Page 28 of That Time in Venice
“I really do.” His appreciation was sincere, but certainly not his sole motivation to see her. “So what do you say? Can I get a yes? Or do you have plans thisweekend?”
He couldn’t hear anything on the opposite end of the line and waited in the tense silence, fully prepared to argue her down or suggest another night if she declined hisinvitation.
“I don’t have plans this weekend, but you don’t have to take me out. I didn’t mindhelping.”
“I want to do it anyway. It’s the least I could do for saving my sanity, and last I checked, calming angry, crying four-year-olds is not in the job description of an interiordesigner.”
“You have a point.” She heard the smile in his voice. “Okay, you’ve talked meintoit.”
He didn’t realize how much nervous tension had taken over his body until she readily agreed. His body sagged, his head bowing in relief. “How about Saturday night?” He had to work late on Friday night but only half day onSaturday.
“Saturdayworks.”
“Whichrestaurant?”
“How about Paschal’sRestaurant?”
“Sounds vaguely familiar, but it’s up to you. As long as the food is good,I’mopen.”
“Believe me,it’sgood.”
“It’s adate,then.”
Slight pause. “Yes, it’s a date. I’ll meet youthere.”
“Seeyouthen.”
After they hung up, Reed remained at the window, staring out at the dark surroundings, one hand stuffed into his pocket. He wondered if he was pushing too hard but couldn’t stop himself. He was more convinced than ever that Anika was the one person missing from his life. Seven years ago he’d fought against such a sobering belief, convinced that such a short period of time was surely not enough to establish a genuineconnection.
But that summer, playful banter had turned into light flirtation. Light flirtation had turned into simmering need. Then one night it blossomed into more. Out of control. Plenty of heat. Plenty ofpassion.
Once should have been enough, but itwasn’t.
He’d spent the night in her bed. In her room.Inher.
