7
You tell me about the school where you teach kindergarten. That's how you met Kate. Her son, my godson, is in your class. I can tell you enjoy what you do by the way your face lights up when you talk about your career.
"Don't get me wrong, halfway through the day, I'm ready for a nap and a stiff drink, but I wouldn't change a thing about it. I honestly love my job."
"I don't know how you handle Jasper Whitlock. I'm positive Kate snorted coffee beans when she was pregnant with him."
You laugh. "Jasper is a handful and has a mouth on him, but deep down, he's a sweetheart." You stifle a yawn. "Sorry, it's been a long day, and then a hectic one trying to get to the restaurant on time."
It's getting late. We both have to work tomorrow, but it's like we're both holding on for just one more minute.
I ask if you'd be interested in seeing me again, and you grin.
"How else will you get your taste of strange, Mr. Masen?"
The way you say my name does things to me. You don't insinuate that there's more to the man behind it. Nothing about my successful business or the size of my bank account. I'm just a regular guy to you, and you don't know how much that means to me.
I'm headed south, and you're going north, so I make sure you get a cab and head back to the restaurant to retrieve my car. I'm passing the pizzeria when you call my name, and I turn around just in time to catch you in my arms.
"Oomph."
"I forgot something."
"You did?"
You surprise the hell out of me and plant one on me.