Page 4 of Timeless Valentine

Her hands flutter to her mouth. "Wow. Thank you."

I set the bag beside her purse, then pull a chair over. We peer at the screen together while drinking our coffee and eating muffins and pre-sliced fruit.

Grace has a beautiful way of explaining things twice. First, she runs through the mechanics of how all of the options and pop-up windows work. Then she goes through it again, explaining how I personally could apply it.

Sitting so close makes me want to lean in and nuzzle the delicate hollow of her throat. Watching her elegant fingers dance across my keyboard gives me an urge to take her hand and dance her around my office.

She is perfectly exquisite in every way. Kind, sweet, and the first person to make me laugh so much in a very long time.

"It finally makes sense," I say with relief. "Thank you for explaining it in a way that fits into my mind correctly."

She laughs lightly. "The software is completely counterintuitive if you're used to the standard calendar programs. You just have to poke at it a bit more."

"I really appreciate it. Now, can I look at today's schedule while you eat that scrambled egg burrito?"

We switch chairs so she can look over my shoulder while she eats. I hope I'm not imagining that she leans extra close to me whenever she points something out.

By eight-thirty, I have my entire day straightened out. "I can't thank you enough, Grace."

"You already did," she laughs, gesturing to the breakfast feast that the two of us have decimated. "I'm sorry I pigged out so much. I haven't had time for breakfast in ages."

I know she’s not looking for sympathy, but every time she makes a little offhand comment like that, it breaks my heart. "May I drive you to work?"

She shakes her head, sending a wisp of hair curling gracefully around her cheekbone. It's hard not to reach out and caress her cheek with my thumb.

"It's only a few blocks away."

"Then at least let me walk with you. I could grab you another coffee at Eska's."

Her lovely eyes widen in delight. "That's where this is from? It's incredible. Everyone raves about it, and now I know why."

"Don't you ever go there? It's so close to your work."

Grace stands up and giggles, smoothing down her skirt. "I don't pay for coffee. The stuff in the office is good enough."

"Not today."

She picks up her purse as I grab her lunch bag, then we head to the lobby, out the front door, and down the street. It gives me a rush to be seen with such a beautiful woman, and I'm suddenly consumed with the idea of seeing her again in a more relaxed environment.

After I buy us coffee and walk her to the lobby of her building, we pause. I pull out my card, writing my cell numberon the back and slipping it into her purse. "If you ever need anything, anything at all, just call."

"Okay. Thanks."

"Now, completely independent of our software tutoring arrangement, may I please take you to dinner tonight?"

Her bottom lip quivers, and she bites it. "I… Thank you, but I can't."

Taking her hand, I lift it to my lips, placing a soft kiss against her skin. "Please? You've already seen my schedule for the next two weeks, and know everything there is to know about me, but I know nothing about you. Fair is fair."

I love how easily she laughs with me.

"I appreciate the gesture, but it's Thursday. I work at the flower shop tonight."

"I could pick you up from here, and we could grab takeout on the way?"

Grace places a hand on my arm. "Leo, I really like you. If my entire life wasn't scheduled so much, and I had a spare second to date, I would consider going out with you."

She looks up at me sadly. "But I don't. My crazy routine is what holds me together. I can't derail the train."

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