Page 24 of Mr. Red

“Why not? It’s easy. They’ll come, they’ll clean,they’ll go.”

“No! You can’t get me a housekeeper. We don’t even know each other.”

I’m changing that.

“There’s no reason for you to get a housekeeper for me,” she continues. “I can keep my own house.”

“Okay, I’m going to the movies, and I’d like to take you. The only way you would be comfortable even considering hanging out with me is to have your place cleaned. Problem solved.” I shrug with my hands outstretched.

I wasnotplanning on going to the movies tonight. That came out of nowhere. I doneedthe chance to do something with her and the old theater downtown popped into my head.

She’s staring at me, considering the idea, biting her bottom lip. “I don’t know. I really need to do some things for work.” She looks away.

“Scarlett, it’s one night. You can do your planning the next night. Or when you get home.”

“Movies? That sounds like a date, Matt.” She blushes, making her look cute. “I mean, Mr. Reding.”

“I told you to call me Matt. I still need to redeem myself from our first meeting. I was supposed to receive a call last night, if I recall.”

“I never said I would call.” She lifts her nose to the moon.

“Scarlett, come on. It’s just a friendly hangout so I can show you how apologetic I am for acting like such an ass.”

“Here’s the deal,” she points at my chest. “I’ll go home and clean, and then I will meet you at the theater.”

Oh, I’ve got her.

“Nope, I’m driving. Where can I pick you up?”

“You’re not driving me.” She shakes her head. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Let me be the gentleman here. I’ll drive.”

“Maybe I’m not looking for a,” she curls her fingers into air quotes, “‘gentleman.’”

“Doubt it. You won’t stop looking at me or leaning into me. Plus, every time I’ve gotten the door or weights for you, you raise your eyebrows like you’re impressed. Tell me I’m wrong and I’ll drop the whole thing.”

She starts turning a deeper shade of red, making an angry face. “The gentleman thing would be true if you didn’t already blow your cover and act like a total butt nugget already.”

She loves bringing that one up. I’ll need to explain what happened that morning.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been called a butt nugget before. I also didn’t hear a denial about you liking it when I act like a gentleman.” I raise my eyebrows. “So...”

Her mouth gapes open.

I need to save myself before she says no. “Alright, I’ll admit I wasn’t myself when we met. I had just received some bad news and was taking it out on you. Which is why I’m trying to make it up to you. Would you please let me?” I plead my case with my best smile, ensuring eye contact between us.

After a long pause followed by a long sigh, she agrees. “Okay, fine.”

Yes!

I’m a collected person. Some might say suave. There’s no way I’m showing her how excited I am to take her out later.

“Let’s get you back to your car, then. You have a busy day ahead of you.” I let a smile escape once my back is to her.

Chapter 15

Scarlett