---Riley POV---
I was so nervous, my heart was beating out of my chest, my palms were sweating all I could think about is her. I was both nervous and excited about meeting her. I don't know what made me leave that note, I made it a rule to never date a fan but I just couldn't resist. It was like my soul is drawn to her. I couldn't let her go no matter what. After finishing up my business early in the morning, I was back at home sitting next to my phone too nervous to pick it up and call. I waited, and while gathering my courage after a few minutes I dialed her number. She picked up after the first ring.
"Hi..." I said nervously. I wanted to come across as this dominant person but sadly my voice betrayed me.
"Hey, finally I get to hear your voice when I am not drunk out of my mind." I heard her raspy voice say, she gets more attractive no matter what she does. I gulped to try and ease my nerves. My heart was beating so fast that I wondered if she could hear it through the phone.
"Yeah, you were pretty out of it. Are you free right now? We can meet up for some coffee, you owe me one remember?"
She laughed, and good Lord was it glorious. Her laugh sounded like the singing of angels, my ears felt blessed just hearing that sound. " Yes, what I remember is making a complete and utter fool of myself. Lucky for me though, I got to talk to you, didn't I? Our date has to wait sadly, I am swamped with work, and my boss decided that today was a fine day to go on a vacation with his mistress. He left the office in shambles, I probably have to work overnight for a few days to make up for his incompetence. I am sorry. " I felt the weight of disappointment crushing me. I felt awful that she had a terrible boss but I wanted to be selfish and see her today despite that.
"I can bring you some lunch then. Just text me the address to your office and I will come with a hot meal."
"Really? You would do that?" She said surprised.
"Of course, it is no problem. I would hate it if you had to miss lunch. I will be there at 1 pm and not a second later." I quickly hung up smiling, I got off the couch and went straight to the kitchen wondering what I could prepare for such an alluring person.
---Ruby POV---
'She is coming here.' I couldn't help squealing like a schoolgirl. It was all I could do to stop myself from making a fool of myself in front of my co-workers. When I got to work this morning, my boss gave himself two weeks off to go to Italy with his mistress.
He dumped a pile of work our way and just bolted. I was so mad, especially knowing I was the one who was going to pick up the slack. I work as an editor at John&Kian Publishing. My direct boss John Dunfrey was a short and pudgy-looking man with a bald spot on his head, he was a major pervert and is always flirting with the female staff. I don't even know how this company is still standing because that man has no real skill in managing this business. He doesn't even know the authors that are contracted with our company. At least my day got so much better after my call with Riley. It felt like a dream having the chance to talk to her and now she is on her way here bringing me lunch. I have to make a good impression this time.
I could barely concentrate on my work, I kept looking at the clock watching the seconds tick by and when the clock hit 1 pm my phone rang. I quickly picked up with a giant smile on my face.
"I'm here." She said. I ran downstairs like a bat out of hell. Most of my co-workers were out on their lunch break so there was no one to see me run down the stairs like a madman. I got to the reception area and there she was. My heart skipped a beat, she was effortlessly gorgeous and she never failed to take my breath away. I wanted to run to her and kiss her but I had to hold myself back because we aren't even dating yet. When she saw me she ran her hand through her short hair and smiled at me, I almost melted. I slowly walked toward her and said," Hi, I am glad you made it. Come with me." I impulsively grabbed her free hand and dragged her to my office upstairs.
---Riley POV ---
We sat across each other, both too nervous and kind of awkward around each other. My palms were sweating and I was wondering where all that confidence I had over the phone went. I wanted to ask her name but I could barely focus on anything else apart from her cherry-red lips. They looked so inviting that I had to clench my fist against my thigh to prevent myself from doing something completely foolish.
"So," I cleared my throat," How have you been? I brought you lunch as promised. I made you some Korean dishes. I don't know what you like so I brought a lot." I chuckled slightly.
She looked at me surprised," You can cook?"
"Yes, of course, I have traveled quite a bit because of my work so I have sampled dishes from all over the place. The ones I enjoyed, I had them teach me how to make it." I stood and began unpacking the little lunch boxes I had packed. " I made some fried rice kimchi with Korean barbecue pork, we also have a few dumplings. Next time I will serve you a full-course meal with multiple side dishes. You're welcome to try."
She looked at the food before her with stars in her eyes. She couldn't be any cuter if she tried. I was pleased to know something simple like a meal would make her so happy. We ate in silence for a while and when we were done. We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. I finally broke the silence and asked her what I was dying to know from the moment we met.
"What is your name?"
"Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Ruby Kim. I am so sorry it took so long to do that. I would also like to formally apologize for all the trouble I caused you. I know I went overboard and crossed the line by doing that." I could that she was truly embarrassed and apologetic because of the tinge of red that coated her cheeks.
I smiled," No need for that. I mean, it allowed me to meet you right? So we can start over. Hi, my name is Riley Scott, and it's a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman." My words affected her as the red in her cheeks got darker.
"My name is Ruby Kim and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
We talked for quite a while, I learned a lot about her. She is funny and charming and I couldn't believe my luck having a girl like that interested in me. As time went by, it was like the world faded away, leaving just the two of us. My heart felt full and somehow I felt like I was home. I haven't felt like this with anyone, not even Donnie and Blake who I considered brothers have made me feel this safe before. I relished in it and allowed this feeling to wash all over me. This sense of comfort and belonging is incredible. Something inside me was begging me to never let this girl go and I planned to listen to it.
"Oh, I have to get back to work. I enjoyed this, the food you made me was incredibly delicious.Can we do it again tomorrow?" She asked shyly.
"Of course. We can do this as often as you would like. I will make something different tomorrow, look forward to it."
"I will walk you to the door." She said. I gathered all the empty dishes and packed up. We slowly walked together downstairs. Part of me didn't want to leave but I knew I would see her again tomorrow so I gathered my wits and left. I took my car back to my place and walked to my apartment. I immediately called Blake to tell him about my date.
"That's awesome bro. I am glad you found someone who makes you happy. You've been moping around forever about not connecting with anyone and this girl just quite literally fell onto your lap. I'm really happy for you. And hey, if she has any hot friends don't forget to introduce me." He laughed.
"As if, the poor girl could never handle all your craziness." We talked a bit more about the gym I want to open and then hung up.
I wonder, what will I cook tomorrow?