It was a good thing Natasha didn’t follow her urge to wear the form-fitting pencil skirt and heels to work today. The motorcycle ride with Jacques would’ve been somewhat uncomfortable in that type of attire. She’d ridden on a few motorcycles before, but never with a man like Jacques. Funny thing was, she’d had every intention wearing the sexy outfit to see what reaction it would illicit from Jacques but had chickened out in the end only to be asked out to lunch by him anyway. It only proved that she didn’t have to go out of her way to get the attention of any man…or maybe it was just that way with Jacques. Maybe there was hope. As much as her parents reminded her that they were here for her whenever she needed them, they’d never be able to fill all the voids. Friendship was one of them. There were just some things you just couldn’t tell your parents. Such as…she was developing a crush on a hot shifter who worked at Reverie.

When Jacques Harley V-Rod was parked and after he killed the engine, Natasha pulled off her helmet and handed it to him. His fingers encircled her waist and he helped her off of his bike. He set her down on the pavement with only a few inches between them and despite the chilly temperature, heat radiated from him against her.

“You’re cold,” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to hers.

“Yes,” she said, remembering that first day when she ran into him and how warm and secure she felt in his arms. She wished that she were there now.

“Let’s get you inside.”

His eyes shied away from her face and he turned to latch his helmet onto the bike and then stuffed the spare helmet down into a small compartment on the back.

“Thanks for the lunch,” she said. “I’ve been craving egg rolls for a while now.”

“It’s the best Asian restaurant in town. I thought you’d like it,” he said, stuffing his keys into his jacket.

“In calculating the time it’ll take me to walk from here to the front door, I’d say we have some time to talk about what you asked me over lunch.”

She had been a bit unprepared for his questioning about how and why she’d split up from her ex back at the restaurant. No one ever really asked her about it anymore and she was content with that.

“Oh,” he exclaimed. “Sorry about that. I usually park far out. I could carry you if you want.”

She grinned. “I’m sure you could, but that’s okay. I need to walk off all the sushi rolls I ate anyway.”

“You know, when I asked you that question about your relationship, I wasn’t trying to pry or anything. If I make you uncomfortable, just tell me to mind my business,” he said, as they began walking leisurely in the direction of the building.

“It’s not that. I don’t really talk about it to anyone. I’ve never been the type of person to mope after a breakup, but this wasn’t exactly an easy split. Months had been put into the relationship. I put my trust in him. I put all my energy into our upcoming wedding…and then it was over, just like that. I wasted so much time with that lying, cheating bastard.”

Jacques frowned. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. It is what it is. I guess that’s what I get for ignoring the warning signs.” She sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I must sound like a disgruntled bitch.”

“No, you don’t. You don’t deserve that. I’m glad you got away from him. I’m also sorry you couldn’t have discovered the warning signs earlier.”

They continued on a slow pace back to work, passing the spot where she’d bumped into him on her first day. She’d never forget that day. Ever. It was funny that she’d never forgotten his unique smell—even when she wasn’t with him.

“Have you moved here permanently?” he asked.

“Hmmm. I wouldn’t say permanently. Taking the job at Reverie and moving in with my parents was the best option for me at the time. I can’t complain though. As soon as things are settled with all the bills we accumulated together, I’ll make the decision about whether I want to stay or not. The job here is temp to perm if my boss and I agree that it’s a good fit for me.”

“I would certainly miss our lunch dates if you decided it wasn’t.”

She smiled. “I would too. The cafeteria food is okay, but the Asian Garden buffet was awesome. I think I’m spoiled now. And happy…and full.”

They laughed.

“And you should be happy,” he replied. “Your smiles are contagious, I think.”

She blushed. “The next one is on me. What about tomorrow?”

He grinned. “I’d like that. We could—”

“Oh! You know what? I forgot that I’m scheduled to be out all day tomorrow for a doctor’s appointment and then to get my driver’s license updated.”

She bit her lip and sighed.

He frowned.

“I just got an idea,” she said. “Since I’ll only be about ten miles out, why don’t we meet somewhere for lunch?”

“Sounds like a plan. Just give me a call when you get through with your appointments,” he said.

Natasha took out her cell phone and he did the same. They exchanged phone numbers as they walked leisurely to the door. Neither of them seemed to be worried about the time. Of course, she didn’t want to leave Jacques’s side so soon. An hour a day wasn’t enough.

“So, have you changed your mind yet about letting me come to one of your MMA tournaments?” she asked, nonchalantly.

“You’re persistent, aren’t you?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I’m only curious.”

“But of course you are,” he said. “How about this? You can watch me train one day and see how I get ready for a fight and then we’ll take it from there.”

“Sounds like a plan. When’s your next training session?”

He bit his bottom corner lip and then answer, “Soon-ish. Before I forget again, I should give you my pho—”

“Natasha?”

At the sound of her dad’s voice on the far side of the crosswalk, she spun around.

Her dad was standing just outside the entrance with a couple other executives standing beside him. She waved at him and he gestured for her to come over.

She turned back around to see a confused looking Jacques.

“Who’s that?” he asked.

She giggled. “My dad. I know we look nothing alike. My mother’s genes were a little stronger as far as that goes. Red hair and all. So…um…I gotta go.”

“Right,” he said, softly. “Sure.”

“So if I don’t see you again today, have a great evening. And don’t forget about our lunch meeting tomorrow. I’ll give you a ring and let you know where to meet me.”

“Sure,” he said, looking off into the distance at her dad.

She felt guilty about leaving him standing there only a few yards from the door, but her dad had only just flown back into town after a series of board meetings in New York City. She wasn’t trying to avoid him that badly. After waving goodbye to Jacques, she approached her Dad.

“Hey” she greeted.

“Hi Sweetie. You just getting in or something?” he asked.

“No, I was out at lunch. With Jacques. You know him, right? He works in the security department.”

When she swung around to look for Jacques, he was gone. He’d disappeared. Had he entered the building through another door?”

“No, I don’t know Jacques at all. And you shouldn’t either.”

“What?”

Dad cleared his throat and the two other executives that had been next to him headed into the building.

“Look, just don’t go running off with him again. Do you understand?”

“Dad? Are you serious? I’m an adult. I can go out to lunch with anyone I choose. He works here. How evil can he be?”

“He’s a shif—”

“Who cares? You know what, I wanted to talk to you about your trip but this conversation is done before it even got started.”

“Natasha, I didn’t mean it like that. I know some things…”

“You know what?”

“Look, I don’t want to discuss this now. Out here. I have another meeting in an hour.”

“Fine.” They headed toward the door. “My lunch hour is over anyway. I hope you had a good trip.”