Escorting Jessica by Carrie Pulkinen Page A

drinks are ready.” The barista pushed the cups toward Jessica.
    “Hmm? Oh, right. Sorry.” She’d been so lost in the memories of the gorgeous man that a line had formed behind her. Grabbing the coffee, she fixed her gaze on the floor and shuffled past him. The likelihood of a guy like him remembering her eight years later was slim, but she wasn’t taking any chances. If she could just make it out the door, she’d be home free.
    “Jessica?” The way her name rolled off his tongue froze her in her tracks. “Jessica Snider?” The syllables danced in her ears. Was he speaking to her? He recognized her?
    Taking a deep breath to steady her heart, she lifted her gaze. The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled. “Do you remember me? I’m Tre—”
    “Trevor. Of course.” Hoping he didn’t hear the hysteria in her voice as it raised two octaves higher than normal, she cleared her throat. “Science class. Yeah, I remember.” How could I forget?
    She dipped her head to sip the latte through the straw. Was he going to say anything else? Should she say something? The uncomfortable moment seemed to stretch on forever. Casting her gaze to her feet, she stifled a nervous giggle.
    Damn it. She was a grown woman. Why did she permit him to affect her this way? It was as if an awkward teenager had taken over her twenty-four-year-old self. I’ve been on enough dates to not turn into a babbling idiot in front of a handsome man. Get it together, Jess.
    His polished loafers caught her gaze. His enormous, polished loafers. Her stomach tightened as heat coursed through her veins. She owed it to herself to at least speak to a man who could get her this hot and bothered with a casual conversation.
    “So, how have you been, Trevor? You married? Kids?” Jeez! Why the hell did I say that?
    His grin revealed perfectly white teeth. “I’ve been good. Still single. No kids. How about you? What are you up to?”
    “Just on my way back to work. I run the gym two blocks over.”
    “Oh, yeah? I think I’ve got a client or two that go there.” Stepping out of line, he closed the space between them.
    Jessica’s heart pounded. The heat radiating from his skin warmed her own. His masculine scent filled her nostrils, weakening her knees. “Umm, clients? Are you a lawyer?”
    He chuckled. “Nah. I own a...dating service.” He ran a hand through his hair, glanced at the floor, and looked at her almost apologetically.
    Did his job embarrass him?
    “Oh. I bet you’re pretty busy with the ladies, then.” She mentally smacked herself in the forehead. Real smooth, idiot. He’s already uncomfortable talking about it; way to humiliate the guy.
    His deep belly laugh sounded almost musical. Maybe he wasn’t embarrassed? “I run the service. I’m not a client.”
    The condensation on the cups mixed with sweat on her palms, and she had to focus to hold on to the drinks. “Oh, that’s good. I mean, unless you want to be a client. Then that would be okay, I guess. Whatever floats your boat, right? Not that there’s anything wrong with dating services.” She adjusted the cups in her hands and stepped toward the door. “I-I think I’m just going to shut up now. I’ve got to get back to work anyway. Nice seeing you.”
    He pushed the door open and held it for her.
    “Thanks. Bye, Trevor.” Breathing a sigh of relief, she headed through the door. Could she have been any more awkward? Oh, well. She’d behaved no differently than she would have eight years ago.
    “Hey, Jessica?” Only three steps into her stride when he spoke, she stopped, slowly turned around, and put on her best smile.
    “Yes?”
    He put his hands in his pockets and shuffled toward her. “Are you seeing anyone?”
    A lump formed in her throat, and she tried to swallow it down. “Um, no.”
    “Would you like to have dinner sometime?”
    “Dinner? With you?” Is he serious? Hopefully I didn’t sound as stunned as I feel.
    “With me. Unless you’d rather dine