Page 235 of The First Time

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"Cream and sugar."

He holds up a nondescript paper bag. "I have a few different options."

I grab it. It's warm. And it smells like—

I tear it open.

Bagels.

Plain. Sesame. Onion. Cinnamon raisin.

I grab the latter and pull it apart. "My favorite." I dig out cream and sugar. But how am I going to fix my coffee while we're moving?

"Here." Blake offers his hand.

I nod.

He takes my coffee and my packets. He sets the cup on the bench seat and peels the plastic lid open. Somehow, he fixes it without spilling a drop.

His fingers brush mine as he returns my java.

It's the same as last time. My body lights up. It wants those hands.

But then…

Maybe today.

Maybe I'll get them today.

"Thank you." I take a long sip of my coffee. It's perfect. This is the perfect breakfast.

He takes the plain bagel and tears off half. "It's going to be a long day."

I nod and take a bite. Mmm. Chewy, sweet, spicy perfection.

"Let me know if it's too much."

"What?"

His eyes pass over me slowly. "Everything."

* * *

Blake's assistant,Ashleigh, a pretty black woman in a designer outfit, guides us through an exclusive department store. She fills her arms with expensive things and leads me into a fitting room.

It starts with underwear. She measures me for a bra and brings a dozen in my size. Some are sexy, lacy things. Some are comfortable. Practical.

Then it's cocktail dresses. The first is backless and black. It's smooth. Sleek. Expensive.

Ashleigh takes a long look at me. She cocks her head to one side, assessing me.

It's weird. I feel like a doll.

But I also feel like I'm onAmerica's Next Top Model, waiting for the judges to assign a look for my makeover.

You'd look fierce with highlights. We need to bring out those eyes of yours. Sometimes they look green. And sometimes they look blue. But they always look gorgeous. And I want them to pop.

"What do you think?" she asks.

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