“I’m sorry. I meant I won’t need any of you tonight. We can get them finished tomorrow.” With that, she turns and leaves.

Skyler and I look at each other as if to say what was that? Then Eric comes strolling back from lunch.

“We’re not working late now,” Skyler informs him.

“Nice,” he responds, sitting down in his chair.

I sit back down at my desk, thinking how weird that was, but then I get excited and reach into my bag, picking up my phone to text Oz after letting Paige know my change of plans.

Me: Never mind. I don’t have to work late. Can’t wait for dinner!

His response is instant this time.

Oz: I’m counting the seconds.

Me: I’ll text you when I’m out front. I really need to get back to work. xoxox.

Oz: Eat your lunch first. See you soon, baby. xxx.

Chapter Nine

Mallory

* * *

The rest of my day is spent elbow-deep in reports. We may not have had to stay late, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a stack of work to be done. I refrain from checking my phone throughout the day as I try to focus on work. I know that the second he sends something, I’ll spend an hour melting over it. He’s so charming it makes me ache.

I can’t believe what I did in the car with him this morning. Every time it crosses my mind, the blush burns my cheeks. I’ve never done anything like that with a boy before, but Oz most definitely isn’t a boy. No, he’s all man, head to toe.

Caught up in the moment, I’d let myself be taken away by desire, and it felt completely wonderful. Although Oz and I don’t know much about each other, there’s something happening between us. He’s sweet and intense, but I’m pulled to him like nothing I’ve ever felt before. He’s nearly a stranger on paper, because there’s not much I know about him. But the more I get to know, the more I like him. And isn’t that what dating is for? To get to know each other while having a good time? I’m sure I should be more worried about the fact that I’m so eager to get to know him, but I’m going with my gut. Although I don’t have any frame of reference and no real starting point, all I’ve ever really wanted in a man is someone who loves me and treats me well. Maybe Oz can be that.

“I’m headed out. See you girls tomorrow.”

I lean back out of my cubicle and watch Eric’s back retreat from our desks. I look over to see Skyler standing up and watching the same thing.

“That little shit is getting on my last nerve,” she says, and I can’t hide my smile. She looks down at me and shrugs a shoulder. “I’m finishing this last one up, and then I’m calling it a day. Want to grab a drink afterward?”

“Oh, I’d love to, but I’ve got plans.” I’m disappointed because Skyler seems like fun. And she doesn’t seem like the type of girl to ask if she doesn’t mean it. “What about Friday?”

I’m unsure what’s happening the rest of the week. It’s only Tuesday, and I want to hedge my bets with Oz. But I’m sure I can do drinks after work one night with Skyler, and then maybe Oz and I can do dinner after. Or maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. I keep telling myself to play it cool, but here I am, planning days together.

“Oh, that sounds good. I met a couple of the junior associates on the top floor this afternoon when I took those forms up. Maybe I’ll invite some of them. I know everyone likes to go to Marie’s Yacht Club next door.”

“I’ll ask my roommate, too. She works in security here.” Skyler smiles at me and I’m excited. “It’s a plan,” I agree, and then we go back to finishing our work.

Skyler and I get ready to leave at the same time, both of us cleaning up and grabbing our bags. Before we get to the elevator, I grab my phone and check for text messages. I’m not disappointed when I slide the screen and see what Oz left for me.

The first is a pic of a grumpy cat that says I love math. It makes people cry. Skyler looks at me and raises an eyebrow when I snort. I end up showing her the pic, and she snorts, too. We’re obviously easily amused.

He also left me a few texts that I read privately as we wait for the elevator.

Oz: I’m thinking of you too much today. I fear for the future of my company.

Oz: In case I forgot to tell you, you looked gorgeous today.

Oz: How’s the red lip stain holding up? Will we test its durability again after dinner?

Oz: I’m outside waiting when you’re finished with work.

My cheeks burn, and I bite my lip as I send him a quick response.

Me: All finished and on the way down. Lip stain is doing well...but could be faulty. We should do another case study, just to be sure.

His response is immediate as the elevator doors open and Skyler and I step through.

Oz: If anything, I’m thorough.

“Is that your boyfriend?” Skyler asks as I tuck my phone away.

“Yes,” I say, thinking he may be. I don’t know how soon into dating you do that, but it’s like we are headed in that direction. That’s something to bring up with Oz tonight. Are we exclusive? I think I know what his answer would be, but I’d like to put it out there and be sure. “Yes,” I say again, this time a bit more confidently. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Girlfriend. We’ve been together since high school.” Skyler pulls out her phone and shows me a picture. “This is Jamie.” The dark-haired beauty is next to Skyler on a beach, the two of them in bikinis. I’m immediately jealous of their slim bodies.