Page 79 of Ewan

There aren’t that many. A few more people are walking their dogs, and that’s about it.

For a moment, I don’t know how to react or what to say. His eyes search me as if my reaction to his unexpected appearance is significant, so following my heart, I close the gap between us, push up onto my toes, wind my free arm around his neck, and kiss his cheek.

I know how much he likes me to react without holding back. And I know how much I like it to be able to do that, for once.

What I feel like.

“You knew I was here?”

“It’s the only park in the area,” he replies.

“Were you in the area, too?”

“I had some stuff to do in Brooklyn, and I was on my way here. What time are you supposed to leave?”

“Uh… My client will probably be back in an hour. So, in the afternoon?”

“Okay. Want to grab a bite?”

“Like right now?”

“Yeah. Why not?”

“I don’t think they allow dogs inside.”

“We’ll figure something out. Let’s go.”

He shows me to the exit, where a couple of cars are waiting with their engines running. He drove his truck this morning, and I don’t see his car anywhere now.

Maybe that’s why I have this feeling those cars and his presence here are connected.

“There’s a cafe around the corner,” he says, scooping out his phone. “Would that work for you?”

“Yes.”

I look at him with interest as he calls the place and talks to a person named Blake.

We’re not stopping as he continues his conversation with Blake and orders soup, sandwiches, and banana bread. The topic of Mousy comes into conversation, and I also learn she’ll have a few special treats waiting for her.

He hangs up.

“Do you want me now to feel like a princess?” I say, with a smile.

“I want us to feel good. That’s all I want.”

A faint grin tilts his lips as some tension in his voice becomes apparent. There is no time to ask more questions as we round the corner and a cute place with glass doors and a flashy front enters our line of sight.

He holds the door for me and, out of reflex, I suppose, checks the street behind me as if we have been followed.

I hope that’s not the case.

Blake greets us and shows us to the back of the main room. A sleek counter lines one side of the place while small round tables for two line the other.

Marble floors stretch out in front of us and defuse lightning streams from the ceiling.

Our table is tucked in a nook.

We can still see the main room, but we have some privacy.

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