Me: No, baby. That’s okay. You need to get some rest.
Vera: Seriously, I don’t mind. And I’ve got to strengthen my fingers somehow
A blush crept up my neck. I really liked the sound of that, but I had work to get done.
Me: You’re got very good fingers. And I appreciate you! But if you stay, I won’t get anything done. I’ll call you when I’m done and you can keep me company on the way home, okay?
Vera: Anything for you, sweetie. Just don’t stay too late, please.
Vera: Also, thank you for my note. I’ve had a busy day, but talking with you did make it amazing.
I’d forgotten all about the note, honestly. “I hope you have a good day today. I’ll be thinking of you.” Lame, I know, but honest.
I’d barely been able to get anything done all day, which is why I had to stay late. She’d been consuming my thoughts since I left her house this morning. She must’ve been busy all day because I hadn’t seen her and I was pleasantly surprised when she texted me.
My fingers hovered over the keyboard on my phone, heart quickening. She sent a heart emoji. What did it mean? Was that her way of telling me she— No. We weren’t going there. I wasn’t ready to go there.
“Hey, Cara. I’m heading out for the night. Are you good here?” Thankfully Eloise interrupted that line of thinking.
I blinked a few times and nodded. “Yeah, El. I’m good. Enjoy your evening.”
She looked at me, brows coming together to form a tight V. “Is everything alright?”
I shook my head, clearing away the lingering thoughts about Vera and what that emoji had done to me. “”No, yeah, everything’s fine. Just a little tired, is all.”
She looked like she didn’t believe me, but she didn’t question me on it. “Okay. Well, don’t stay too late. Night.”
I waved her off with a smile. “Night, El.”
Once Eloise left, I blocked out the rest of the world and forced myself to get some work done. It had only been two hours when I heard a knock on my door.
“Did you forget something, El?” I said without looking up.
A familiar laugh caused me to look up. “Having other women in your office? Should I be jealous?”
“Vera,” I said breathlessly. “What are you still doing here? I thought you’d be gone by now. It’s almost nine.” Shit. I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten.
“I brought you dinner. You hadn’t called yet, so I assumed you were still here. I took a leap.” She shrugged, walking toward me with a container of something that smelled delicious. “Do you ever leave on time?”
She sat the container down in front of me and handed me a fork. I inhaled the aromas of the food and my mouth instantly started watering. It smelled amazing and I could see the steam coming off of it.
“Rarely. Did your abuela make this? It smells incredible.”
She shook her head. “No, princesa. I did. This is what I was going to make for us tonight, and when you said you were working late, I decided that we were still going to have dinner together. I only brought one fork, so you’ll have to share.”
I looked up at her, confusion and shock and so many other emotions running through me. “You made dinner?”
She shrugged. “It was quick and easy. I’ve learned a few things over the months. One being, if I don’t bring you food, you’ll die of starvation.”
I tried to laugh, but I could only smile softly. “I can’t believe you still made dinner and brought it for me. You didn’t have to do that. You should go home and enjoy your night with Nyx.”
“Nyx is fine. I’ve got my notifications turned on but he was sleeping when I left. Besides, this is where I want to be. I promise, it’s not a big deal. It’s just chicken, rice, and vegetables. Now, eat before it gets cold.”
I stood up walking over to her and wrapped her in a hug. “It is a big deal. You’re so good to me,” I whispered. It was always those little things she did that had my feelings growing for her.
She leaned back and looked at me with a serious expression. “You deserve nothing but the best.” She caressed the side of my face before bringing our lips together.
Today was most definitely not going to be a work day, that much has been made abundantly clear. Our quickie in the shower this morning, that made me five minutes late, had been playing in my mind on a loop since I got to work. It had me so desperate for her, that as she kissed me, I found myself begging for her.
