Page 46 of Time for Change

“It was nice to finally meet you, Stevie. I look forward to getting to know you more.”

“Did the landlord get everything taken care of?” Jameson asks, clearly not ready to walk away yet.

“Umm, yeah,” I reply, realizing I haven’t gotten to this story yet either.

Jack looks my way, a concerned look on his face. “What happened?”

“I had a water leak. Jameson came over and helped me get the water shut off, since the landlord wasn’t available,” I tell him, shifting in my seat when I feel all eyes on me.

“A water leak? Did they call an electrician?” Jack asks, confusing me by his question.

“An electrician? It was a water leak.”

“Water in ceiling spaces is very common, and since that’s where most of your lighting fixture wires run, it can be very hazardous. Not to mention the water traveling down the walls where outlets are. The end result can be shorts or even afire. Was your apartment wiring checked?” he asks, and I’ll be damned if I don’t find his worry and passion sexy.

Verysexy.

Like, throw myself at him and let him take me on top of the table kind of sexy.

“Stevie?” Jack asks again, waiting for an answer.

When I look to Jameson, he’s smirking.

Fuckingsmirking, as if he knew exactly what he was doing by asking about the leak.

“Umm, no, no one came to inspect anything,” I say.

“I will. As soon as we’re done eating, I’ll check everything out in your place, and I’ll call your landlord in the morning and get into the apartment below yours. And any other that received water,” he tells me, and even though he’s being a little pushy, all I feel is comforted by the fact he wants to make sure I’m safe.

Just then, our server arrives with two steaming plates of food. Madelyn moves aside, giving her the room to place our meals on the table.

“Come on, Jameson, let’s give them space to eat,” Madelyn insists to her husband, who reluctantly agrees.

He nods once and turns his attention to Jack. “You’ll make sure she’s good?”

“Of course. I won’t leave until the job’s done, and I’ll check the other apartments tomorrow,” he replies.

“I’m sitting right here,” I grumble as the two men seem to continue a conversation without speaking.

Finally, Jameson turns my way. “I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

“I’ll be there.” Even though I’m a little annoyed by the whole overprotective big brother thing, it feels good to know he cares.

He watches me, glances over at Jack, and then bobs his head. Turning to his wife, he asks, “Ready?”

“Yes.” Offering me a friendly smile, she says, “I’d love to catch up with you soon, Stevie. Maybe we can get together for tea one of these days.”

Tea? People still gather for afternoon tea, and why does that concept thrill me? “That sounds great,” I reply, hoping we can get together. I’d love to get to know Madelyn more.

“Good. I’ll get your number from Jameson later. Enjoy your meal,” she says with a final smile before walking over to their waiting table.

Jameson follows, looking over his shoulder once before joining his wife. Even though my food is before me, I watch as he uses his one available hand to help Madelyn secure Rose in the wooden highchair already at the table. The moment they’re both set, he bends down and kisses his son’s forehead.

“So,” Jack starts.

“So,” I parrot, unwrapping my silverware and grabbing my fork. “Funny thing,” I add, taking a scoop of my food. The moment it hits my tongue, the flavor erupts. “Oh, my God, this is so good.”

Jack grins, cutting into his massive burrito.

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