Ryan
“Sorry, I had to cancel our date,” Lola whispered from behind me.
I spun around and grabbed her hand. “Is your mom okay?” She had called and canceled just as I was about to turn onto her street.
She smiled and took a step forward. “That’s the first thing you want to ask me?”
“Um, yeah, did I say something wrong?”
When she called me, all she said was, my mom fell, and I’m on the way to the hospital. I tried to ask if she wanted me to go to the hospital with her, but she quickly said, I’ll call you later and then hung up.
“No, it’s perfect.” She sighed and melted into my arms. Thankfully, we were in the produce prep cooler away from customers.
“I still want to know how your mom is, but now I need to know if you’re okay?” I leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“Mom didn’t end up breaking her hip, but it is fractured, so she has to rest for a few weeks.” She fisted her hand into the fabric on my apron. “I finally feel better. Now you need to ask me why?” Lola winked.
“Oh, um, why?” I laughed.
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yup.” She kissed me. “Sitting in the hospital, all I could think about was how I wanted to be wrapped in your arms.” She kissed me again. “There’s something about this space right here.” She made a circle with her index finger between us. “It makes me feel calm. Stronger.” She kissed me again, but this time, she didn’t move away. Our lips were only a breath apart. “Does that sound weird?”
“Seems perfectly normal to me.” I brushed my nose back and forth over hers. “You know what I wish?”
“Hmmmm… What do you wish?” She leaned back and repeated my question. “Well, I’m going to be selfish and say something I’m thinking, because I have a feeling you’re thinking it, too.”
“Oh, color me curious.” I tickled her side.
She squeaked and laced her hands around the back of my neck. “You wish, we were not standing in the market. You wish this moment had happened in one of our homes.”
“Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner.” I laughed and slid my hands down over her ass. “Before we get caught again by Jules, I’m going to step back, but reluctantly.” And I did. “Then, I’m going to request we resume this later. Can I see you tonight?”
She dropped her arms down in front of her and laced her fingers together. “If you told me I couldn’t see you, I would’ve still magically appeared on your doorstep.”
“Good.” I shoved my hands in my pants pockets to keep from reaching out and touching her. “I was hoping you would say that.”
“Ryan, I…” Jules had pushed the doors to the produce prep cooler and stopped suddenly. “Oh, Lola, hi.” She glanced between the two of us and promptly turned to leave the room. “Come to my office when you have a moment.”
“Holy shit.” Lola burst out laughing. “That was close.”
“Way too close.” I shook my head and grabbed her hand. “Let me walk you to your car.”
“You can leave?” The way she scowled, I knew she was confused.
“I’m not technically leaving.” I winked, and we walked together to her car. “Should I bring us some dinner tonight?”
“Chinese takeout?”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yes.”
“Then, that’s what I’ll pick up.” She clicked the button on her key fob, and I opened the door. “I’m glad you stopped by.” I brushed my index finger down the side of her face. “I didn’t want to bother you, and yet, I did.” I laughed. “Does that even make sense?”
“You know, Blondie said it perfectly.” I scowled, and she placed her finger on the creases in between my eyebrows. “You can call me anytime.”
I shook my head and pulled her close and kissed her. “You’re adorable.”
“I know.” She winked and kissed me one more time before sliding behind the wheel. “When will I see you?”
“My shift ends at five.” I rested my hand on the top of the door. “Should I pick up the food and head to your place, or does that look too desperate.
She pulled the door closed and rolled down the window. “Do you need to go home?”
“No.”
“Then look desperate.”
“I was hoping you would say that.” She waved and slowly pulled away.
“Things are pretty serious between you two, eh?” Jules had magically appeared beside me, startling me.
“I guess you could say that.” I turned to face my boss. “Sorry, I’m almost done with the prep for the evening.”
“I have no doubts.” She smiled. “Can you give me a count for kale and carrots? I need to finalize the order for our delivery tomorrow.”
“Oh, yeah.” I moved toward the front doors. “I think we’re low on carrots.”
When we were back inside, she continued walking toward her office. “Just let me know when you have the count.”
I pushed open the doors to the produce prep cooler and took in a deep breath. Then, I closed my eyes and let it out slowly. I visualized Lola against my body. “Shit.” I shook my head. “Focus.”
The clock on the wall read 3:23 pm.
Only one hour and thirty-seven minutes until my shift ended, and then I would be on my way over to Lola’s house. “Just keep focused, Ryan.”
AUTHOR NOTE:
Whew, those two, I tell ya. I adore how he immediately asked about her mother. He’s such a good man. Should he stop and get an extra gift for her? Maybe flowers or a delicious dessert?