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“How did you know?” His mouth dropped open, and he choked back tears.
“We’ve met, and she knows everything.”
“What do you mean?” He opened his shirt collar, heat rising to his face.
“The first day she came to see you, I was in the hallway. We spoke for a few minutes. She’s one of us. In time, she’ll tell you. For now, go with it.”
Numb from his neck down to his waist, he left the room as if he floated in mid-air. Could it be true? He decided to keep his mother’s chitchat about talking to Krista quiet. Her dementia was worsening. He’d assumed Matilda, his trusted hired help lady, had returned without him knowing. For years, the woman was instructed never to enter his mother’s room. She’d followed orders, never asking why.
If Krista had spoken to his mother, how could she not mention her withering state? It may have been concealed by the dim lighting, her scarf, and loosely fitted dress. All he knew was that he wanted Krista in his life, yearned for her touch, and needed her like he needed air in his lungs.
Chapter 5
The business phone hadn’t stopped ringing all day. Krista hesitated to answer. She’d rather let it go to voice mail. But when Terri’s work number flashed across the base, she answered.
“Hey, girlfriend. Do you have a few minutes?” Terri asked.
“I need a break, but not until later. The place just simmered down, so I can chat a second.” Moving over to the back room, she kept an eye out front.
“Well. I’m waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“The scoop on the hot lawyer. How was your dinner date?”
“Oh, that. Don’t ask.” She cringed at the thought of telling the story.
“What happened?” Terri’s voice cracked.
“You mean, what didn’t happen. Mr. Romantic turned off the heat and dropped me off like a hot potato.” She ran her hand through the top of her hair and wanted to forget about it. Junior High School games were not her idea of adult dating. “He seemed to lose interest real quick.”
“Did you have an argument or something?”
“The night went well, then bingo, he changed into a minister. Speak of the devil, he just walked in. Got to go.” The room spun, and she held onto the desk.
Hanging up the phone, she hurried back out front. He would have to look as if he’d stepped out of a magazine ad. His hair was slicked back, and he wore a stylish leather jacket and a pair of designer jeans. The straight leg pants fit snug in all the right places, and Krista’s knees weakened. His outfit didn’t fit the profile of a lawyer. Maybe it was dress-down day at the office. A rapid pulse made it difficult for her to speak.
“How did you find the place?” she stammered.
“You gave me your business card. Don’t you remember?” He smiled and advanced toward her.
“Well, what can I do for you?” A cool, calm demeanor seemed like the right approach. He didn’t have to know her insides were doing flip-flops.
“Your store is great. I’m impressed.”
“Oh, you are, are you? It’s my whole world.” She straightened her shoulders and glanced around, happy she had dusted all the cases.
“I can tell. It shows me a little bit more about who you are.”
“And what does that mean?” Deep inside she yearned for the chance to allow Jon to really know who she was, but fear outweighed the desire to tell him.
“I like what I see. You’re not only beautiful, you’re smart, savvy, and creative. Can you sneak away for lunch? I’ve got a surprise in the car.”
“What did you do?” A rush of heat traveled down her spine. It was difficult to resist Jon’s invitation. Her heart melted when he pouted his lips like a lost little boy. “Give me a minute to speak to my worker. He can take care of things while I’m gone.”
She went in the back to speak to Alex, and then she returned with her bag and jacket. Butterflies invaded her insides.
“Come on, I hope you’re hungry.”
