Sara gave a half smile and said, “I’d like to think so. I’m glad you get it.”
As they returned to their meals, Sara asked, “So Cynertex isn’t your normal type of client, right? They’re video games. Why the big change?”
Nodding, Deacon chewed and said, “We’re trying to expand into other markets. Chris was helpful in getting us into the sports arena, but we don’t want to be a boutique agency. We’d really like to diversify our client base.”
Taking another bite, Sara asked, “So is this another step toward total world domination then?”
Smirking, he said, “Hopefully. I feel like I’d do a damn fine job.”
Tilting his head, he asked, “What about you? Are you going to go after more long-term contracts or is this just a one off with JDC?”
“I’m not sure yet. Honestly, this is kind of an experiment for me. We’re still growing and I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew. Overall, dealing business to business is much easier though. There’s vetting and contracts and discussions about expectations. There aren’t any crazy brides, or overbearing mother in laws to fend off.”
The discussion continued on for a few more minutes until Deacon eventually stood and tossed his garbage into the trash. Sara followed in his wake.
Turning to face her, he asked, “So, Ms. Westing…when can I see you again in a non-work-related setting?”
Taking a moment to think, Sara said, “Umm. I can break free Friday after 6:30 p.m?”
The smile returned to Deacon’s eyes as he said, “I think I can work with that.”
Taking another step toward her, Deacon reached out to tuck a stray curl behind her ear. She saw his eyes darken and his gaze drop to her mouth.
As if realizing this was off limits, he withdrew his hand and said, “Don’t work too late.”
Feeling an inexplicable sense of loss, Sara said, “Only another hour. Thank you for dinner.”
Smirking, Deacon said, “Consider it a standing date when you’re in the building. Apparently you don’t eat unless someone feeds you.”
Sara blinked at him, somewhat confused.
Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “You thought I’d stop having dinner with you because we can’t make out in the kitchen?”
Seeing the answer in her eyes, he sighed.
After a moment he said, “You really don’t think much of me, do you? I mean, I guess under the previous circumstances, I get that. I’d really like to change it, though.”
Sara smiled, feeling almost shy, and nodded.
“I can see that.”
Gesturing back toward the kitchen she said, “I’ve gotta get back to it. I’ll see you tomorrow. Bret and I should be here around 10:00 a.m. to finish the rest and set up.”
Accepting the subject change without question, Deacon said, “We’ll need it set up by 12:30 p.m. in the conference room on twenty-seven. I wanted to mention, by the way, that I really appreciate the th
ought you’ve put into the menu choices.”
Genuine pleasure lit Sara’s eyes for a moment, then she smiled and said, “That’s my job. Now, go or I’ll never get to leave.”
Smirking at her, Deacon gave her a salute and headed toward the door.
After Deacon left the kitchen, she exhaled loudly.
Grabbing her cell phone, she texted Elle to see if she was busy. After receiving a response, she told her she was on her way in about an hour and there would be wine. Setting her phone back down, she refocused on the tasks at hand.
Finally done with the remaining prep work, she left, stopping by BevMo on the way home. Parking her car in her driveway, she walked across the street to Elle’s house.
Elle must have been waiting because Sara hadn’t even knocked on the door before she was dragged into the house.