Ch. 23

Resting comfortably in the chair, Haley jotted down notes as Lucas spoke. She stealthy watched while he paced back and forth, rubbing the back of his neck every once in a while. A habit of his she came to recognize whenever he was in deep thought. Then there was his broodiness that was irritating and sexy at the same time.

She almost forgot that his steely stare was penetrating until he directed it towards her. Shifting her eyes back down on her notepad, she thought about how long it had been since he looked at her that way. It had last transpired a few weeks ago on the night of the party. Surprised that neither one brought up that episode, she continued to focus on her work.

Lucas almost laughed out loud when he saw Haley staring at him. He was doing the same thing, which was hard to do. He felt like he was playing a game of cat and mouse. Neither wanted the other to know what they were doing which was funny since both were obviously aware of the situation. Although they managed to maintain a normal working relationship, he was glad that she was partially opening up to him, allowing him to find out more about her.

"That's all I need you to take notes on for now. Thanks."

"You're welcome," Haley answered as she got up to type the notes at her desk. As soon as she started typing, her phone rang.

"Mason Publishing Company. Haley speaking. How may I help you?" Haley greeted.

"Hi Haley. How are you doing?" the caller asked politely.

Smiling when she recognized the caller's voice, she answered, "I'm fine. How are you Stella?"

"I'm doing fabulous, as always. I just got back from Paris a few days ago from celebrating my anniversary."

"That's wonderful! I always dreamed of going there. Did you go up the Eiffel Tower and see The Louvre?"

"I didn't go this time because I've seen and been to both before. I did walk along Champs-Elysees."

"I heard that's such a great street filled with a million nice shops. It's near the Arc de Triomphe. That must be an interesting experience to drive on the circular street next to that arc monument that has twelve streets connected to it. I can't recall its name."

"You must be talking about Place Charles de Gaulle. That's a crazy street to be driving in. I love Champs-Elysees. If you ever go to Paris, make sure you also visit Notre Dame Cathedral."

"That's also on my list. Who knows if I'll ever go?" her voice dripped with doubt.

"Never say never - that's my philosophy."

"I'll try, " Haley grinned. Stella was definitely a fun and interesting person to talk to. She reminded Haley of her best friend. They were both outgoing people who were easy to talk to.

"I hope so. Anyways, I called you to invite you to join me for dinner tonight."

"That would be great. I haven't seen you in a while."

"I'll pick you up at 7:00PM. "

"See you then."

---

Arriving at the restaurant, Stella and Haley followed the hostess to their seats. When they rounded the corner, Haley stopped when she noticed Lucas sitting at a table. Hoping that he was waiting for one of his friends, she was disappointed when they were seated at the same table.

"Hello Stella," he gave her a hug. "Haley," he nodded in her direction. "How was your day?" he directed his question toward Stella since he already knew how Haley's day went.

"My day was great. Now I'm going to have a wonderful night since the two of you are here." The glow in her face was unmistakable. Haley had a strong feeling that her...friend was trying to play matchmaker once again. Shaking her head, she just watched Stella with fascination. How many people would go to such lengths to put two people together? Not many in Haley's experience. She wished she wasn't the subject of Stella's ploy.

It wasn't long before Stella's phone rang and she had to leave because of some "family emergency."

"It's so obvious that Stella made the whole excuse up."

"Yeah. You must admit she is very flamboyant." Lifting up his glass to take a drink, he continued, "She definitely is persistent. I don't think she'll ever give up until we get together."

"I suppose you're right." Releasing a long sigh, she looked up at her surrounding. Stella's taste for fancy places was impeccable. The restaurant was definitely upper class. The chandeliers hanging right above the table reminded her of the party.

Following her gaze, he questioned, "Are you trying to tell me that you rather look at the chandeliers than at me?"

"Yes," Haley replied, holding back the bantering side of her.

"I see. Are you trying to reprimand me for not wanting you anymore?" Lucas lightly teased.

"No," Haley stated nonchalantly. "Besides it doesn't matter because you don't want me and I don't want you."

"Just because I don't see us linked romantically together doesn't mean I wouldn't like some attention thrown my way."

"Well I guess that's too bad because I'm not one of those girls who falls all over a good looking guy."

"So I'm good looking?" he stated rhetorically.

"No comment." She couldn't believe she put herself in this position.

Leaning towards her, he asked again, "Please answer my question."

Sighing, she countered, "With the right lighting, you look alright."

"Just alright?"

"What do you want me to say? That you're steaming hot?"

"I was hoping for something along the line like every girl drools over how drop dead gorgeous I am." Lucas laughed to himself at how cocky he must have sounded, but he didn't care. He wanted to provoke some emotion for the woman in front of him.

"Please! You wish." She knew she sounded like a ten year old, but it was her prerogative.

"Then why aren't you looking me in the eyes when you're saying that?"

"And inflate that big ego of yours, no thank you," she retorted, not skipping a beat.

"I guess I'll accept that as a yes, I think you're extremely handsome. I don't understand why that would be so hard for you to admit."

Rolling her eyes at how conceded he seemed, she asked before her mind could process what she said, "Do you think I'm beautiful?" Covering her mouth, she gasped. "Don't answer that."

"I don't think you're beautiful." Haley's gaze dropped. "I know you are."

Rolling her eyes in disbelief, she quickly stated, "You don't have to say. I know I'm average looking. Most men wouldn't throw me a second glance."

"I highly doubt that."

"Earth to Lucas. Come in." Lucas saw a hand waving in front of his face bringing him back to reality. He then realized that he had been daydreaming.

"What?" Lucas asked, confused.

Exasperated, she explained, "You were staring at me with his weird dazed look on your face. It was kind of creepy if you asked me."

"I'm sorry. My mind was wandering." He almost laughed at how real the daydream seemed. It was almost as realistic as the dreams he had about her. The way she responded to his comment was something he could imagine her saying. He was glad that Stella wasn't there to see him in this state. Having Haley see him like this was already bad enough.

"Apparently so," Haley couldn't help but smirk. The adorable look on his face was classic. She wanted to ask him what he was dreaming about but saw a waiter approaching. Her question would have to wait.