“If only I had the time.” She leaned down and kissed Bob on the forehead.
“Have a seat,” he said.
“I really should be heading—” She cut herself off as the aroma of the omelets hit her. “I guess a bite or two wouldn’t hurt.”
She sat and sampled the omelet.
“This is delicious. I didn’t realize you knew how to cook, too.”
“I’ve been known to dabble in the kitchen now and then.”
“A man of many talents. You’re making it very hard not to keep you around for a while.”
“Had you been considering trading me in already?”
“Not yet, but a woman should always be aware of her options.”
“Then I will continue to do what I can to satisfy your every need.”
After they finished eating and cleared the dishes, Tamlyn said, “Would you mind calling me a cab?”
“Why don’t I drive you home?”
“I’m going straight to the office.”
“Then I’ll drive you to the office.”
She cupped his cheek and gave him a quick peck. “You’re a dear, but I’m sure your morning will be as busy as mine.Besides, I’ll likely be on the phone the entire trip and not good company.”
He couldn’t argue with her logic, so he called her a cab, and then saw her off before heading down to his office.
It was quiet when he arrived. Joan’s desk was unoccupied, her chair pushed in.
He assumed her absence had to do with Fred and Helene. His guess was confirmed when he settled behind his own desk and found a note from Joan.
Fred is doing well, but still asleep. Finally convinced Helene to go home and get some rest. I’m going to catch a few hours of sleep myself and will be in by noon.
He texted her, letting her know that she could take the whole day if she needed it.
He was in the process of picking up the office phone to call the hospital and get the latest on Fred, when Ash entered, reading something in a folder he was carrying.
“Good morning, Ash,” Stone said.
“Holy crap!” Ash shouted as he all but jumped out of his skin.
Several sheets of paper had fallen from the folder. He bent down and retrieved them from the floor.
“Sorry,” he said, once he’d put the papers back in the folder. “I thought I was the only one here.”
“You were until a few minutes ago.”
“That explains it.”
“How long have you been in?”
“Since seven. I had a few things I wanted to deal withbefore I met up with Sa…with Miss Hirschy to look at apartments.” He hesitated, then added, “You also mentioned wanting to meet me first thing but didn’t specify a time. So…”
“My apologies. Something came up last night that caused me to be a bit late this morning.”
