Page 5 of Timeless Valentine

"I couldn't even see you for lunch during the week?" I ask, completely aware that I'm officially begging and not caring one bit.

"I'm never quite sure when my lunch break will be. It moves around." She stretches up, and for one blissful moment, her soft lips brush my cheek. "Thank you so much for breakfast, and the sandwich."

My hand darts out to her waist, holding us together for a moment. "Could I at least get your number?"

I hate that I've caused the sudden tension in her eyes. Sent her teeth burrowing into her bottom lip.

"I'm sorry, Leo. I can't. My life is a carefully constructed house of cards, and one wobble might flatten it." She steps back, her hand dropping to squeeze mine for a split second. "You know I want to say yes. I just can't."

"Well, please call if you change your mind." I hand her the lunch bag. "And thanks so much for saving my work this week."

"Work first," she grins. "Always."

As Grace sashays into the lobby, her luscious hips swaying as the morning breeze sends her long hair swirling around her back, I wonder.

How can I help her, without upsetting her? I could give her a year's salary without it causing me any financial strain. But I already know her well enough to be positive she wouldn't accept it.

Maybe if I give her some space, and time to think about it, I can go to the flower shop again next week. Just to bring her coffee and a snack to say hello.

I'm not normally a patient person. I need to be on top of things, with solid direction. But when it comes to Grace, my feelings are limitless.

I guess I'll just have to give her time.

3

GRACE

One of the essential components holding my schedule together is the ability to fall into a deep sleep fast. I borrowed a bunch of books from the library about it, and studied online. It's kind of my secret superpower.

Yet Thursday night nothing works.

I can't stop thinking about Leo's stormy blue eyes. The way he looked at me with such longing. The way every tiny touch of his hand on my arm, or the feeling of our knees pressing together as we sat at his computer, sent sparks dancing up my spine.

I've never truly wanted a man before. Now I want him with all my heart, and the rest of me as well, to be honest.

I've probably slept for less than four hours when the alarm beeps. After my usual routine — quick shower, get dressed in the outfit I laid out the night before, small cup of juice — I check Web News Kingsville on my phone for the weather and traffic while slipping on my shoes.

The good news is that it's a bit warmer today. The bad news is that Kingsville Transit has gone on strike.

No buses.

Apparently the strike is last minute, and they've thrown one of the producers on live to explain. A pretty girl with expressive eyes who introduces herself only as Paige says that everyone had thought that the issues separating the two sides would be settled well before a strike would take place, but they haven’t been, and now there won’t be any buses until at least the end of the weekend.

I can't afford an Uber or a taxi, but I check the apps anyway. At least an hour and a half wait.

Crap.

I have a lot of work to do first thing today. Councilor Johnson needs me to run through his presentation notes with him, and Councilor Richmond wants me to coordinate his schedule before he goes on vacation.

In other words, today is simply not a day I can be late starting work.

I call up the map on my phone to estimate how long it would be to walk, then I freeze.

Leo had said I could call him for "anything". Would it be rude to ask for another ride?

Jumping to my feet, I pace around my tiny apartment. He was extremely appreciative that I trained him in that software. He probably really would've been a complete mess without it.

But I don't want to take advantage of his kindness. And am I actually a damsel in distress who needs a man to come save her? Yuck. But in this case, it's also an excuse to see him one more time.

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