking another step backwards.
Errr . . . what’s happening?
Where’s the kiss?
Or the hug?
Or the offer to call me so we can do this again sometime?
I wait for a few heartbeats, but when nothing happens, I realize this is it. A handshake. That’s what I’m getting tonight. A freaking handshake and a nice to meet you.
What on earth is happening? This is the end of a business meeting, not a date. Did I miss something? Did I do something wrong? Does he not like me? Self-doubt fills me, causing an ugly set of emotions.
You’re not enough.
You’re not pretty enough.
JP has said I’m hot twice, but that was clearly just to get in my pants. Derek is backing away after a freaking handshake.
If this was Lottie, Derek would be figuring out a way to stay longer.
My throat grows tight, and before I can make a total ass of myself in front of him, I decide to bid him a goodbye and get into the car, where I can lick my wounds in private.
“Okay. Bye.” I wave at him.