Page 12 of Saffron and Secrets

Sally smirks at our interaction. And I’m sure she’s loving every second of this.

“As in…now,” he says.

I was not expecting him to want to go right this second. As if reading my face that’s etched in surprise, he says, “If you're free. Or would you like to meet up another time?”

Knowing I’m only going to my grandma's and she would have a field day knowing I had a real date with a guy, I wonder, Why not? I'm going to have to tell her about this story anyway. So, I may as well have something else to follow up with while we bake our pie.

“All right, let's go today.”

He beams. “Perfect.”

Sally can’t contain her grin at our exchange, it seems. Not indulging her, I ask, “Can I pick my bouquet up afterward?”

Her eyes twinkle in delight as she answers smugly, “Of course. You two have a good time. I'll get them ready.”

“Thanks, Sally,” John adds with a smile.

I dip my chin and walk out of the shop with a heated face, and I can’t deny the tingle that runs through me by that knowledge. A hot guy wanting to go on a date with…me? Sign me up.

He stays close behind me as if once again protecting me. The way he acts…it’s as if he doesn't want me to be too far out of his range.

I like this feeling of being around him. He gives me the sense of security and safety I crave. Especially while I don't even know if someone's watching me. Or maybe I'm reading into nothing. Either way, I’m excited.

It’ll be my first real date in over twelve months.

Even if it's only for coffee.

8

Ruby

“Where did you want to go?” he asks beside me.

I slow my steps on the sidewalk. His hand brushes mine, and it causes my fingers to twitch. How easy would it be to take his hand in mine at this moment? But I focus back on his question and not on his hand.

I look around at the row of stores, from clothes to pharmacy. “I haven't been to any shops around here before. Do you have any suggestions?”

He shakes his head. “No, I haven't been to any, but I'm sure they’re all good. How bad can they screw up coffee?”

My brows raise in disbelief; he’s never had a bad coffee before? “I’ve had bad ones in my time. They burn the beans.” The thought makes me screw up my face.

“That’s shit. How about that one there?” I follow where he's pointing and nod my head.

“Sounds good.”

I continue walking, expecting silence, so I'm surprised when he asks, “How are you feeling after the other night?”

I snort. “Well, I sprayed you with pepper spray. I wouldn't say I'm recovered.”

His chest rumbles with a deep chuckle, and it's the sexiest sound. Can this guy for once do something ugly?

But I don't think there's anything ugly about him.

“I'm still on edge. Still worried there is something, or, should I say, someone watching me, but another part of me thinks I'm fucking crazy.” I laugh, but it’s strained. I’m trying not to show how terrified I am of the impending threat.

He reaches out and touches my shoulder and softly strokes my arm, and it leaves a trail of heat. “You're not crazy. Trust your gut. If it's telling you that something's off, it's probably because you're right.”

I appreciate his kind words, and it makes me feel a little better. And when he removes his hand from my arm, I almost groan, missing the contact already.

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