"Okay, I have to take a break." Robin said on the twenty floor. She sat down on the stairs, breathing hard.
"What is this all about, Doctor Scorpio?" Cruz asked as he sat next to her.
"Something to do with your ex?"
She nodded. "This date sucks. Just admit it. I messed this whole night up."
He chuckled. "Well, it has been...different. But I won't forget you. Or ever look at you again and not see that sexy silver number you have on."
She turned her head and looked in his eyes. So dark and intense, yet kind.
Robin raised her hand to the back of his head, and moving quickly so she did not lose her nerve, pulled his head close to her.
When their lips touched, she forgot for one second how upset she was.
But when he moved away from her, everything came rushing back. Maybe if he kissed her again she could forget for longer. Like a minute or even ten.
That would be heaven.
She scooted closer to him, her hand moving to touch the front of his shirt.
"Kiss me again." she said softly
Cruz shook his head, let out a breath. He asked her, "Not when you're picturing another guy's face in your mind."
Robin sighed.
"I guess I suck as the rebound guy." Cruz joked
"Yeah, you sorta do."
"Oh thanks." he said chuckling
"But you would make a great boyfriend. Too bad you are stuck on a date with someone who can not get this love thing right."
Cruz stood up and reached out a hand to her. She took it and stood up.
"You know what they say," Cruz flirted with her "Try, try again."
LIZ and Pete moved around the dance floor. She thought, When he is not speaking he's actually alright to be around.
The brooding looks he gave her, hinting that so much more was going on behind his eyes, combined with the boyish smiles, made her want to like him.
She smiled, "You're a good dancer."
"I told you things would get better tonight," Pete said "I'm like a fungus. I grow on people."
Liz shook her head, "Interesting description. Let me guess, Professor. You are writing a novel, aren't you?"
"How did you know?"
"You are so the type." She rolled her eyes.
"The type?" His voice challenged her, revving up for another spat where he tried to prove he knew more than her, his opinions were more valid, worthwhile.
Liz asked, "If I said something scathing right now about novelists, like you did about painters, how would you feel?"
He grinned. "Point taken, Elisabeth."
He would be a challenge. But Liz planned to get through this date without letting him drive her nuts. All she had to do was learn how to turn his word games back around on him.
LAINEY watched as Ned bid on a painting at the silent auction.
His raised his paddle as the auctioneer called, "I have $9,500. Do I hear 10,000? That is $10,000 going once, going twice. Sold!"
When the auction was over, the other guests started moving out of the conference room and back to the bar or dance floor.
Lainey smiled at Ned, "You have impeccable taste. That painting is breathtaking."
"I'm glad you think so." Ned said. His eyes held hers, his mouth curved into a sexy grin. "It's yours."
"No, I couldn't possibly allow you to give me such a lavish present." Lainey said, her voice awed.
"I insist. I can afford it. And it will give you something to remind you of tonight."
"But," she started
He held up one finger. "Please."
"Thank you, Ned."
He put his hand on her back and led her back into the hallway, toward the elevator.
"So, what are your plans for tomorrow?" Ned asked
"Brunch with the girls is all that is on my schedule so far."
Ned continued, "Because I was thinking if you don't have to be to work early, maybe you would like to go to an after party with me?"