4 Chapter 4

“An egg white omelet, Swiss cheese, and spinach on a poppy seed bagel,” he said.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.”

I nodded. “I appreciate it.”

We stood in awkward silence for a few seconds until he asked, “What are you doing next month?”

I looked at him, deadpan and speechless.

“How’d you like to go to the fair with me?” he offered.

I had not thought that far ahead. “The fair?”

He nodded enthusiastically, adopting a childlike expression. “Yeah. You know. Cotton candy. Clowns. Hot dogs. Haunted houses. Bumper cars.”

“I, um…I don’t know.”

“Come on.” He stepped closer and slapped me on the arm, gesturing playfully.

My heartbeat quickened at his genuine, sexy smile, his warm hand strangely comforting on my skin. “I’ll give you some time to think about it,” he said.

I swallowed down a lump of fear climbing up the back of my throat.

“So, how’s everything else?” he asked. “You doing okay?”

“Work keeps me busy and distracted.”