Almost immediately, her smile drooped. “What is it? You’re frowning.”
“Not a thing.” He forced an enthusiastic smile. “I’m ecstatic for you. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity.”
“Don’t try and fool me, Mr. Schmitt. What was that frown about?” Like a dog with a bone, she’d never let go if he didn’t appease her with a legitimate answer.
“I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, and it was probably from exhaustion.”
“And?” She stood and stepped closer, analyzing him. One buttoned-up boot tapped the floor.
“The term is almost over. Lots to do. It’s only my first year in this position—”
“And?”
Good grief, she loved to push. Fine. “I didn’t like the thought of you leaving.”
“Is that all?” She released a light laugh. “That’s easily fixable. Since you’re about to enter your summer break, why don’t you come along? At least for a week or two?”
It was easy for her to say that. She always had an answer for everything. Eliza Mills had never let anything stand in her way. He, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. “I have a great deal to do this summer. It’s not like I can just take off. There’s planning and meetings and—”
“Oh, you’ll have plenty of time to attend to all that. You have time owed to you. I know you do.” Her green eyes flashed at him.
“While that is true, I have other responsibilities. Besides, didn’t you tell me that Dinosaur National Monument isn’t exactly close to any city? I don’t think you will last very long out there.” Maybe she would take the bait and get the focus off of him. He’d love nothing more than to spend his summerbreak with Eliza, but two nights ago—when he couldn’t sleep for thoughts of her—he’d pledged to release her from his heart. This one-sided love affair wasn’t doing him any good. Eventually she’d marry some rich fellow, and where would he be then?
Hands on her hips, she stepped even closer. “You don’t think I will enjoy being away from the city?”
With a laugh, he dipped his chin at her. “I know you won’t. You love digging and bone quarries and all that—but youreallylove the city. I give you three weeks tops.”
She swatted at his arm. “I’ll make it longer than that. Just you wait and see.”
“Without Rufaloe’s?”
The mention of her favorite bakery produced a twinkle in her eyes, and she licked her lips.
Yep. He knew her. “Or that milliner”—he pointed to the massive thing atop her head—“the one that makes these ... gigantic creations you love to wear?”
A hand to the tip of it, she sent him a lopsided grin. “What? You don’t like my hats?”
He gave her a little eye roll. “They’re huge, and I’m always wondering when you will topple over.”
“I think they’re lovely. I will not be toppling over, thank you very much, and I happen to like how I look in them.”
The slight defiant lift of her chin was adorable.
“Don’t you?”
But he caught the hesitancy in her eyes. No matter what she said, she always sought his approval. “Eliza Mills, you will always be lovely, even when you’re dressed in men’s pants and covered in mud.” It was as close as he could come to sharing his heart with her without breaking his promise to her grandfather.
“Spoken like a true friend.” She removed her gloves, patted his hand, and leaned on the desk next to him. “Thank you.And I’ll have you know that I won’t have any trouble out at Dinosaur National Monument. I might miss the city—yes, I’ll give you that—but I’m excited to do what I love to do. It’s an incredible opportunity. Especially for a woman.”
“Yes, it is. And I’m thrilled for you.” He bumped her with his shoulder. Sitting side by side was easier than looking her in the eye, but much more difficult because she was so near. He could smell her perfume—the soft scent of roses—and feel her warmth.
For once, he was thankful for the monstrous hats she wore because it gave them a buffer. Maybe her going out West would be good for him. To not see her every day and have the constant reminders of what could never be. Perhaps he could actually follow through with his pledge to release her. Once and for all.
“But what if I need you there?”
Her voice cut through.
“What?”
