Her heart fluttered as she took in the concern on his face. Concern for her. “I forgot. I’ve got an upcoming case and got bogged down with paperwork.”
He crooked his head. “Can I join you at your office?”
She smiled. She couldn’t help it. The man’s attentiveness made her want to turn into a puddle at his feet. She straightened up, trying to keep her emotions in check. “I would like that.”
“Great. I’ll be over as soon as I get my food.”
Michelle rushed across the street and headed for her office. She wanted a moment to freshen up her makeup. That’s ridiculous, he just saw your face.
She bit the insides of her lip. Would it be considered trying too hard? On a sigh, she opened her office door.
Tanya looked up with a greeting. “That was fast.”
“I got it to go.” Michelle held up her bag before glancing over her shoulder. “You know what...you can take your lunch now.”
Tanya raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”
Michelle nodded. She didn’t know why, but she didn’t want Guy to see Tanya. “Have a good lunch.”
“Thanks, boss.” Tanya grabbed her purse and headed out.
Her shoulders dropped in relief. She headed back toward her office so she could straighten up her desk. It was littered with papers and there was no place to set their lunch. Hopefully, she had a few minutes before Guy came in.
By the time the bell chimed signaling a new customer, Michelle had successfully cleaned up her workspace for their lunch break. She walked out of her office into the main area and smiled when she saw Guy.
“Hey, my office is back here.” Michelle pointed over her shoulder.
Guy strolled toward her, his dark eyes glistened and an easy expression filled his face. He was so handsome. He stopped, leaving a foot of space between them while his eyes roamed over her face and then down her outfit and back up. “You make everything look good.”
Her face heated. “You too, Sheriff.” And boy did he. The crisp, starched uniform showcased his lean body, not an ounce of fat to be seen. Her hand came up to rest on his chest.
Guy leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. He straightened up and cleared his throat, his dark eyes brimming with an emotion she didn’t want to pursue. She was at work after all. Maybe letting Tanya go to lunch wasn’t such a great idea. A chaperone probably wouldn’t be such a bad idea.
Michelle turned and walked behind her desk to take a seat just as Guy took the place in front of her desk. He withdrew a club sandwich and fries from LeeAnn’s takeout bag. How did someone so lean eat that garbage? She eyed him as he took out ketchup packets.
He must have felt her stare because he looked up and met her gaze. “What?”
“Do you work out?”
A cagy grin stole across his face. “If I say no, are you going to cry?”
“Not likely.” She snorted. “I’ll just point out all the trans-fat in your food.”
Guy picked up a French fry and sniffed it. “Hmmm, trans-fat is the best way to go.” He ate the fry and winked at her.
She threw a balled-up napkin at him. “Show off.”
They settled into companionable silence while eating. After Guy polished off the remaining fries, he sat back and met her gaze. “I need to tell you something.”
Her eyebrow rose on its own accord and she put her salad down. “What?”
“My mother’s here for a visit.”
She swallowed, her palms dampening at his revelation.
“I just wanted you to know that she’s not...well she doesn’t...um, what I’m trying to say is she can be rude to women at times.”
That was an understatement.
His mother had hated her ever since they discovered Guy had left. Whenever she had run into her that ill-fated summer, Mrs. Pierre had looked her up and down with such an expression of derision.
“I see,” she stated.
“So with that being said, if you decide to not come to dinner tomorrow, I’ll understand.” He splayed his hands wide, a hopeful expression rounding his eyes.
Michelle tried not to squirm. This was a test for their relationship whether he knew it or not. Which meant she had to go, didn’t she? She tucked her hair behind the back of her ear.
“I look forward to it. Should I bring anything?” She took another bite of her salad intent on showing confidence. Only her food wouldn’t go past the lump in her throat.
The look of joy he gave her sent tingles down her spine.
“You don’t have to bring anything, but if you do, make sure it’s homemade and good.”
“Oh, I can cook.”
“Is that so?” His eyes twinkled.
“Yes. I think I’ll bring a dessert that will knock your socks off.”
“Great. It’s a date.”
He stood up, grabbing his trash. “I need to head back, but I’ll call you later, okay?”
She followed him out. “Sounds good. Hope the rest of your afternoon goes well.”
He leaned forward, holding her gaze. He cupped the side of her face and brushed his lips against hers. “It will now.”
With a wink he was off.
GUY OPENED HIS FRONT door. It was weird not stopping by Nana Baker’s to pick up his girls. His mother had wanted to watch them while she visited, so he had capitulated. What he really wanted to know was how long she would be staying so he could let Nana Baker know. Guy shook his head. More like he wanted to know for sanity’s sake.
“Papa’s home!” Bekah shouted. She ran to him and he reached for her, tossing her in the air then kissing her forehead.
He didn’t remember when he started the ritual, but he knew the reasons behind it. He had never wanted his girls to doubt his love for them.
“Bonjou, Guy.”
“Hi, Manman.” He kissed his mother on the cheek.
“We made tablet kokoye. Come sit down with us.”
He followed them into the kitchen, the smell of coconut in the air. His stomach growled in anticipation of the sweet candied coconut treat.
