Page 14 of Rekindled Heat

"Hmm."

I give him one of my brilliant smiles that is sure to disarm him. He was always a sucker for one of my smiles. I rest my head against his chin, and we dance for what seems like an eternity. When the music finally stops, he looks down at me as if he wants to kiss me. I turn my mouth up, and he lowers his head, and our lips are an inch apart.

His phone rings, startling us. He lets go of me, picks up the phone, and goes to the study to talk to whoever interrupted the most important moment in my life. I clear the dishes from the table, rinse them, and put them in the dishwasher. I keep myself busy, waiting for him to return. When he does, his mood is somber, and he just looks at me.

"An emergency at the club."

"Do you need to go?"

"No, I took care of it over the phone." He hesitates. "Listen, I had a great time with you today. Hopefully, we can spend some more time together next week."

"Sure, I'd like that."

And with that, he leaves me standing alone in the kitchen, wondering what would have happened if that damn phone hadn't rung.

Chapter 5

Brandy

The week went by fast. The days were torture, and the nights were a dream come true. I'm not an early riser, so I miss seeing Erik every single day in the morning. At night, I make the meals, and we eat, talk and flirt outrageously. I sometimes kick myself for not bringing any sexy tops or dresses to wear at night. Erik will have to take me as I am.

However, Today is Saturday, and I set my alarm to have breakfast with him. I get ready as fast as possible and go to the kitchen. He's there looking hot as all heck, drinking his coffee and staring off into space. Or at least that is what it seems like.

"Good morning."

"Hey, Bran. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, thank you."

Okay, all this small talk makes me want to throw up in my mouth a little bit.

"Are we going to the market today?" I ask.

"I have to work. You can take my car. The GPS will get you there with no problems."

"Do you have to work all day?"

"I'm not sure."

He's still got that faraway look in his eyes. I try to make eye contact, but he doesn't look my way.

"Let me make us breakfast then," I suggest.

"Don't worry about me. I've already had some toast."

With that, he takes his coffee cup and goes to his office, not even looking back. I don't know what's happening right now. I thought we had made so much progress during the week. I send a 911 to my bestie Sam and make my own breakfast. I can't function with just toast, so I make an omelet loaded with ham and veggies.

There is no answer from Sam, so I decide to tackle the shopping first.

Much of my week is spent indoors. Erik doesn't know that. He thinks I'm going in for my apprenticeship. The truth is, Mrs. Jones couldn't start the program with me just yet, but I came to Miami anyway. I just couldn't wait to see Erik any longer. The distance had become unbearable, and I was camping in his mother's living room a lot of the time, hoping for scraps of information about him. Thankfully, Mrs. Nelson didn't mind.

Grocery shopping is actually fun for me. I love carefully choosing each thing I use and consume. I'm in one of my comparison modes when someone taps my shoulder. I jump and almost scream when I realize it's Red.

"Anne, it's so good to see you."

We hug it out, but she sees right through me.

"Spill, what's Erik done now?"

---