The sentimental gift touches me because it took thought and planning.
I hug him and tell him I love him.
The only sound I hear is the beating of his heart and the slowing of his breath as he falls asleep, content in my arms.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Tuesday begins with a bang—literally. I startle awake by a crash in the kitchen. I race to see what fell and find Damon barefoot, standing in a puddle of milk.
“What happened?”
“I tried to bring you coffee, and I dropped the milk. I made such a mess, but I’ll clean it up while you shower.”
“Nonsense. I’ll help you.”
“Now you sound like my mother,” he scoffs. “Nonsense is one of her favorite words. She uses it to get her way. If you were to say you like whipped topping with your pie, she’d say, ‘Nonsense. It tastes better with ice cream,’ and you’d enjoy the ice cream just as much.” He cups my cheeks and stares into my eyes. “Be careful with her tonight. She’ll nonsense you where she wants you.”
I laugh at his description of his mother. “Thanks for the warning. Should I come over after dinner?”
“I’ll wait for you. What about lunch today?” He looks like a small boy asking for candy.
“I’ll be there. Should I arrange for lunch?”
“Do you want to break Greta’s heart? She takes it upon herself to make sure we’re well-fed.”
I help clean up the milk, and we head to the shower together. There is no sense in wasting water.
Trevor greets me at my cubicle, and I notice my things are gone. He’s so excited to show me to my new office, which is small, but mine.
On the door is a placard with my name, and below are the words Assistant Event Planner. During the last few months, my life changed from what I planned. It’s amazing how a favor, a man, and a book turned my life upside down.
“It’s not as big as your boyfriend’s upstairs, but it’s a good-sized office.”
Feeling playful, I respond, “Nobody has one as big as my boyfriend’s.” I smile and give him a little punch in the arm.
“Since we’re talking about men, tell me about your brother. We talked at your party last night, but all I know is he’s cute and a banker?”
“Are you trying to pick up my brother?” I fist my hips. “First, it’s my boyfriend, and now it’s my brother,” I tease. “You should meet up with him for lunch sometime. You could get to know each other and see if something comes of it. I saw you checking each other out last night.”
“He checked me out?” A grin lifts the corners of his mouth. “I didn’t notice.”
“You’re as subtle as a brick to the head, now get out of my office. I have work to do.” He doesn’t leave my office immediately.
“Give me your brother’s number, and I’ll leave you alone for the rest of the day.”
I rattle off Chris’s number and start organizing my new desk. The thing that would make it perfect is a picture of Damon.
With daily lunches, I no longer wait for Greta to announce my arrival. We’re past the formal stage.
Greta knows better than anyone what goes on in that office, and to show her how much I appreciate her, I had flowers delivered this morning. She goes above and beyond the call of duty for both of us.
“Katarina, the flowers are beautiful, and congratulations on your graduation and new job.”
“Thanks, Greta. It’s been quite a week.” I glance at the closed door. “Is he busy?”
“He’s never too busy for you. Just head on in. I’m sure whatever he’s doing will end once he sees you.”
She’s right. As soon as I enter the door, he tells whoever he’s talking to that he needs to get back with them later.
“Hi, Angel. How’s your day going?” He walks over and gives me a kiss before he reaches down to play with the angel wing necklace. His hand lingers just above my breast, causing my breath to hitch and my heart to race. “Tell me about your new office.” His hands glide across my chest while his lips leave butterfly kisses across my neck.
“You make talking hard.”
“You make me hard.” He steps back, putting several feet between us. It’s the only way we’ll get through lunch clothed.
With only a couple of weeks left until the grand opening, things are moving at supersonic speed. Contracts and memos cover Damon’s desk. He shuffles things around, picks up an envelope, and holds it in the air.
“This is your brother’s personal invite. Let me know if you want to invite anyone else. I’m happy to accommodate any wish you have.”
“Ah … that is so sweet. Did you see my brother and Trevor? I’m not sure I want my boss and Chris dating. I mean, Trevor also wants to meet the drummer from the band, Rylan. Not only that, he wants me to help him pick out an outfit so he can turn heads. But I refuse to set him up with anyone if he’s chasing after my brother.”
“It will all work out the way it’s supposed to, now tell me about your office.”
“It’s almost perfect. All it needs is a picture of you. Would you mind?”
“I don’t mind, but people might wonder why you have my picture on your desk. Those who don’t know we’re dating might find it odd.”
I think about it for a moment and realize he’s got a point. Workplace romances should be kept out of the workplace. I’ll settle for a picture of him next to my bed.
I show up early to dinner with Rose and get us a table at the Greek restaurant she picked out.
“Sorry I’m late, Katarina. I had a tough case today. It’s heartbreaking when you have to tell a parent their child is terminal, and they have little time.” She flags the waiter over and orders a glass of wine.
“I’m so sorry. It would be hard under any circumstances, but given that you’ve been through it yourself, I bet it’s near impossible.”
Rose takes the wine before it hits the table. “It’s never easy, but since I’ve lived through it, I have a great deal of empathy.” She drinks and exhales the stress of her day. “I know what they’re feeling because I’ve done it twice. Simon passed away when the boys were twelve and fourteen. It was a difficult time. Roman passed eight years later.”
“Damon told me about Simon. He has fond memories of his father.” Remembering the tree house and carved letters, I tell her about visiting their old home. “He took me to the tree house they built a few weeks ago.”
Rose’s eyes soften. “I’m glad he’s sharing things with someone. You’re good for him.”
“He’s good for me too.”
“He cares for you, Katarina. I can see it in his eyes. I haven’t seen him look at anyone that way since Mara.”
The mention of Mara throws me off balance. I sip my wine and collect my thoughts. “I don’t know much about Mara, but I walked into his office one day while he argued with her on the phone.”
Rose stays silent for several minutes. “I don’t know what happened between them. Everything seemed to fall apart at once.” She sighs. “His brother got sick, his relationship broke apart … it was too much for him to handle, I guess. He’s never been the same since.” Her brow furrows. “I’m surprised he’s talking to Mara again.”