Love At First Glance (Love at Firsts #1)(7)
“That’s why I love you.” He wraps me up in his big arms and hugs me tightly.
“I love you too and I mean it. If you date a bitch, I’ll tell her that she is and needs to get the f*ck out of your life. No matter how good you think the sex is, if they’re a bitch, they’re out and if they don't want to understand things, I’ll make them understand.”
“Don’t tempt me to go out with the first annoying person I find just to see you do that,” he claims as both he and Owen start to laugh.
“You two are f*cking crazy,” I mutter, suppressing a giggle as we start to take my stuff down to Owen’s truck.
I’m finally moved out from mine and Adam’s apartment, and it feels great. It took me another hour to gather up the courage to dial the magazine Mr. Winston mentioned to me. To my surprise, Mr. Mezrani, the boss, was very nice and seemed happy I called. We arranged an interview for the following day. After a very short interview, he announced that I had gotten the job, despite me not having much experience working for a magazine. I did work for the school paper when I was in high school and in college, but it's not the same and it was a few years ago.
After only a week out of work I was glad to be getting back into it and do something with my days. I was told that I’d be writing for their music and fashion section, so essentially, I’m being paid to listen to upcoming artists, go to concerts, fashion shows and interviewing some of the artists and designers and then write my review. What a terrible job!
I started this past Monday, and so far, everybody is really nice. It’s a small office, but I don’t mind it at all. We are a team of five. There's Matt, the team leader, Jorge, Shane, Alicia and me. I don’t feel awkward being around so many men in such a small place. I’m usually quite shy around men, other than Spencer. I can’t flirt, I stumble on my words and make myself look like an ass so I gave up a long time ago. Not that it would work on any of the men working here, they all have significant others. There is a real sense of family in the office and everyone has welcomed me with open arms even though they’ve been working together for years and I’ve just started. Matt is the one I connected with the most. He took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I see him as a big brother. He's the life of the office and is the sweetest guy, making sure everybody is alright and happy. I’m starting to feel grateful for losing my old job.
I’ve had the opportunity to look at some real estate websites and found a few apartments within my price range are worth taking a look at. One even has a long balcony that stretches the whole length of the apartment.
I keep checking the time because I have three apartments to visit after work and I cannot wait any longer. As much as I love living with Spencer, I need my independence.
“What’s got you so fidgety, Haven?” Matt, one of my co-workers asks.
“I’m not fidgety, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I narrow my eyes at him and he bursts out laughing.
“You’re something! You keep checking your watch and keep shifting in your seat. There are two options: either I make you all hot and bothered sitting here or you have somewhere to be after work. Which is it?”
“As hot as you are, you’re not my type. I’m sorry to crush your ego.” I place my hands over my heart and fake looking sad which causes us to both laugh. “I have three apartments to visit in an hour and I can’t sit still!”
“You wound me, Gorgeous.” He chuckles. “I get why you’re excited now. Whereabouts are they?” He leans back in his chair and sips his coffee. I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t my type, in fact he’s my type to the t! Tall, lean with sun kissed skin, blue eyes, a bit of stubble and black hair perfectly styled without looking all gooey and sticky with a ton of hair gel. He wears tailored pants and a button down shirt every day even though we’re pretty much allowed to wear whatever we want as long as it’s decent.
I’m brought back to reality by the sound of Matt clearing his throat. “You’re staring and drooling, Haven.” He smirks.
“I am not drooling, dickhead.” I argue and shake my head at him.
“Maybe not, but you were openly staring at me. I knew you fancied me.” He taunts and throws me one of his dazzling smiles.
“Oh shut up! You’re way too full of yourself.” I frown, he definitely is but he’s also a total sweetheart.
“You secretly love it.” He chuckles.
“Whatever.”
“So, about those apartments?” He smiles and I’m grateful for the subject change.
“Well, one is on Raleigh Street, another is on the 17th Street and the last one is on Willow Street. My favorite one so far is the Willow Street one but it’s so freaking expensive. It’s almost double the price of the 17th Street one.” I sigh. I hate making decisions like this. It’s the place I’ll be living in for the next couple of months, at least until I can find a house, so there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.
“You’ll be okay, Have. Don’t stress about it.”
“I can’t help it. What if I like it now but decide I hate it in a couple of weeks? Or end up with *s for neighbors?”
“That’s always a risk when you decide to rent or buy anywhere but, more often than not, it’s worth it. Your best bet will probably be 17th Street. Even though you seem to already have your eyes set on the Raleigh Street one, you’re most likely going to end up with quieter neighbors with 17th Street.” He smiles confident.