Page 20

“Oops, sorry.” He tipped his hat to me, and I threw him a smile as I rushed inside to the receptionist.
“Let me guess, you’re Daniel Logan?” The receptionist beamed up at me as she placed the phone in its cradle and eyed the candy bouquet I held with a grin.
“I hope it’s a good sign that you know who I am.” I flashed her back with one of my killer smiles.
“So happens you’ve been the major topic of conversation around here lately.”
“Details would be much appreciated.” I winked and leaned my head down toward her in hopes she’d spill.
“She said you were charming.” She blushed, and I knew I had my in. “Let’s just say I haven’t seen Sue’s face light up like it has lately in quite some time. “Now, before I get into trouble, shall I call her up?”
“I’d appreciate that…” I waited for her name.
“Jenny.” She shook her head and fussed with the phone cord as she made a quick call. “A tall, very handsome man is standing in front of me asking for you.” She giggled. “Get up here before Victoria spots him.”
I played along with a laugh, but truth be told, I only had eyes for one woman, and she was now walking my way.
“First flowers on my mailbox and now an in-person delivery?” Sue looked gorgeous in her knee-length skirt and light blue blouse. I shamelessly gawked at the beauty in front of me. Jenny let out a dreamy sigh at the two of us.
“I just figured it was such a gorgeous day outside I should head into town, and would you look at that, I ended up here.” I grinned as she rolled her eyes, but I could tell she was pleased to see me. “Seems about right. It’s a pretty kind of day, you’re a pretty woman, so it only makes sense that you should have a pretty bouquet.” I held up the lavender and twisted the bouquet to show her the lollies. “I even included something sweet.”
“I think I just got pregnant.” Jenny dramatically flopped on her desk, and Sue broke into a smirk.
“Okay, Mr. Logan,” Sue’s eyes sparkled, “I will say this is a pretty nice gesture.”
“I’m glad you like them.” I leaned forward in a little bow as I mentally checked off another day. I was wearing her down one day at a time. I reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. I wanted to press for a date, but I knew Sue needed me to show her I was ready for it first.
“Thank you. I adore lavender.” She took the flowers and inhaled the scent. “You just made my day.”
“That was the hope.” I tucked my hands in my pockets because the urge to pull her to me and inhale her as deeply as she did the flowers was painful.
“I should get back.” She stepped back.
“Of course.” I gave her a nod and watched her smack Jenny on the shoulder as she walked by her desk on her way down the hall.
“Daniel?” Jenny broke me from my spell as I watched Sue’s adorable butt as she disappeared down the hall.
“Yeah?”
“She goes to lunch every day at eleven.”
“Thanks, Jenny.” I whisked out the door and got to planning.
At dinner that night, I nearly bounced around the kitchen as I filled Mom in on all that had happened. Dad gave me a thumbs up from the table and shared a few stories about some dates he’d taken Mom on. If I could get even a quarter of my parents’ happiness, I’d be set for life.
“I’m proud of you, son.” Mom squeezed my arm. “You keep that up, and she’ll soon see you’re ready.”
That following Monday at eleven, I stood outside the stairs of her work with a cloth bag in my hand. Sue laughed when she spotted me and slowly came down the stairs and folded her arms. She wore a white open-neck blouse tied in a bow at the waist with a pretty pair of yellow plaid seersucker skirt. Her tanned arms and legs looked great with her outfit, and her hair made me want to reach out and touch it. I was glad she didn’t dress in those crazy hippie clothes girls were into these days.
“Mr. Logan, surely you have something better to do with your time than stand here outside my work at lunchtime.”
“The only thing I want to do with my free time, Sue, is spend it with you.”
She bit her lip to try to stop her smile, but it broke free, and she shook her head. “What’s in the bag?”
“Spend your lunch break with me.”
“Is it food? I’m a girl who needs to eat.”