Page 40 of Love on the Line

“I’m looking forward to working with you,” he said as she unlocked the car and got inside. “By the way, how far is the hospital from you?”

“I live about a half hour south.”

“Same as me, only I’m a bit farther.” He frowned. “You know, it seems silly for us to drive all the way out here next week, especially since we’ll both be going back in the same direction, and parking is a bear for you. How about we ditch the sterile environment and meet over at Toni’s? Do you know the place?”

“I do.” The Italian restaurant was close to her apartment complex and would be more convenient. The carryout section always had empty tables where they could grab a soda and work. It’s not like he was asking her out. It was just business.

He must have sensed her hesitation, because he quickly added, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. If you’d rather meet here, that’s fine. I just thought it might save you some driving.”

She nibbled at her bottom lip. No point in making a big deal out of it. The guy was trying to make her life easier. “Sure. It makes more sense.”

He smiled. “Great. Since we’re meeting at five, we can grab a quick bite while we’re there, so you don’t have to worry about dinner.”

Crap. She hadn’t thought he’d meant dinner. Before she could tell him she’d changed her mind, he waved and walked away, calling over his shoulder, “See you next week.”

Irritation bit the back of her throat. She wasn’t going to yell after him. For God’s sake, how had she gotten herself into this situation? She should have gone with her gut when he’d first mentioned Toni’s. She needed to be more assertive, and worry less about pleasing everyone, especially if she expected to make a good principal.

Sighing, she started the engine. People had working dinners all the time. She could get through one. She’d insist they meet at the hospital from now on.

Her brain hadn’t been functioning right all afternoon. She’d transferred her doubts and fears about Wyatt onto Devon. Not fair.

Everything would be fine.

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