Page 23 of Saffron and Secrets

He rubs the back of his neck, and I take a sip of coffee, needing to wet my mouth.

“She seems like a nice enough woman, but there's nothing there.”

I was not expecting that answer. His parents want to marry him off.

“Why can't you choose?”

“They think they know me better and they don’t think I’ll get married.”

My mouth falls in shock. “You don’t want to get married?”

“I do.”

I take a breath. “Then why didn't you accept?”

He chuckles, and the lightness in him makes me smile.

“It would have been easier,” he says, more to himself as he picks up the coffee and drains the cup. “But truthfully, I hadn't found anyone worth marrying so when they brought her around to the house to meet me, it was awkward, and I became furious. I couldn’t do it. There's just nothing between us.”

“How did the woman feel?” I ask, wondering how I would feel being forced into marriage.

He snorts. “To be honest, she was happy to get married. And she kind of seemed sad when I refused to marry her.”

“I wonder why…” I say and put my hand under my chin to listen.

“Did she want to marry me for money? That’s probably what you’re thinking, but I honestly don't think so, because she came from money. But then what? Why would you want to marry someone you barely know? You can't say you're marrying me for love,” he says with a strained laugh before continuing. “I can't trust what the intention of us getting married would be. Because your parents forced you to get married. That's just not enough for me. I need more.”

“What’s more?” I breathe, suddenly feeling a tightness in my chest from the way he’s staring at me.

“I need a connection. I need sparks. I need love. I do want a future…but with the right person.”

I swallow hard and neither of us moves; it’s dead silent between us, and all I can hear and feel is the beat of my racing heart.

As I think about his words, I check every single one off.

We have a connection.

We have a spark, but I guess we don't have love.

My throat has closed off, and I'm struggling for air as I think about the way I’m feeling toward him.

Could I fall in love with Jonathan Black?

Yes, yes, I could.

John pays for the coffee, and as we walk outside, his phone rings. He moves to the side to answer it. After a couple of minutes of feeling awkward, I walk to Sally's. It's only a short walk. I’ll walk fast and at least I can chat with her until John comes inside to meet me.

As I walk, I feel something…that airiness comes back. You’ve got to be kidding.

My heart is racing. I look over my shoulder behind me, but I see nothing. I shake my head and tell myself I’m delirious while quickening my pace. I can’t get there quick enough.

“Ruby,” a voice calls, and my shoulders relax, because I know this person. Paul is a client. Well, an ex-client. So, I breathe again and smile. I can’t believe I panicked over him.

“Hi.”

“How are you?” he asks with a glowing smile, standing close in a bomber jacket, black shirt, and cargo pants.

“I’m good. How’s everything with you?” I ask, my arms crossed over my chest.

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