Meeting Him in Between

LAURIE

As Jeremy took a step closer, I instinctively retreated until my back met the wall. He placed his hands on either side of my head, effectively trapping me.

“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice wavering.

“Nothing. I won’t touch you with my hands, remember?” He chuckled softly, and I couldn’t help but notice the warmth in his eyes.

I swallowed hard and glanced back toward the entrance of the enormous room. We were completely alone. He was so close that if he wanted to, he could easily brush his lips against mine.

“I was just admiring the painting behind you,” he said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. Jeremy pushed himself away from the wall, but his gaze remained locked on mine.

“Sure you were,” I replied, trying to sound confident despite the lingering nerves from our close encounter.

“Tell me your last name,” he said, his voice taking on a pleading tone.

“If I tell you mine, will you tell me yours?” I asked, my shyness returning.

“I promise,” he said, his smile genuine.

“Sanchez,” I admitted. “My last name is Sanchez.”

“Thank you for being honest, Laurie.”

“Now it’s your turn. What’s your last name?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Before he could answer, a man approached us. “Jeremy, I apologize for interrupting, but your father called, and it’s urgent.”

Jeremy’s face fell, concern etched in his features. “I’m sorry, Laurie. I have to make a call. My mother just got a new kidney, and something might be wrong.”

“Of course, your family comes first,” I said softly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

“I’ll find you later,” he promised, gently caressing my cheek before disappearing into the crowd.

I let out a sigh and made my way back to where Macy had been standing earlier.

“Well, look who’s back,” Macy teased, a mischievous grin on her face. “I thought you’d be in a hotel room by now.”

“No, I wouldn’t do that with someone I just met,” I giggled, feeling my cheeks heat up.

“Jeremy couldn’t take his eyes off you,” she said, her laughter joining mine.

“Do you know who he is, Laurie?” Macy asked, her expression turning serious.

“No, he was about to tell me his last name when he had to leave. Something urgent came up with his parents.”

Macy’s grin returned, wider than before. “You’re hiding something, aren’t you?” I laughed.

“Actually, I know who our mysterious man is, thanks to Michael,” she revealed.

“I know Michael helped him find a new house, but I still don’t know his last name,” I said, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

“You’ll see him again on Monday,” Macy said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “His name is Wells. You have an interview at his company.”

“What?!” I nearly shouted, my eyes widening in shock.

Macy nodded, her smile unwavering. “Oh, no. This is a disaster. Now he'll judge me for sure. He'll think this was all a setup – me being here, dancing with him, even flirting a little,” I rambled, my mind racing.

“You're overreacting, Laurie. I saw the way he looked at you; he adores you. And he's very wealthy, you know,” she added with a wink.

“That doesn't matter to me. I can't work for him. I won't go to the interview.”

“Yes, you will, or I'll drag you there myself!” Macy hissed, her tone firm but playful.

As Michael approached with drinks in hand, I exchanged a glare with Macy. “Did I miss something?” he asked, sensing the tension between us.

“No,” we both snapped, our annoyance evident.

“Alright, then,” he murmured, clearly not convinced. “So, Laurie, you and Jeremy Wells, huh?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“I just danced with him, that's all,” I said, still feeling irritated by the entire situation.

“He's a great guy. He was my first wealthy client. Friendly but strict,” Michael offered.

“Yeah, well, I have an interview with him on Monday, and now he'll think I was playing him for the job,” I grumbled, and Macy rolled her eyes.

“You're such a drama queen sometimes, Laurie,” she giggled.

“Please, Michael, say something to change her mind. She doesn't want to go to the interview,” Macy sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Jeremy Wells is one of the best in the publishing world. He went from assistant to CEO in just two years. He's worked hard to get where he is now. He opened his new company here six months ago, and there are rumors he'll open another office soon. So, yes, Laurie, if you want to learn from the best, he's the one. I'd consider going to the interview,” Michael advised.

“I know he has a good reputation in the publishing world. That's why I wanted an interview with them first. But now everything is more complicated. He was flirting with me, and now he'll judge me for sure,” I sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted.

“We're going to head home, Michael. Thanks for everything,” Macy said, her smile warm and genuine.

“Of course, I'll walk you two to your cab,” he offered.

As we said our goodbyes, Macy gave Michael a quick kiss on the cheek, her face flushing. It was the first time I'd seen her nervous around a man.

The cab ride to our new apartment was mostly silent. I appreciated the quiet, but Jeremy Wells lingered in the back of my mind, refusing to leave my thoughts.

This is going to be a long and sleepless night, I thought, my heart heavy with uncertainty.