Page 45 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"I was only ten the first time we visited New York. I didn't own a camera, and photography was not on my radar. The second was two years ago. I came with Susan, and she asked me not to bring my camera because she didn't want me to be distracted."

"Distracted from what?"

"From giving her my undivided attention."

"She actually said that?"

"Yeah," he says, "I guess she didn't think I could do both, but I'm a great multitasker. I can give a woman my undivided attention and take photos at the same time."

"I don't think I would ever need or expect a man's undivided attention all the time, just when it matters."

"Not all women are as sensible as you."

***

Grand Central Station is bustling with hundreds, if not thousands, of people, coming and going—a world away from our quiet and peaceful existence in Garrison.

By the time we board the subway, it's almost full, but we still manage to find some seats together. Jon sits next to me—close enough for our bodies to touch. He's relaxed and toying with his camera, so he doesn't notice how acutely aware I am of his body next to mine. His hands are big and strong, but his touch is gentle. I can still feel his fingers caressing my skin. Granted, he was wiping mud off my face, but the sweet gesture made me feel something. For the first time since Jimmy's last kiss, I allowed myself to feel again.

When I look away, my gaze lands on a man sitting across from us. His blue eyes are dancing with mischief, and he's smiling at me. Not wanting to be rude, I smile back, and he winks at me. When Jon's hand reaches for mine, my heart skips a beat. Here, I thought he was completely oblivious, but no, he's more than aware of his surroundings; he's aware of me. He squeezes my hand before leaning over and kissing me on the cheek. The stranger gets the message loud and clear and immediately looks away. Jon wasn't lying when he said he could multitask, and he just proved it.

The weather outside is warm and humid, but the light breeze is enough to keep us comfortable for the one mile walk across the bridge.

"I can tell you're really enjoying this," I say, watching Jon stop to take pictures multiple times.

"I have a minor in photography."

"You're kidding," I say. "There's so much about you I still don't know."

He looks up from his camera and shoots me the sincerest smile I've ever seen.

"I'd like nothing more than to teach you all there is to know about me."

"That would take a lifetime," I say.

"I'm available if you are." His smile takes my breath away.

"You have a nice smile," I say.

"I'm glad you think so," he says. "I had to wear braces for three years, including headgear."

"Well," I say, "they did their job."

"Would you like me to take a picture of you together?” asks a man walking by with a woman. They're wearing matching wedding bands, which instantly reminds me of the matching rings sitting in a pretty velvet box tucked away in my nightstand back home—not the home I left in California, but the one in Garrison.

"Yes," Jon says, handing his camera to the man while at the same time reaching for my hand.

"Oh, you two make such a pretty couple," says the woman.

Jon puts his arm around me and pulls me into him like it's the most natural thing in the world.

"Say cheese!" says the man.

***

After dinner, Noah asked if he could watch a movie with his parents, so they took the elevator up to their room, and Jon and I took the stairs to our floor.

I started running out of steam on the fifth floor, so Jon slowed down and stayed with me the rest of the way.

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