Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 548(@200wpm)___ 438(@250wpm)___ 365(@300wpm)
Under the intensity of his stare, I go blank as if amnesia strikes twice. His mood has shifted, and the masterful attorney has arrived. I don’t stand a chance against him, so I stop prying, for now, and eat my soup.
I only get a few hearty bites in before he says, “I’ve been thinking.”
“About?”
“Because you haven’t received the call doesn’t mean someone hasn’t filed a report. There are procedures and processes in place that take time.”
“I understand, but . . .” Holding my spoon above the bowl, I stop and look around the bustling restaurant, needing to gather my thoughts. When I feel better prepared with my own clear thoughts, I say, “If I loved someone, I’d find them. I’d be searching day and night, have photos plastered everywhere, and file a report the minute legally allowed.”
“Maybe they have, Tuesday. You may wake up tomorrow to your old life. So much can change in an instant.”
“I know that better than anyone.” I hate how harsh my tone has become and how desperate I feel not just for answers but for someone to come out of the woodwork to show me an ounce of the care that the man across from me has.
“I know you do. I didn’t mean to insinuate that you’re naive.”
I roll my head. “Might as well. Everyone else does.” My breath stops hard in my chest, and my spine straightens.
“What did you say?” he asks, leaning in.
I shift my gaze to the wall, hoping to find the void that will allow me to see my thoughts, but there’s nothing. “Why did I say that?”
With his mouth open, Loch stares at me. “Why did you say that?”
“I don’t know.” I search the nooks and crannies of my mind for any clue as to where that came from but come up empty . . . technically blank. “Nothing comes to mind.”
“Maybe your memory is returning because that was definitely something.”
“You think?”
He nods. “We can hope.”
I’ll hold on to that hope as tight as I can.
I’m not sure if we’re stunned or uncertain about what to say after that, but the silence doesn’t make me feel alone. It bonds us, not needing to be filled.
We eat, enjoying our food and the company of each other.
When the server returns to take my soup bowl and his salad plate away, I ask, “Can I ask you a favor, Loch?”
“Seems I owe you after I put my foot in my mouth.”
“You didn’t. You owe me nothing. Instead, you have spoiled me rotten, which I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to pay you back for. Like this dress—”
“I’m happy to help. What favor do you need?”
I don’t know why this feels important, but I need to do it. I’d just rather not do it alone. “Will you take me to the coffee shop tomorrow?”
A million things roll around this man’s mind, and when he shuffles his knife to the other side of his plate, I’m not sure if it’s a stall tactic or if he can’t bring himself to say no to me.
Sitting in the shadow of his discomfort, I’m quick to add, “I shouldn’t have asked. I know you’re busy.”
“I was working through my schedule. What time are you available?”
“Anytime you can squeeze me in.”
“I’ll send Brady to pick you up at seven forty-five. I’m locked in meetings starting at nine for the rest of the day.”
“I’ll be ready.” I reach across the table and brush the tips of my fingers across his knuckles before retreating as if he suddenly had second thoughts. “I sound like a broken record but thank you.”
He nods once and then starts on his spaghetti. The way he maneuvers the noodles around the fork playing off the spoon is truly a thing of beauty.
Does this man have any faults?
I’m not sure it’s right to feel this safe with someone I don’t truly know. But that’s how he makes me feel.
Is it smart to trust him after barely spending any time with him? Who knows? But I’m going to. He’s given me no reason not to.
“I’m impressed.” Loch’s eyeing the remains of my dinner.
Setting my elbow on the table, I rest my chin on my hand. “I did a solid job. I really have no idea why I’m so hungry today.”
“You probably didn’t eat for a while after waking up, so that’s a long time to go without a meal.” Maybe I’m too in my head, but I think Loch likes to look at me. He does it enough that I’ve come to accept the intensity of his eyes on me. He makes it tempting to do the same. Although we’re both strong-willed, I don’t. Instead, I drink in the heaviness of his gaze and let it smolder inside. Whether it’s a temporary yearning or a true desire, I feel we’ll catch fire one day.