"So how'd you get so lucky as to start working the Smiley contracts? I figured a high roller like him would be getting the VIP treatment from some higher ups or something," Scott said, dishing out the first slice of pizza onto a plate. He passed it over to me, then got a slice for himself, sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese and chili flakes over top. His taste in pizza was another thing to like about him, in my opinion.
"It was luck, actually," I said, falling into the story that Sophie, Mark and I had put together. "When I started with my current job, one of the things that every newbie is handed is a pile of dead weight files. These are ones that, if they pan out, gets you a nice bonus check, but nobody expects them to pan out. Estates that have been caught up in litigation for years, decades-long overseas claims, stuff like that. I happen to have been handed Mount Zion."
"Where the Smileys live," Scott said, doing the mental math. "So when they came to the firm, you met them."
"Something like that. Actually, Marcus' corporation bought the property before they ever arrived in town. However, our firm did have some property records that the Smileys wanted personally, so I was invited over and got to meet them at Mount Zion. Sophie Warbird and I are the same age, and as we started discussing things, Marcus asked me a few questions about business. I guess what I said impressed them, because the next week,I got a message from my bosses that I was to be the manager for the Smileys for all of their purchases in the city."
"So half luck, half your actual ability," Scott said, taking a bite of his pizza. "Don't sell yourself short."
The rest of the date went wonderfully, and I was more and more impressed by Scott's charm. I've never been snobby about who I date, I didn't care that he was an HVAC repairman, but I also want to have the complete package for someone I'm dating.
I want brains to go with looks if its going to be more than a one-night flirt session. Scott was checking all of the boxes. In addition to being cute, he was smart, in the sort of mix of street smarts and book smarts that told me he had taken what he'd learned in his HVAC license course, combined it with a high school education, and them swirled it all around with a few years of being out in the real world doing stuff. He had gaps in his knowledge, but admitted it, and not in that yeah I'm ignorant and proud of it way that a lot of insecure people get. He was just honest about it, while at the same time expressing a desire to learn more.
By the time the last slice of pizza was gone, I knew that I wanted to see Scott again. I hadn't had such a great date in at least a year, and I was enjoying every moment. "I suppose you have work tomorrow," Scott said as we left the restaurant. "I kind of wish you didn't."
"Oh, why's that?" I said as we walked through the parking lot. I entwined my arm with his, snuggling against him. "You think you'll get more than a shared pizza from me tonight?"
Scott actually blushed, and I could feel my heart and body react to the bashful look he gave me. "No, but a guy can wish," he said. "Actually, I just really enjoyed this, and don't want it to end."
"Neither do I," I said, "But yes, we both have work tomorrow. So, I had an idea that maybe could work for both of us."
"What's that?" Scott asked, giving me a small smile.
"Well, Friday and Saturdays are my social nights," I said. "I was thinking maybe you'd like to go out again tomorrow night? And if things go late tomorrow night, neither of us has our schedules too disturbed."
Scott's smile was electric and bright, and I could see the happiness in his eyes. "I think I'd like that. In the meantime, let me take you home like a gentleman, and we can discuss details on the way."
The drive home didn't take as long as finding Mar De Napoli, and by the time we'd gotten to my place we had barely set a time for when to pick me up the next night. I knew what I wanted though. After watching him work physically on the air conditioner, I'd seen his muscles at work, now I wanted to see him in a more sensual activity. "You're serious?" Scott said when I told him my plan. "A dance club?"
"Sure am. What, you don't want to see me in a short skirt?" I teased, crossing and uncrossing my legs for him.
Scott laughed and shook his head. "No, I just am a bit nervous of looking like a goofball trying to be coordinated on the floor. Promise to take it easy on me?"
"We'll see," I told him. We were soon at my apartment, and Scott stopped his car. "Thank you for a lovely dinner, Scott."
"Can I walk you to your door?" he asked. "I promise, just to the door."
"I'd like that," I said, and waited for him to come around and let me out. I could feel the pleasant tension as he led me to my door, something I hadn't felt in a long time from any date.
"I had a great time too," Scott said when we reached my door. "And I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
He leaned forward naturally, and our lips met. It was a good kiss, strong enough that I could appreciate his strength without being too forward. I let the kiss linger for a good amount of time before pulling back, smiling. "I'm looking forward to it too. Good night, Scott."
Chapter 34
Sophie