Page 18 of Saffron and Secrets

Oh god, this conversation is awkward. I rub my forehead and try to slow my breathing down.

“Why, honey? Sex is good, it’s healthy.”

Oh my god, please stop.

I squeeze my eyes shut before looking at her. “Yeah, well, not a conversation I want to have with my grandma, but you are unique.”

“And I'm fine with that. You need that little bit of a push in life. You always work so hard, and you never have any pleasure.”

“Oh my god,” I say, wincing. “Get your mind out of the gutter. There will be no sex involved.”

It’s as if I’m saying it to myself as much as I’m saying it to her.

“What's his name?” she asks, and I smile.

“John.”

“Nice. An old-fashioned name. I’m loving this guy already. Maybe you could bring him over here?” Her face is hopeful, but I need to cut that off quickly.

“No way. You'll bring up marriage or sex. I think I'll die of embarrassment. I've already done a big enough job by spraying him with the pepper spray.”

“No. I'll be on my best behavior.” She shakes her head softly before sipping more of her tea.

“It's not happening. I don’t want to give him the wrong impression.”

Her expression softens. “And you don't want more?”

If he asked me, I’d say yes, but that’s not going to happen.

“Well, I just don't know. My head is just…I need to figure out what’s going on with this weird stalking issue. And I also want to spend more time with him and talk to him and get to know him. I'm not about to jump into bed or into a relationship with someone I barely know.”

“Okay, I understand that, but I hope you don't keep him in the friend zone. If you do like him, you need to tell him.”

“If the opportunity arises, and he asks, then I’ll answer him honestly.”

The timer for the oven goes off, and I pull out the cake from the oven. It allows me time to think about her words.

I do like him.

I wonder if he likes me…

10

Jonathan

It's Friday and I get to see her again. Every time I think of her, I have excitement pulsing through me.

I'm meeting her at the cafe, so I get there a bit earlier than planned, to make sure that she's safe and that nothing happens to her on her way to meet me. Unfortunately, the investigator has found nothing yet. Everything's coming up empty, but he’s promised me he'll keep working around the clock on it, and that he won't give up.

I peer at my watch. She should be here any minute. The cafe is busy again and there’s lots of chatter around me. I sit outside where we did last time, excited to be spending more time with her.

After a couple of minutes, I see her get out of her car. And I can't help but watch as she takes every step as if she’s on a catwalk for me. She’s in black pants that show off her delicious curves and a blue blouse that enhances her tiny waist. She's so beautiful, and I get to spend the morning having a coffee with her. I couldn't think of anything better.

I have a stupid smile on my face as I watch her walk closer and closer to me.

When she finally notices me, I offer a small wave.

I can't help but be myself with her. Following my heart and not worrying about how it might seem to anyone else.

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