Chantelle winked at him.
Then his look turned serious. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
“Sure.”
“Why are you still single?” He held up his hands. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
Chantelle ran her fingers through her curls. “No one’s been... serious about me. Not for a long time.”
Javier pulled his eyebrows in. “Why? From what I can tell already, you’re amazing. I’m enjoying getting to know you. I hope to learn more.”
She ran a hand down her cheek. “Thank you, but I guess I’m… picky.”
“Picky?”
“I have in my mind the relationship that I want and I’m not willing to settle. I’ve done that before and I won’t do it again.”
“A relationship like what?”
Chantelle released a deep breath. “You really want to know?”
“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.” His eyes were soft, as if he cared.
She wrung her hands together. “I’ve been told all my life how beautiful I am. I appreciate that, but I’m more than my looks.” Chantelle sighed. “I can remember the first time I tried makeup. People kept saying I looked even more gorgeous. Being beautiful is just the surface. I’m compassionate, generous, a hard worker, and I love and respect my family and friends. I’m not a trophy for a man to sport on his arm.”
Javier nodded. “I’m sorry you’ve felt that way.”
“Thank you. Me too. I’ve been working on not assuming that’s all people see, but sometimes I divert back to that.”
He inched closer. “I don’t want you to either. I think what makes you beautiful is what’s on the inside.”
Her breath caught. Did he hear her gasp? “I appreciate that.”
“So...”
“So...?” What did he want to say?
“Any chance of you hanging out with me again?”
“I’d like that.”
Javier shuffled closer and took her hand in his. Chantelle didn’t move, but stared at his thumb rubbing across her knuckles. His touch was gentle, but she couldn’t help but wonder what Javier was thinking.
Then her phone buzzed in her crossbody purse. She closed her eyes, but then released his grasp and dug into her bag to answer. “Can you give me a minute?”
Javier nodded.
Chantelle walked to face the window and stared at Lance’s name on her screen. She held the phone to her ear.
“Bad time?” He asked.
She looked behind her to see Javier scrutinizing at his nearby sculpture. “I’m not home yet, but I have a minute.” She heard a noise as if it was coming from a TV. “Are you out somewhere? I hear something.”
“Hold on.” A few moments passed, but she heard his voice again. “Is that better?”
“Yes. What’s going on again?”
Lance replied. “I may need you on call tomorrow. Since I fired June, I’m looking for another wedding planner.”