Page 28 of Banking on Love

“What brings you out of your office anyway?” I asked, looking back at his open office door. He held up a small wicker basket and grinned. “What’s that?”

“Well, Cupid was busy so he asked me to deliver today’s Secret Valentine gift to you at noon,” Mr. Carter smiled ear-to-ear. He held out the basket and wiggled it in a teasing manner. “Here. It’s yours.”

I took the basket from him. Just like the quilt, the basket was handmade and covered in perfect-imperfects.

“You’re one lucky lady,” Mr. Hamilton chuckled.

“So, Cupid was busy, eh?”

“That’s what a little birdie told me,” he shrugged and turned to walk away. “There’s a card inside the basket.” With that, he went back into his cave, closing the door behind him.

Meddling town,I giggled to myself and then quickly retrieved the small note card from inside the basket. The front of the card readA little something for you.Written on the inside of the card wasWhen you don’t have the strength, I’ll carry you.

The card was almost as cheesy as the big ass smile on my face.

“I’m such a sucker for you…” I giggled, “Secret Valentine.”

Chapter Fourteen

NICK

Two days had passed since I had seen Kensi. We had talked on the phone and texted, but it wasn’t the same. I wanted to hold her, kiss her, enjoy my time with her. Long hours working out of town with the nursery then meetings after work had kicked my ass and kept me from spending time with her.

“Hey, handsome!” Kensi smiled ear-to-ear, opening her front door. “I figured you’d be out at the bar on a Friday night.”

“Oh. Yeah?” I chuckled.

“Well, I just figured you’d have a hot date or something,” she giggled nervously. I was starting to learn her mannerisms. Almost as well as I knew my own. Anytime Kensi was worried, uncomfortable, or shy about something she would giggle a certain way. It was definitely a cute look for her.

“I do have a hot date,” I grinned.

“Oh,” she whispered.

“Was hoping for a hot date with a very sexy woman who is the same height, has the same hair color, same beautiful smile, and even has the same name as you.”

“Oh, really?” She pursed her lips together, but it didn’t hide her beet red cheeks.

“Yes, Ma’am,” I smiled. “Are you up for dinner at my place? Or perhaps you want to go out and grab something?”

“Dealer’s choice,” she smiled brightly.

“Well, my grandmother baked a pan of lasagna just for us.”

“Ooo. Forus?” Kensi’s eyes were filled with amusement. Her smile was bright and she was eating up the moment.

Why had I said that out loud? I should have just said that my grandmother had made me lasagna. Now, Kensi probably thought I had told my grandmother that Kensi and I were a couple. Not that I’d mind that one bit; however, dating someone was a two-way street.

“Nick, breathe,” Kensi said softly. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around my waist. She looked up at me and smiled as I wrapped my arms around her. “I’m glad you stopped by. And, your grandmother is the sweetest. I’d love to try her lasagna.”

Kensi’s perfume filled my nose. I inhaled sharply and a cheesy smile crossed my face.

“God, I’ve missed you, Kensi.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet,” she giggled then leaned her forehead against my chest, hiding her beautiful smile from me. “I’ve missed you too,” she admitted faintly.

I’ve missed you too, I repeated. Her words were music to my ears. They made the long, back-breaking, stressful hours at work disappear.

“You have no idea how happy you’ve just made me, Kensi,” I replied, kissing the top of her head.

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