“How about lunch today?”
I hold up my palms. “Whoa, from coffee to lunch? That’s way too fast.”
His face falls.
“I’m kidding, Mark. I’d love to have lunch with you.”
His eyes twinkle and his lips spread into a smile again. “Around midday?”
I nod. “Sounds good. We could go to the cafe across the road.”
“See you then.”
The rest of morning is busy. It can be chaotic enough without workmen, but Mark’s team does a good job of keeping out of the way and while the noise can get a bit loud, it’s all workable.
At midday, he appears in the door of my office, folding his arms and leaning against the doorframe.
With his sleeves rolled up, he’s got that forearm porn going on, and my heart gives a little flutter in response.
I like this—it’s been so long since I felt anything.
In a single day, Mark’s made me feel alive again.
“Ready to eat?”
“Famished.” I pick up my bag and flick my hair over my shoulder. My heart thuds as I walk toward him, and he flashes me a bright smile.
“Good. I hear they do good meals over there.”
“I love their BLT.”
His brows knit. “Oooh that sounds good.”
“I’d kill a coffee too.”
Mark tilts his head toward the front of the store. “Come on, then.”
We make our way out of the store together. I hold my head up. Gossip will surround me, but I don’t care. I deserve this.
I deserve some happiness.
Even if one lunch is all it is, for a little while I can be selfish and think of myself.
“So, tell me about you.”
I blush. “I don’t know what to tell you. I’m a single mother of a five-year-old who manages the store for Mr Smedley.”
He chuckles. “I wasn’t sure if I should ask you out after you said something about picking up your daughter. Didn’t want to stand on any toes.”
I hold up my palms. “Oh, there are no toes to stand on.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
I can’t help it, my smile’s so wide my face aches.
“Well, it’s true. I thought you’d run a mile when I mentioned my daughter.”
He shrugs. “She’s part of your package. And it’s a very attractive package from what I can see.”
