Page 10 of Everything She Wanted

“Where? How? I need details.”

“He’s going to be working with me for the next little while.”

“Are you serious? That’s a crazy synchronicity.”

“I know, it’s crazy, but he doesn’t remember me.” I fight the urge to pick at my fresh manicure.

“Um, that’s hard to believe.” She laughs. “Anyways, I’m just getting ready to teach at the studio. Let’s chat more tonight.”

“There’s not much to talk about. I mean, it’s just so random,” I say with my insides vibrating.

“Right,” she giggles. “That’s why you’re calling me from work.”

“Exactly.” I laugh too. “Have a good class.”

The universe is obviously messing with me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy this a little bit.

3. Unpaid Perks

The next day, I try my best to ignore the fact that Nick is in the office next to me. At least he’s away for most of the morning in meetings with IT to get up to speed on everything, but still, I startle every time someone walks by. By some miracle, I manage to focus enough to get some work done before I head off to two back-to-back meetings.

As soon as I sit down at my desk, Nick walks by and slows outside my door.

“Hey, neighbour.”

He’s wearing a tight white polo shirt that hugs every muscle and contrasts with his slightly tanned yet fair skin. His hair swept to the side as if he just walked out of a photoshoot, not a meeting.

“Hey.” He gives me a little smile.

That’s all it takes—suddenly my heart’s thumping and my thoughts are in torrents, like they’d sweep me up and toss me across the Pacific Ocean. I should let him walk by, but I don’t.

“How’s your first day so far?” I ask, barely looking up at him.

He leans against my door frame with his laptop casually at his side and his other hand in his pocket. He smiles at me, and I almost forget we’re at work. “It’s great. I love the vibe here, and everyone is so friendly.”

“Good to hear. Let me know if I can help with anything.”

I sound professional and not enamoured, and I’m grateful I’m holding it together.

“Maybe just a good coffee place?”

This time I look right at him. “For sure. There are a few great places nearby.” I mentally start preparing a list to send him.

“Tomorrow morning, then?”

I wasn’t expecting that, and my heartbeat quickens at the thought of being alone with him, even if it’s only for coffee.

“Yes,” I say without hesitation.

“Is nine a.m. good for you?”

“That’s perfect. I’ll see you then.”

He leaves. I stare at my computer login screen and rest my hands on the keyboard, knowing I should at least pretend I’m working.

I’d always imagined we would bump into each other on a warm Saturday morning as I ran along the Seawall in Stanley Park. I would be wearing those stylish workout leggings with sexy see-through patches and a fitted jacket, my hair pulled up into a smooth ponytail that swayed as I ran. He’d be running toward me, a tight shirt over his strong chest, paired with fitted joggers accentuating his muscled thighs and, of course, sexy aviator shades. The ocean waves would lap next to us as the warm spring sun blazed overhead. He’d glance at me and then stop. Nisha? I’d stop, too. Do I know you? I’d reply breezily, as if I never gave him a second thought. We met at a bar in Chinatown a week ago, he’d say, catching his breath. Oh right. Hi! He’d run alongside me, and we’d pick up where we left off. He’d tell me he couldn’t stop thinking of me and was losing his mind looking for me. I’d laugh and say, I get that a lot. He’d take me to lunch, and the conversation would flow until dinner. We’d go back to his place, but this time I wouldn’t be afraid to take things further. Once he had a taste, he wouldn’t just want me for a night, he’d want me for eternity.

But he doesn’t even remember me.