Page 56 of Evan

“Why would I want to cancel on the most fascinating man I have ever known?”

His heart had splintered at her words. She also spoke her mind and did not hedge. She was not shy and embarrassed to tell him how she felt, and he found that intriguing because he was not accustomed to anything like that. The women he had been with in the past, got off on playing games. Cassandra did no such thing.

“Compliments? Are you buttering me up for something?”

She laughed and the sound of it sent warmth flooding through him.

“I just wanted to hear your voice. What kind of earth-shaking business deal are you wielding?”

For a few seconds, he could not find his voice. She was constantly disarming him with these comments.

“Just a company we took over that needs overhauling. How about you? What are you up to?”

“The soup kitchen is up and running and I volunteered to help today. The numbers have increased over the months, and we are having a difficult time keeping up with the demands.”

“What can I do?”

“Want to come and give a helping hand?”

“I would, but I am completely tied up for the rest of the day.”

“Is that the truth?”

“Would I lie to you?” He asked her mildly.

“You wouldn’t.”

“There you go.”

They had talked for a few more minutes before he reluctantly hung up because he was running late for his meeting.

After the meeting was concluded, he called her while she was busy serving the meal and even so, she managed to talk to him while interacting with the homeless. He listened in pleasure when she spoke to a lady and called her by name.

“Ms. Blossom, you are looking so much better these days. And that new coat looks so good on you. Why don’t you try some of the blueberry muffins? They are very good. Of course, you are most welcome.”

The dialogue was more or less the same. She had a kind word for everyone, and he admitted to himself that he could listen to her for hours.

“Where were we?” she asked, coming back to him.

“Should I be jealous?” he asked her teasingly.

“Why? Oh! Bob has a huge crush on me. He is eighty-two years old and dashing with hair that has gone completely white and he has a British accent. He served in the army and lives in a trailer a few blocks away. You should be jealous, Have I told you how fascinated I am about a guy with an English accent?”

“No. But that’s the kind of information that I will tuck away for the future.” The conference call he had been waiting for came in just then. “I am sorry Cassandra; I have to go.”

“It is fine. Bob just invited me to sit and have lunch with him anyway.” Her voice was teasing, and he could not help but laugh.

“Tell Bob you are taken, and I usually don’t beat up old men, but I am willing to make an exception.”

“Am I?” She asked him softly.

“Are you what?”

“Taken?”

“I thought you already knew that!”

He hung up then and dealt with his call.

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