Page 6 of Timeless Valentine

Digging his card out of the side pocket of my purse, I call before I change my mind.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Leo. It's Grace. I was wondering?—"

"Transit strike, yes, I heard. I'm already on my way to your apartment. I assume you need a ride to work, right?"

"Really?"

"You made it sound like your schedule is carved in stone. I can't let something as easily fixable as transportation let your world fall apart. And traffic is obviously extra terrible today, which is why I left early. I should be there in five minutes."

"I can't believe it. You're amazing."

"When you jump in the car, please say that again so I can watch your eyes when you do."

I laugh, loving how open he is. "Thank you. I'll be out front."

A few minutes later as I get into his car, my hand slips into his without even thinking. He squeezes my fingers gently. "I'm really glad you called me, Grace."

"I'm sorry that I had to. I feel bad asking for favors."

He lifts my hand to his lips for a quick kiss before releasing it to throw the car into gear. "I will grant you any favor you wish, my lady. Always."

I'm surprised at how serious he is as he says that. Then he breaks into a grin. "I meant it, by the way. Tell me again what you said on the phone."

I laugh as he takes a corner cautiously around a taxi. "You're amazing."

"Thank you, gorgeous. There's something about you that makes me want to try very hard to be good to you."

Wow. Who says things like that? Is it because he's older, or super confident? Or is it the mysterious, intoxicating connection we seem to have?

"There's your coffee." He nods to the cup beside me."It's from Nelly's, not as good as Eska's, but still not bad."

Traffic is obviously dreadful, but we pass the time chatting about favorite old TV shows, quirky musical tastes, and the surprising amount of sci-fi books that we've both read.

By the time we get to the business district, the streets are completely jammed. Leo frowns. "Damn. I intended to take you to breakfast before you had to run inside."

"Seriously, the ride and the coffee are more than generous."

He places his hand over mine. "Is it weird that it feels really good to feed you?"

"Maybe a little." I blush slightly, knowing that I've lost a bit of weight this year. I've always prided myself on being athletic and sturdy, but these days I'm starting to look a bit…delicate.

"What's your office address?" he asks.

I tell him, and he turns onto the street and pulls up in front of the building.

"I demand payment for this private chauffeur service." Leo arches an eyebrow in an attempt to give me a wicked smile. "Text me when you know what time you can take lunch, and I'll be here with food. We can have a picnic in the courtyard out back."

Having his complete attention on me is exhilarating. "Okay. Thank you."

I hold out my hand, palm up, and he threads his fingers through mine.

I know I should rush out of the car so that he can clear the space and I can get my work day started, but I want to stare into those incredible eyes for another few seconds. Before I even realize it's happening, we lean together, our lips brushing in a tentative, delicate kiss.

"You're so lovely, Grace," he whispers, as his arm slips around to pull me closer for another, slow, gentle kiss.

Someone behind us leans heavily on the horn, shattering the magical moment, and Leo chuckles. "Have a good day. I'm sure they'll forgive you for being three minutes late."

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