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changed back into my gray pants suit with a white camisole underneath—why hadn’t I worn something nicer to work today like, I don’t know, a cocktail dress?—, I hurried to my car where I found three voicemails from Chris: Gina, it’s Chris. I’m a little early but you’re not answering the door so thought I’d call in case you were indisposed and I had to talk you out.  
    Then, a beep beep : Hey, Gina. Me again. Your roommate arrived and invited me in. Really hoping you show up soon. She’s going off about your friend, Ethan, and I’m not sure how much more I can take. Call me.  
    Next, a beep beep : Now, I’m worried. It’s after seven and your roommate couldn’t reach you either. I’m waiting in my car because she asks a lot of personal questions, like she’s trying to psycho-analyze me or something. Hope everything’s all right. Call when you get this.  
    I noted two missed calls from Kristen. Part of me wanted to chew her out for interrogating my friend-date, but the rest of me wanted to find out what she’d learned.
    After texting Chris that I’d have to meet him at the restaurant, I checked my practically make-up free face in the visor’s mirror. All I had in my purse was lipstick, so I dabbed on the Mocha Madness, then drove to the location Chris texted back to me.
    Since it was a weeknight, I managed to find street parking less than two blocks away from the address, and my heels clicked against the pavement as I ran down the block. As I arrived, Chris stepped out of his sedan looking very hot in a suit and tie as he handed his keys to the valet driver. He glanced up just before I practically barreled into him.
    “I’m so sorry I’m late.” I managed between gulps for air. Really had to hit the gym soon. I grabbed his arm, ready to explain. “Ellen called for a last minute dress fitting. When we started running late, I realized my cell was in my car, but I had on the dress and there were all these pins—”
    “Don’t worry.” His expression was surprisingly calm as he eyed my hand clutching his arm. “You’ve got quite a grip. Not that I’m complaining.”
    I couldn’t believe he wasn’t freaking out. George had worked himself into a fit when I’d made us late. “But it’s your first dinner with your new boss. You dared me to help you look good, not make a bad impression. Are you upset with me? I take full blame. Please tell your boss that—”
    “Gina.” He cupped my chin between his thumb and index finger, his light blue eyes holding me captive, and my heart fluttered. “It’s fine. Really.”
    Standing this close, mesmerized by his soothing gaze, I breathed in his spicy aftershave. “This is an important dinner. You can’t be so forgiving.”
    “How about I let you make it up to me then.” He whispered it like a promise I wanted badly to fulfill, then took hold of my hand and tugged me toward the entrance. “Let’s not keep them waiting any longer though.”
    The gold-framed automatic doors opened as we crossed the wild-patterned burgundy carpet and a flutter rolled through my belly as he kept hold of my hand. Did he notice that he still had it? Or was he so used to holding a girl’s hand that he did it absentmindedly? Because every cell in my body was very aware of his warm skin against mine.
    Chris gave his name to the host, who led us to a private room I was surprised to see filled with half a dozen tables. Most people were standing, a glass of beer or wine in their hand.
    I leaned toward Chris. “I thought it would just be your boss and his wife?”
    “That’s what I was told.” He shrugged, but didn’t seem uncomfortable with the unexpected change. With a little squeeze, he released my hand as we wove between tables toward a tall, handsome man wearing rimless glasses. Chris held out his arm. “Walt. Sorry we’re late.”
    The older gentleman shook Chris’s hand and clapped him on the shoulder. “Glad to have you, Chris. There are a few people I’m