Page 7 of Kiren

“I usually eat in my car or upstairs on the roof. There’s a patio up there.”

“I didn’t know about that.”

“It’s my secret,” I said, putting my hand to my mouth as if I shouldn’t have told.

“Sometimes I like to eat alone, too. But office politics keep me social.”

I realized right then that being a boss meant work didn’t actually stop at the lunch hour. Max worked hard.

At the restaurant, I ordered a turkey sandwich. I was too excited to be hungry. It had been so long for dates and men. I took small bites.

Max talked mostly, and I listened. It was nice. I didn’t have to do anything. I could stare at his hands, which were long and graceful as he ate, and at his broad shoulders beneath his blazer. He was the perfect build for me, for what I used to like, broad shoulders, firm chest, long legs. Little chills washed over me.

Finally, he got to some core subject matter.

“Do you know why I chose those little gifts for you?”

Some part of me did know, but I was afraid to say. I shook my head slowly, gaze frozen to his face.

“I wanted to see your reaction. I wasn’t spying on you, but every day I came around at lunch the gift from the day before was gone. You’d either thrown it away or taken it home.”

My voice came out soft. “I wouldn’t throw them away. I like—um—little—um—toys. I just do. It was as if you knew, but I wasn’t sure it was you. I thought about the Dirty Shirley when I saw them.”

Max smiled. “I’m glad I chose them. I can explain if you’d like.”

I took a quick, almost panicky breath. “I’m little.” My face heated. My breaths came faster. “If you don’t know what that means, it’s okay. It was a fun lunch.”

Max put his elbows on the table and leaned into his hands. His face softened. “I know what it means. I’m so happy you told me.”

“Really?”

“Really. Very happy. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to you.”

“Why?”

“I’m a daddy. Please don’t tell.” He put a finger to his lips.

A daddy? It was as if after two years all the luck had just now landed in my lap. My fantasy wasn’t just wishful thinking. I’d suspected it. Seen it in the way he spoke to me. And in the gifts. But his admission was still a surprise.

“I don’t spread my private life around the office. You are the one exception, right now, in all the time I’ve worked there.”

“No one knows about me at work, either. No one,” I said.

“Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” He sat up straighter. “Kiren, I would love to see you again. Would you be up for that?”

“Yes.” My skin went hot all over. My scars tugged at my side, but otherwise it was the best feeling.

“Wonderful.”

I leaned forward. “Will it mean another date?”

“Hopefully many more.”

“I’d like that.”

“I would, too,” Max said. “Would it be all right if we exchanged numbers?”

I grabbed my phone from my pocket. “Yes, please.”

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