“Are you feeling better?” I ask.
“I am.” His eyes meet mine. “Thank you, Larkin. I know this isn’t part of your job responsibility, but I appreciate you coming here tonight and talking with me, talking this out.”
I reach out and squeeze his arm. Lately it seems like I can’t stop touching him. “You realize you’re more than my boss, right? You’re my friend too, and I’m always here for you, whenever you need it. Today was tough. I’m glad that you texted me. I would have been upset knowing you went to bed angry, frustrated, or dejected.”
“All things I was feeling . . . until you showed up.” His grateful eyes connect with mine, and God, it’s tempting to lean in closer.
My hearts twists in my chest as a wave of lust and nerves pulses through me. Be cool, Larkin.
“Well, I’m grateful you were open with me. I know it takes a lot to open up like that. You made it easy on me.” I glance down at my watch. “I should probably get to bed if we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“And what would that day be?” he asks as he follows me to his door. He opens it, and I step into the doorway while he grips the frame, his large body creating a domineering and nearly irresistible presence.
“Looking for an itinerary?”
“You know how much an itinerary pleases me.” And finally, a little joke.
There’s something to be said about making someone feel better when they’re at an all-time low, and I can proudly say I helped Ford Chance feel better.
“Okay.” I lean against the doorframe, our bodies only a foot apart. He doesn’t move, though; instead he leans in closer—close enough for me to catch a whiff of his signature cologne that smells like sandalwood and bergamot. “An itinerary.”
“Yeah, an itinerary,” he chuckles.
Pull it together, Larkin. It’s a simple whiff of cologne, not a love spell.
“Sure, how about this,” I say, gathering myself. “We get in a good run tomorrow, clear our heads and start the day off right. Shower and then walk over to the juice bar and grab some kale smoothies.”
“Yum.” He laughs. “I love a juiced green.”
“If I didn’t know you, I’d think you were being sarcastic, but that’s not the case here.”
“Not even a little. What’s after the smoothie?”
“We go to your parents’ house and clear out your room. This is where we will collect evidence.”
“You make it sound like we’re solving a murder.”
“Maybe we are.” I chuckle. “The murder of your . . . uh . . . childhood?”
“If that helps, sure.”
“Great, so we’re solving the murder of your childhood, which makes things exponentially more depressing. Maybe we don’t solve a murder, but instead, solve an awakening.”
“An ‘awakening’？ Yeah, that doesn’t sound right either.”
I tap my chin. “Okay, let me think on it. But anyway, we’ll clear out your room, reminisce, and look for incriminating items that I can use against you for years.”
“Years.” His brows raise. “Does this mean I didn’t scare you off and I shouldn’t expect a resignation letter anytime soon? Because you know that would be devastating.”
I smile. Can’t hear that enough.
Seriously, he’s always made me feel needed, valued, and it’s a big attribute when it comes to working with him.
“It’ll take a lot more than a conversation by the fire to scare me off.”
“It wasn’t just a conversation,” he says quietly. “It was beyond what you should have to talk to me about.”
“And I told you, I’m your friend too. You’ve been there for me, many times. I’m just returning the favor.” I poke his side. “It’s not a one-way street. Helping each other emotionally can go both ways.”
“I guess so,” he says with a sigh. “Okay, so I guess I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning for a run?”
“Yeah, seven work?”
“Sure does.” He gives me a soft smile. “Thank you, Larkin.”
“Of course. Have a good night.” I turn away and feel his eyes stay on me while I make my way to my room. Something desperate inside me wants to turn back around and run into his arms, give him a hug, tell him everything is going to be okay. But I know that would be crossing the line. Even the little pokes and touches I can’t help are crossing the line.