Rose raced to her apartment, hoping her roomate wasn't home yet because she didn't have time to chat, where she got ready. She looked through her closet until she settled on a red, sailor's dress, her hair curled as usual before she left to head back to the office and meet Branch.
She took a cab and arrived at 5:50 with just enough time to get back inside the building and up the stairs to his office, which she walked into promptly at 6.
Rickey looked up to see her and he smiled, "I didn't think you could look any more beautiful then you do everyday, but you have proved me wrong," he complimented, causing her to blush, as he stood and put on his hat before offering his arm.
She took it and followed him down to the car where he opened the door so she could get in first then he followed, sitting next to her. "So, Ms. Avery, what are you studying in school? You must be near graduation," he asked, making conversation.
"Business," she replied, "Also, I didn't get to say this upstairs, but you look very handsome this evening," she added causing him to let out a small laugh.
"You don't have to lie to me, Rose," he said once he'd sobered up, "I know that we aren't really a couple and I don't expect you to rub this old man's ego," he threw out, making her feel more prone to make him feel good about himself.
She shook her head, "I didn't say that for you ego," she began, "I do find you handsome and I have since my first day in your office. There have been many times where I wanted to find out what's underneath those layers," she stopped herself, "I'm sorry, that went too far and was very inappropriate," she apologized, looking away.
Branch shook his head, removing his hat to place it on his lap which was something he hadn't had to do in a long time. "No, it's alright because I've felt similarly toward you. I'm actually really relieved by your confession," he replied, in hopes to make her feel better.
Rose turned her head to face him again, noticing his hat, "Why didn't you ask me out?"
"I am recently divorced, which is hard on my religious beliefs," he began, "And, you're so young. I was convinced you would never find me attractive," he revealed, looking down at his waist which was once tone and fit.
Rose shook her head as she placed her hand on his knee, "You are very attractive, Mr. Rickey and your personality, your heart, are so amazing that I'm amazed you don't have women lining up outside your door," she explained, noting his breath catch from her touch, "We could just stay in the car, if you want to. I know I'm not supposed to be forward but if we're both attracted to each other then we should see how compatible we really are," she added, her cheeks reddening at the anticipation she felt.
Rickey gathered his breathing before he replied, his urge to give in, "Why don't we have the dinner first just to keep things slightly traditional?" he said with a smile.
Rose smiled in reply, "Of course, I'm so sorry for that. I've just imagined it for a long time so it's hard to ignore the opportunity we have in this car," she looked around, "It's so spacious, but we can utilize this later," she finished as she saw him swallow as he moved to get out of the car, offering his hand to help her join him.
