I hold my breath, waiting for his reaction. I've spilled my guts and laid myself bare...I want this man to know that I want him. No room for doubt or questions. I want him and no one else.

But the only response I get from Solomon is...well...nothing. Shit. He looks a little surprised, well no...he looks a lot surprised, and I think he's about to tear the arms off of that poor chair, but he doesn't say anything. So, what does this mean? Does it mean he really doesn't want me? I can hear the blood pounding in my ears, waiting for him to say something...anything. But he doesn't. Solomon's just staring at me.

I didn't count on this. I expected him to say something, but he obviously has no words for me, so I need to get out of here. Fast.

I'm feeling a little panicked, "Ok...well...um...I'm going to go. You think about what I said and if you want to talk, you know where to find me."

My feet move fast, rushing past Calvin and making my way to the elevator. And why the hell is it taking damn near forever to arrive? I'm realizing that pushing the button ten times won't make it come any faster, but the doors finally slide open. Stepping inside I breathe deeply, press the button and turn to see him standing in the back of his office. Our eyes lock and a shiver runs through me as the doors slide to a close.

All of this chasing a man stuff is exhausting, so I decide that I need a little pick-me-up, and stop by the coffee shop near my office. When they see me step in, the barista starts my drink immediately. I don't know why I don't use the app on my phone but whatever.

"Hey Victoria, running a little late today?" My favorite barista Chloe asks me with a smile. I love her.

"Yeah...I uh...had an important errand to run before heading in. I'll probably be working late now because of it, but it was worth it...I hope."

She hands me an extra-large, iced vanilla latte with caramel drizzle and soy milk, and the barista working the register, hands me a bag with a cinnamon muffin and waves me off. "See you tomorrow Victoria!"

Making a mental note to take care of them at Christmas time, I jump into my car and speed off to the office.

Sitting there staring at a sample through my microscope, I pull back and rub my head. Sighing and glancing at the clock...shit...it's almost 10:00 at night. I guess that explains the darkness out my window. I start to grab my stuff and pack it up for the night.

The best thing about working late, is there's no traffic when you leave out. It's late for dinner but I haven't had anything since that muffin this morning and I'm starving. I stop for some Chinese takeout not far from my house. On my way back to my car, my phone rings.

It's Solomon.

Once inside, I answer. And I'm petrified.

"Hello?"

As usual, his voice coats me like sweet liquid gold. "Hello gorgeous Victoria. I'm sorry it's late but I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

My voice is soft, "No not at all Solomon. I worked late so I was just stopping to grab some food."

"Well, I won't keep you, but I just wanted to see if you were free for dinner tomorrow?"

Oooh yeah!! My stomach catapults a few times, either from hunger or Solomon asking me for a date, and I'm pretty sure it's the latter of the two.

"I am absolutely free Solomon," realizing I sound a little too breathless and a little too excited but whatever.

He chuckles deeply, "Fantastic. I'll pick you up at 7 o'clock. Oh, and dress casually. Get home safe...good night Tori."

Shit, I think he just made me feel all giddy.