Page 60 of Savage Seduction

“I hope you were able to enjoy the takeout. And trust me, you didn’t ruin anything.” He blushed and covered his smile with his hand.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” Ben shakes his head. “I’m just really happy to hear you say it was romantic.”

My face flushes hot. “I did say that, didn’t I?”

He nods.

“Enough about me,” I say. “Didn’t you say you had something important to talk about?”

Ben shifts in his chair and nods. “I did say that, didn’t I? After everything you revealed today to me, I think I should wait a little to discuss work and potentially interesting things happening in my career.”

“No,” I say and cock my head to the side. “I really want to hear about you.”

Ben takes a sip of coffee. “I’ve been approached about a possible temporary transfer.”

“Oh, cool. So, no more Emergency Room. How do you feel about that?”

“To be honest, I think the change could be good for me. The ER can drain the soul right out of you. So much heartache, death, and pain.”

I nod. “I guess in a way it’s the same as being a police officer sometimes. We never get called to come enjoy a party or wedding, unless someone gets out of control and hurts someone.”

Ben laughs. “Life is crazy sometimes.”

“Isn’t that the truth.”

“I’ve got some thinking to do about it all still. I initially agreed to the switch in position, but now I’m second guessing myself.”

I reach over and grab his hand. We look into each other’s eyes. A sense of calm washes over me. “I support whatever decision you make. Any place would be lucky to have you.”

“I’ll keep you posted on what’s going on with that. In the meantime, we should set up another date. Maybe this time there won’t be any psychopaths following you.”

I smile. It feels good that he could make this little joke, he isn’t taking it so seriously that it affects our relationship. “Should we try Chinese food this time?”

“I love Chinese.”

“No matter where we go, I think the company makes it better,” I say with a smile.

“Me too,” Ben says. “Let’s do this soon.”

Ben’s cellphone buzzes. He checks it and sighs.

“Hospital?” I ask.

“I’m on call. Please believe me it’s not always like this.”

“Hey, I get it. I was a cop, remember? I didn’t always work a regular shift either.”

Ben stands.

I push back from the table and stand as well. “Walk with me to my car?”

He reaches out his hand. I take it, and we walk hand in hand to my car. Opening the door, I turn to him and say, “I’m really glad we had this chat. It feels great to be able to talk about it without weirding people out.”

“For the record,” he says. “You can tell me anything and I won’t judge you for it.”

Somehow, I believe you.

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