Chapter 6....

"Please tell me you got back at him."

"Of course I did. When he had a bunch of friends over I pulled his swim trunks down and shoved him in the pool." I threw my head back laughing loudly.

James just finished telling me how him and his younger brother use to pull pranks on one another, and every story had me laughing so hard that my stomach hurt. I learned quite a bit about James in the last hour.

He had a brother named Nick that was three years younger than him. His parents were still happily married and lived on a wine farm that's been in the family for generations. He loved animals and had a cute golden retriever named Sam at home.

James told me about his childhood and funny stories him and his brother had. That he once dreamed of being a professional soccer but when he broke his leg in high school he decided to do something else. I listened to it all with a big grin on my face.

I loved the way he spoke about his family. It was clear he loved them all, even his brother who he messed with all the time. The love in his voice as he talked just made my heart flutter more. A guy who loved his family was instantly 10 times hotter.

When he asked me about my family and what I liked he actually listened. James was genuinely interested in learning about me as I was him. I found myself telling him I was adopted because my mother couldn't have kids. That even though we weren't blood related they were the best parents anyone could have.

I told James funny stories about growing up. How I was so awkward in high school to which he replied; 'I don't believe that for a second.' We went back and forth like that for a good hour. Our food was long gone but conversation didn't seem to run out.

While this really wasn't a date it was the best 'date' I've ever been on. No guy has ever been so interested in me or leaned in closer to watch me speak. James's green eyes never strayed from my face, something I really liked. There was something about James that just made me want to talk and tell him things I rarely tell anyone I just met.

"So no boyfriend is going to come in here threatening to kill me?" James asked a few minutes later. The sudden change of topic surprised me for a second but it shouldn't have. I was thinking the same thing. Wondering if some jealous girlfriend would come storming in and seeing me flirt with her guy.

"At the moment no." I shook my head. I haven't had a boyfriend in about 8 months. After the brutal fall out of my last boyfriend I've been single and proud of it. My life was so busy at the moment to deal with a moody boyfriend.

"How about you? Any jealous girlfriend I should look out for?" I asked before James could ask more about why I was single.

"Definitely no jealous girlfriend." I tried to mask my surprise. A guy like him usually has someone hanging off their arm. It did surprise me that he wasn't in a relationship. James was everything you'd look for in a boyfriend. Sweet, kind, funny, smart, down to earth, loves family, loves animals, very good looking. He was basically the whole package.

"Is that surprising?" James asked, eyebrows raised. I must not have hidden my surprise that well.

"A little." I confessed. "I mean...look at you."

"Thanks for the compliment." James winked. "In my line of...work it is hard to have relationships."

Once again he didn't say what he did for a living. It just made me want to know that much more but I refrained from asking. Every time it was brought up he became tense or changed the topic.

With the way he acted and how he flashed a black credit card while buying my clothes, I silently wondered if he was some rich CEO. It kind of made sense but then again he wouldn't wear a hat and sunglasses if he was a CEO of some company. Maybe a musician? Made some more sense with how he dressed and made sure we were in the back corner of the restaurant.

It was hard to know when he gave nothing away. But despite not knowing I felt drawn to him. James was unlike any other guy I've met. In just a few short hours I've felt lighter than I have in months. There was no denying there was a connection between us.

"Now onto you not having a boyfriend. That I don't understand."

"I've just been busy with work." I shrugged. "Haven't had time for a relationship."

"Well any guy would be lucky to have you." Grinning like a fool I ducked my head.

Damn it, James.

* * * * * * * *

The next twenty minutes we spent talking about anything and everything. It felt so...easy with James. Everything about him I liked. James was more than just his looks. I could feel myself becoming more and more attracted to him, something that wasn't smart on my end.

He didn't even live in New York and was only staying for two more days. It would be stupid to fall for him but the rational part of me wasn't listening. Nothing was stopping me from moving closer and closer to him as we talked. I may have been imagining it but I could have sworn James got closer to me too.

When the place started to get too busy that we were yelling to one another we decided it was time to go. As we headed for the door I felt my heart sink. I didn't want to say bye to James just yet. I was having such a good time. The last thing I wanted to do was go home and work.

The loud conversations inside the restaurant died as soon as the door closed behind us. My fingers played with the strap of my purse as we stood there. Do I ask him if he wants to do something else? Come over to my place? The latter may come off as too desperate though.

"Well I had a good time." I finally spoke.

"I did too."

"Thank you for the clothes." I was trying to keep the conversation going so he wouldn't leave just yet. I didn't want this night to end.

"Of course. Couldn't have you walking around in wet clothes." James flashed me a grin. Even in the dim lighting coming from the street lamps and the restaurant he still looked handsome.

Sighing inwardly I knew it was time to say goodbye. It was now nearing 8 o'clock. James was probably ready to head back to his hotel and relax.

"Well I guess this is goodbye." Every part of me was screaming to invite him back to my place. When a guy was this hot and sweet you can't let them go, but here I was doing the exact thing. There were probably plenty of prettier girls back in L.A going after him. What would he want with someone like me?

When James had yet to say anything else I took a small step backwards in the direction of my apartment.

"If you are ever in New York again hit me up. I'll show you some more places to eat." I said, a weak grin on my face.

"Lily..." I waited for him to continue but he closed his mouth. With my heart sinking once more I took another step back.

"Thanks again James." Not wanting to embarrass myself any further or do something I'd regret I turned to start heading home. A bowl of ice cream was calling my name as I would kick myself for letting such a great guy go.

I hadn't even gone a step when a firm hand grabbed my elbow. I was whipped around suddenly, my hands coming out to stop myself. I had no time to comprehend what was going on before a pair of soft lips pressed against mine.