“Haven’t you eaten?”
“No, I was waiting for you.”
“You don’t need to do that, Lucas.I’m a big girl and can take care of myself.”How many times had I said that to him in the past?A pang of longing joined the memories of the times Lucas took care of me when we were together.I pushed it away.He was involved with someone else.
“Yes, you are.”His gaze roamed over my body.
Heat flowed through me.“Don’t annoy me.”
He raised his eyebrows.“Lunch?”
I rolled my eyes.I could refuse, but what would be the point?“Sure, why not?”
“Good.We can go to the café in the building.”
“Great idea.”There would be other people around, and that was a good thing.I followed him out of the office, trying to ignore the way he moved.
The café was not what I was expecting.It had an open floor plan, and the menu was extensive.It took me a few minutes to settle on a turkey and cheese sandwich, fruit, and water.That would keep me full.Lucas ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries, soda, and two chocolate chip cookies.His appetite hadn’t changed a bit.I rolled my eyes.Why should I care?
Lucas led the way to a table by the windows.The sun was out and warmed me through the glass.
“I see you still eat the way you did before.”
So do you.How do you manage to eat so much and stay in such great shape?
“Yes, I’m still a carnivore.”He lifted his burger and took a big bite.
I laughed.My heart tightened as I realized how much I missed watching his enthusiasm for everything from food to his work.
“At least you’re not the “only eat salad” kind,” he commented, jerking his chin at my tray.
“Nope.I need protein, but I do limit my red meat.”
“Why?”
I answered without thinking.“Cholesterol issues.”Not that I minded sharing.We ate in silence for a few minutes.
“Tell me what’s happened with you in the last five years, Valerie.”
Part of me was surprised at his demand; the other should’ve expected it.Wasn’t it natural to want to catch up if two people hadn’t seen each other after a long time?But we weren’t just friends or acquaintances.And Lucas had never been shy about bringing up painful subjects.I decided to play this from the friend zone.No more.
“Mainly work.I have a little place in the Heights area.I’m lucky.I rent from an older couple who moved in with their daughter but didn’t want to get rid of the family home.”
“That’s nice.On the water?”
“Yes, that’s why I was so lucky.I found it at the right time.I really enjoy being able to stare out at the water.”
“I remember you said you always wanted a beach house.”
“You do?”Why did that surprise me?Lucas had a phenomenal memory.
“Yes, what makes you think I wouldn’t?”
“Maybe because it’s been five years.”It’s not like I’d forgotten things about him.
“Would you believe me if I said I remember a lot of our conversations.”
My eyes widened.“That’s hard to believe.”
