Page 33 of Crossing Lines

Handing over my final donation, I exit the shelter and walk back to my BMW. Delight grapples me when the familiar white Mazda sedan pulls up, causing me to thank the universe for another encounter.

Davia exits looking like a ray of sunshine—fresh face, curls in a puff, dressed casually in tights and a hoodie.

“Hi,” she says softly, barely making eye contact.

“Morning, Davi. Another pleasant surprise.”

She motions to the shelter. “I donate here often.”

Hearing that induces my attraction. “Same. Giving back is a must, whether material or my time.”

“A charitable man. Good for you.” She opens the backdoor to pull out a large plastic bag.

“Here, let me help.” She staggers away as if afraid I’ll touch her again. Grinning, I collect the bag for her to grab the box from the seat.

We leave the donations with the grateful staff, exchanging warm smiles and words before returning to our cars.

“You ate already?” I ask. “Can I buy you breakfast?”

“Um…” She bites her lip while looking around.

I snort. “Don’t overthink it, Davi. Yes or no?”

Intrigue fogs her brown eyes, growing as she holds my gaze. “Why are you asking?”

“Cause I want to spend a little time with you. Is that so wrong?”

The silence stretches until she glances down and kicks at the ground. “I worked out, so I’m all funky.”

“Shorty, stop,” I laugh. “You smell like cocoa butter and flowers. Just chill with me a bit.”

Relief swells in my chest as she looks into my eyes again and nods. “I’ll follow you there.”

“All right.” I lead her to a café nearby, and we sit at a window table after ordering dairy-free lattes and breakfast.

“What you up to on this bright Saturday?” I ask her.

“Nothing, really. I just left Pilates. I’m relaxing for the rest of the day.”

“Pilates, huh?” I brace forward. “No wonder you look so damn fine. Perfectly sculpted.”

Her eyes flutter at my admiration. “Behave, Kross.”

“I’m behaving,” I chuckle. “Still, if you were single, I’d put in work to get you.”

“What makes you think you’re my type?”

“I’m certain. Think I haven’t noticed you checking me out?” I wiggle my brows.

“Geez.” She sits up as our order arrives. “You’re imagining things.”

Her pout makes me laugh. “All right. I’ll stop teasing you.”

She huffs, bites into her avocado toast, and sips the hot beverage. “You mentioned giving back with your time. You volunteer?”

“At the youth center on Ludwin Drive. Since the start of the year, I’ve been every other Saturday.”

Her face brightens. “What do you do?”

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