I didn’t expect Landon to walk through my door today but as he’s leaving, I’m watching him walk away as I exhale the longest breath possible. This was a business meeting, nothing more. I acted as a professional and he as a client. I pat myself on the back for a job well done. So many times during our meeting I wanted him to sit next to me, put his hand on my knee as I punched the numbers into my program, whisper praises in my ear as we came up with a solid plan together.

I’m amazed I accomplished anything in our meeting considering how many times I pictured him without a shirt on. I spend my days surrounded by suits and ties. His burnt orange shirt that clung to every muscle on his chest was a welcome change. One I’d dream about in bed tonight.

I lean back in my chair and close my eyes, still picturing him sitting across from me. We never discussed a second date. I wanted him to ask me. I tried using telepathic powers to make him ask, sending signals with a bat of my eye or a sway of my hips. I even tossed my hair behind my shoulder with a silly giggle but he didn’t bite. I can’t say I blame him; it was an immature move. This is the first time in a long time I’ve wanted a second date. I wish I knew how to go about getting one.

My eyes fly open when there is a knock at my door. “Who was that hottie?” Carly asks as she struts into my office. Her long brown hair is thrown up in a bun, complimented by a thin gold headband. Only someone her age can pull something like that off. If I tried, it would look like I was trying too hard.

Where do I begin? He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met. He’s an incredible uncle and an outstanding brother. There are too many pleasant adjectives to describe him. “That was Landon, the guy I told you about.”

“That’s Landon?” I almost have to help her pick her mouth off the floor. “Are you kidding me? That guy is so hot I’m surprised he didn’t set off the fire alarm.”

Carly exaggerates a lot, but this time I agree with her. My body is on fire anytime he’s near me. “He’s a rare find.”

“Hold onto him. They’re scarce.” She fans out her fingers and admires her ring. “I’m happy I snagged one of them.”

Eddie isn’t all perfect, despite what Carly thinks. In her eyes, he can do no wrong. His past is a little shady, but he cleaned himself up once he and Carly became serious. She takes credit for the changes he made in his life. I’m glad they’ve found each other.

“Did he ask you out again?”

I blow out a breath with an inflated sigh. “Nope. I thought maybe he’d ask me once he saw me today, but no go.”

Carly bites her lip like she always does when she’s disappointed. I consider her my closest friend, but sometimes our age difference shows when she has reactions such as that one. “Oh, pooh. Well, maybe he didn’t think it would be appropriate in this circumstance.”

Even though her delivery was childish, she makes a valid point. “I suppose. I hope that’s the case.”

“You’re going to need a date for the holiday party. That’s coming up pretty soon.”

“The holiday party? No…no. I’m not going to that.”

“What?” She sits down and scoots the chair closer to my desk. “You have to go, Jules. You keep me sane at these things.”

“Then don’t go.” I shouldn’t have to be the one to hold her hand through the event. If she doesn’t want to be there then she should stay home. I’m not about to be guilted into attending.

“Come on. The company pays for a fancy dinner, you can schmooze with the higher-ups, and, don’t forget the best part, free drinks.”

“Always with the free alcohol, huh?” I push my chair out from behind my desk and cross my legs. “I don’t know. I despise those events. Even if I did go, I don’t even have a second date with Landon yet.”

“Why don’t you ask him out?”

She has got to be kidding. Never in my life have I asked a man out, even as a teenager. There’s no way I’ll start now. “Um, because isn’t that something he should do?”

“Pfft. Forget the rules. If you like this guy and want to see him again, don’t wait around. Text him, and ask him out. You have his number, right? Please tell me you have his number.”

“I do. I don’t know if I should though. Besides, now he’s a client. Do you think it’s a smart idea for us to get involved?”

“Hey, you know my saying: Love has no boundaries. And love is not proud. So suck it up.”

“Isn’t that a line from Corinthians?”

“Suck it up?”

“No! Love is not proud.”

“Maybe. But all I’m saying is don’t let your pride get in the way. If you like Landon, and I’m pretty sure you do, don’t sit around and wait for him to ask you out. Go for it.”

I twirl my phone in my hands, contemplating what she’s suggesting. “What would I even say? I’ll sound desperate. I like this guy. The last thing I want to do is come across as desperate.”

“Maybe he’s into that.”

“Well if he’s into desperate women, then I don’t want to go out with him again.” Please don’t let that be the type of woman he likes. I don’t do desperate. I like this man too much for something like that to ruin it.

“I’m sure he’s not.” She stands up, unravels the hair in her bun, and sweeps it back up again. “So, are you going to ask him?”

“I don’t know. What would I even say?”

“How about ‘Do you want to go out again?’ That seems like an obvious way to approach it.”

“Ha, Ha. Miss Obvious over here.”

“Well, you asked me for a suggestion so I’m giving you one.”

She’s right, and I know she is. I hate it when she’s right. What’s the worst that can happen if I ask him? He can say no. Then at least I’ll know he’s not interested. Of course he could say yes and then go out with me again under the impression I’m this loser who has to be with someone. That’s not the case at all. I don’t have to be with anyone. I like him. Really like him. This hasn’t happened in a long time.

My phone stares back at me, my text message app taunting me. Do I or don’t I? Life is about taking chances. Go for it. Put yourself out there. I type his number in the To: bar, writing the words as my hand shakes. Asking him is only a send button away.

“Come on, Juliette, are you going to ask him or what?”

I take a deep breath and close my eyes as I press the button. “I just did.”