Page 47 of Born to Make You Smile

My throat thickened, and I could feel my face flush the brightest shade of red.

“Um, it’s okay. I think I have some cash.” I opened my wallet to search for bills, coins, anything. I found a few quarters and a five-dollar bill. Not nearly enough.

“Don’t worry, Darlene. Put it all together on my card.” Gavin glanced my way, leaning down. “It’s on me, love.”

“It’s fine. I can handle it,” I protested, frantically searching through the rest of my purse.

“Grace,” he said sternly, “I insist.”

My shoulders fell with defeat, knowing I had to give in.

I was so embarrassed and thought for sure he’d ask me about my card being declined, but he didn’t utter a word.

“I’ll pay you back when we get home. I thought I had more cash with me,” I said as we loaded the groceries into the trunk of his car, carefully placing the dry-cleaning on top. Such an impractical car for such a methodical and rational man. Albeit a very sexy car.

“Please,” he said, sounding as if I didn’t have a choice. “Enough of that. Surely I can buy my assistant some groceries. Especially after everything you do for me.”

I wasn’t about to argue, so I thanked him and accepted his kind gesture.

On the less than two-minute drive back, we moved our bodies and sang to “You Should Be Dancing.” The upbeat Bee Gees tune was one of our favorites. Gavin cranked it up so loud I’m sure the people around us could hear it as well.

When we pulled into my driveway, Gavin even loosened his tie and undid his top two buttons. He started to dance in the seat. Despite some goofy moves, he still managed to look extremely sexy. I told him he was the Walmart version of Travolta inSaturday Night Fever.Instead of Tony, he was “Gony.” That set him off into a laughing fit, which of course set me off as well. Ialmost couldn’t breathe I was howling so hard. We were having so much fun, I really didn’t want to leave the car and go home. Be alone. A strange warmth bloomed in my chest. It made me slightly uncomfortable and unsure.

“I’d better go,” I said, putting a stray curl behind my ear.

“Oh, oh!” he yelped, pushing the trunk open button. “Don’t forget your groceries, love. You’ve got a very important cake to bake.”

The Girl Next Door

Life is quiet

Serene

The still of the night

The stars they beam

He appears

And gazes at me

My hero

My protector

My everything

I'm beaten

I'm hidden

I do not exist

But he finds me

In the darkened mist

While he is my world

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