Page 100 of From You to Me

“Hey,” I whispered as I stepped out of the bedroom.

Jay’s head pivoted as he took me in. A gleam coated his eyes as he muttered, “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said shyly as I made my way to him.

“You ready to go?”

I nodded. We filled up Strawberry’s bowl and gave her a few cuddles as we headed out.

“Give me ten minutes. I’ll get dressed,” he said, rushing upstairs just as we entered his apartment.

I walked over to his kitchen to make myself a dreamy cup from his coffee machine. It was the weekend, so I had off from work.

“Hey, Helen,” I greeted her just as she placed something in the oven. “Whatever it is, it smells delicious.”

“Morning, darling. I’m just putting away some chicken bake for dinner.” She gave me a warm smile.

“I’m just going to make myself a cup. I miss this machine.” I placed the mug on the stand while I waited. “How’s baby Rea?”

Rea was her granddaughter, who was just over a few months old, and from the pictures, she was the cutest bundle of joy ever.

“Ah, she’s such a sweetheart. I can’t wait to go home and cuddle with her.” She wiped the counter and hung the rag on the oven handle. “So are you and Master Jameson dating?”

The coffee almost sloshed all over my dress from her question. “Hmm, no,” I muttered. “We’re just friends.”

A knowing smile danced over her lips. “I’ve never seen him so taken by any girl before.”

My throat worked a swallow as I sipped the bitter goodness. “You know we used to date in high school. But that was a long time ago. We are just friends now.” Helen and I had become good friends during the time that I was living here. I gave her the CliffsNotes version of the relationship dynamics between Jay and me although I didn’t say anything about the reason for our breakup.

She shook her head. “Well, I’m heading out, darling. Can you tell him that dinner is warming up in the oven?”

“Yes,” I squeezed her in for a hug.

“Bye, Evy. You have a nice day!” She waved as she headed out.

“Bye, you too. Give Rea a kiss from me.”

I sighed happily as I took the last sip of my coffee, enjoying the view from the windows.

My neck heated as pinpricks of awareness swam all over my body. I knew he was behind me.

“You ready?” he whispered. He was so close that I could feel his hot breath on the base of my neck.

“Yes.” I spun around, and I faltered as I took in his towering frame.

Cool black suit. Crisp shirt. Calm blue eyes.

My fingers grasped the hand he held out for me, and his strong fingers wrapped around them while he ran his thumb over the back of my hand.

I guess friends held hands now? But I didn’t complain. Why? Because I was addicted to even the smallest touch from him.

He still didn’t let my hand go as I followed him to an elaborate modern gallery on Fifth Avenue.

“Mr. Jameson, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Allie; I’ll be your curator today.” She grinned as she held her hand out to Jay.

He nodded, giving her a firm shake but quickly linked his arm with me, bringing me to his side. I peered at him, but his expression gave nothing away. We might as well be a couple instead of friends to the outside eye.

The grin slipped from Allie’s face as she regarded me. “I wasn’t expecting a guest.”

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