The Hook-up
Ch. 1 – unexpected thoughts
Emily looked across the table at Matt. They had finished negotiations about an hour ago and were having lunch at a local restaurant. Their flight was not scheduled until the next morning so they decided to eat and then take in some local sights. They were both staring at their menus not really looking at the choices, but each consumed by their own thoughts. Both stealing glances at the other when they weren't looking.
Matt was thrilled to have some down time with Emily. If truth be told, he longed for time alone with her. Yes, they hung out after work with the gang at Sloan's, but that was not the same. They even occasionally went to lunch or dinner together. Sometimes they just hung out, but nothing ever came of it. Matt struggled with these thoughts every time he would mention her joining him for a meal or hanging out with the guys. He wanted to hold her in his arms and tell her how beautiful he thought she was. Unfortunately, this relationship was not like that. Emily was his partner. His work partner and even if he would bend the rules by getting something started with her she would never let that happen. Matt tried to concentrate on the menu instead of the gorgeous woman across from him, but he was finding it very hard. His thoughts went to her eyes and how they captivated him every time he looked into them. The way she talked had him in a trance. And that smile, his day was made whenever he made her smile. He would be surprised at the thoughts she was having while hiding behind her menu.
Emily thought to herself about all the times she had hung out with her partner. They always had a good time whenever they hung out. It was usually with a group of people, but every once in awhile; they would grab a bite to eat on the way back from a negotiation. Those times are the ones that had her attention now. Why did today feel so different. Matt was an attractive man. Hot was the word her friends used to describe him. His eyes drew her to him and that smile; it made her melt whenever he turned it on her. He could always make her laugh no matter how bad of a day she was having. He was her partner. There were rules about that and they were there for a reason. As much as she wanted to discover if Matt was having the same feelings, she knew inside she could never follow through with it. She was curious that was certain, but was her curiosity worth risking her job and reputation for. Besides Matt probably didn't feel the same way.
It was at this moment the waiter returned for their drink orders. Emily ordered a glass of red wine while Matt ordered a beer. The waiter left to get their drinks and the two went back to their menus. Both content with the silence that had overtaken them. If anyone around them knew that their jobs relied on them talking, they would have been amazed that these two seemed to not be able to begin to have a conversation with each other. When the waiter returned, he took their orders and left. With no menus to hide behind now, Matt and Emily were forced to talk to each.