Unexpectedly Yours (Private Relations 3)

“Sure. What’s up?” she asked.

“I was thinking about Saturday and came up with an idea. They do this movie night in the park in Glendale. A bunch of food trucks show up, they’ve got live music beforehand. Sound good? Or will it be too cold?”

“Sounds perfect! I’ve always wanted to do that, but I never hear about it until after they happen. It shouldn’t be too cold. We can always bring an extra blanket with us, just in case. What’s playing?” Elle asked.

“Much Ado About Nothing. That adaptation that came out a few years ago. The website said we can bring a bottle of wine if we want, too,” Jim said.

“That would be great. What time were you thinking?”

“Maybe six or six thirty? The food truck lines get pretty long from what I read. It’ll give us time to find a good spot, have dinner, relax a little bit,” he trailed off.

“Six should work,” Elle said.

“Good. Don’t forget to text me your address at some point,” he said. After a moment he asked, “How was the rest of your day?”

“Not as long as yesterday, thankfully. Traffic was brutal last night. I didn’t get in until almost 11:00 p.m. There was a giant pileup on the freeway. I’m going to sleep so well tonight. How about you?”

“Long,” he said. “I had so much trouble focusing after lunch. I just wanted a nap. Everything you suggested I have was amazing, though. The macaroni and cheese, especially.”

“That’s actually my recipe. Glad you liked it.”

They continued to talk for a few more minutes about work until Elle was no longer able to contain a yawn. Jim chuckled at her and said, “Aww. You sound exhausted. I’ll let you get some sleep.”

Laughing now, she said, “Sorry. Yeah. I should probably do that. Talk to you soon?”

“Definitely,” Jim said, “Sweet dreams.”

“Night.”

He thought back and couldn’t remember the last date he’d been on. He’d been so wrapped up in the business and all of his other responsibilities that he hadn’t focused much on his social life. That was about to change, though. He had a good feeling about this.

Chapter Five

Saturday evening, Elle was putting the finishing touches on her makeup, when she heard the door bell. Smiling, she wiped a bit of lip gloss off the edge of her mouth, then went to answer the door.

Jim stood there in a dark purple V-neck sweater and a pair of dark-wash jeans. She saw a slow smile come across his face as he took her in. She couldn’t help but return the grin. Backing up, she said, “Come on in. Let me just get my jacket.”

She moved to the coat rack, retrieving a light jacket and her purse. Between the pale pink sweater she’d chosen, the jeans and her jacket, she’d be plenty warm. She slid on her shoes and said, “Ready to go.”

He opened the door and held it for her, then said, “You look nice tonight.”

She flushed slightly and said, “You do too.”

As she locked the door, he said, “Your place is nothing at all like what I expected.”

Laughing, she said, “My parents have this habit of just showing up with stuff. I feel guilty not taking it when they drive all the way down from Bakersfield with it. So, my house is forever destined to look like I robbed a swap meet.”

“I get family pressure. Thankfully it doesn’t extend to home decorating though. My house would be filled with Steuben and doilies,” he shuddered.

Elle said, “Sounds, um, lovely,” with a laugh.

“My mother would be pleased to know you appreciate her decorating taste,” he said, a smirk on his face now.

She felt the warmth of his hand on the small of her back as they walked toward the SUV in the driveway. When they reac

hed the passenger’s side door, he opened it for her. She closed the door once she’d climbed inside and watched as he walked around to the driver’s side.

He was so freaking hot. How was it even possible she was on a date with this man?