Page 8 of Timeless Valentine

"What if I promise not to interfere with your work schedule?" My left hand lifts to my heart. "I will never try to put myself ahead of your jobs. I understand that those come first."

Grace nods. "Thank you for understanding."

"See? We're off to a great start." I squeeze her hand gently in mine again. "We don't need to go to glamorous restaurants where dinner takes three hours. I like picnics, diners, quick little noodle shops."

Grace's smile is slightly crooked as she tries not to giggle. "I do appreciate that an important businessman in a designer suit is sitting on the ground just to have a sandwich with me. That definitely scores points."

"Good. And you'll let me chauffeur you around for the rest of the transit strike?"

She hesitates. "I'm sure you're busy."

"Not really. The next few weeks are wide open, until the twenty-third when I have a very important dart tournament with some old buddies."

"What a thrilling life you lead."

"It is, now that you're here."

Shoving the tray away, I move closer to wrap an arm around her slim shoulders. "I know it's fast, but I feel that I need you, Grace. Please. Let me into your life as more than a driver." I kiss her temple and whisper, "And more than some clueless man who apparently needs help with efficiency software."

She turns, her hand sneaking under my suit jacket to press against my chest. "You know, there's a lot more to that program. I might have to tutor you now and then to bring you up to speed."

"See? We need each other. "

The people around us disappear as our lips meet. Knowing that Grace wants me sends a wave of pure joy cascading through me. She is so sexy as she relaxes, opening her lips for my tongue and letting out a tiny moan as she grips my shirt.

Mine, the back of my mind chants possessively. Although I'd never dare make a statement like that so soon, it feels right. Like we are meant to be. Grace leans closer, practically sitting in my lap as I hold her tight, our hearts racing together as the kiss consumes us.

Then her head jerks back as she looks around the courtyard frantically. "I just remembered. One of my bosses sometimes comes out here to drink his tea."

I kiss the tip of her nose before setting her back on the pillow. "Noted. I'll attempt to be more civilized."

Digging into the basket, I pull out an array of mini cupcakes, candied fruit, and deluxe chocolates.

"We can't eat all of this," she laughs.

"We'll have some, and then you can take the rest with you. Share them with the office. It's a great way to make people like you even more."

Eating chocolates with my beautiful new girlfriend in the dappled sunlight under a tree like this is a little piece of heaven in the middle of the workday, in the heart of the city.

There's an intense rush of desire every time we touch, feeding each other chocolate-dipped apple slices or strawberries.

A faint ping sounds from her purse. "I know," I say before she can worry. "Time to go."

I pack up the rest of the desserts for Grace to take with her, and leave a couple of twenties in the picnic basket as a tip, waving to the orange-haired woman as we head back into the building.

In the lobby, I pull Grace into my arms, snuggling her against me for a moment. "What time shall I pick you up to take you to the flower shop?"

"Oh, it's not that far, I could?—"

My finger lands in the center of her lips. "You work so hard, gorgeous. Just for this week, at least, let me drive you around. Please?"

She softens. "Okay, if you’re sure. I finish work at five. Technically my shift at the flower shop is supposed to start at five thirty, but it's usually just as soon as I can get there."

"I'll get you there early. With coffee from Eska's."

After one more quick kiss, I send her on her way, watching until she waves as she walks into the elevator.

The desire to care for my sweet girl is all-consuming. My mind races with ideas. She needs a proper coffee thermos. She needs a sturdier shoulder bag so I can send her off with a more substantial lunch. Hmm…I wonder if I can talk her into letting me add her to my lunch service, so she can order online to have food delivered.

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