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Unclenching the muscles that had tensed without her consent, Charlotte gave Frania’s shoulder a nudge. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

Smoke shot out of Frania’s nostrils. “Please, like any of us wouldn’t jump at the chance to move to some big ass fancy house. You’re stupid if you don’t.”

“How about you? Are you still dating that delivery guy?”

Charlotte changed the subject; she didn’t want to be under a microscope.

Charlotte listened as Frania told her about the dude with perfectly sculpted calves she’d been seeing for a few months.

It was a relief to be in someone else’s skin for a while.

When Frania’s man called and pulled her away, Charlotte decided on that run. Sweating but still cold, she pushed herself to the limit.

Collapsing into the grass, she checked her watch. A di erent kind of nausea joined the stitch in her side. She’d completed the mile and a half in the fastest time yet.

CHAPTER 29

“LUNCH IS HERE,” Charlotte announced when she appeared in Alex’s o ce doorway.

Alex cocked her head to one side. “Are you moonlighting as a delivery person?”

Charlotte’s lips, still pink even though her gloss had faded from this morning, twitched into a smile. “Maybe I wanted to play another game.” She wiggled her eyebrows as she held up the bag in her hand. “How are you going to pay me, Ms. Leon?” She closed the door behind her.

“I’m sure I can come up with something.” Alex leaned back in her chair, exhilarated by the mischief in Charlotte’s sparkling eyes.

“I’ll extend some credit,” she joked, the bag crinkling as she set it on the round conference table and started unpacking it.

Alex didn’t immediately stand. She lingered at her desk, watching Charlotte set out two biodegradable bowls and a couple of cups with vibrant red hibiscus tea. These were becoming her favorite moments. The thoughtful little acts of kindness.

“I got you a slice of that lemon cake you like,” Charlotte announced before pulling a cellophane wrapped square from the bottom of the bag.

Alex’s stomach fluttered as she stood and sauntered toward the table. “I suppose that level of attention to detail calls for a big tip.” Her eyes darted toward the door. Locked.

She slid her hand over the small of Charlotte’s back.

Turning in her arms, Charlotte set down the wooden forks and wrapped her arms around her neck. She’d been waiting for her touch.

“Thank you for lunch,” Alex said before pressing a kiss onto her cheek.

Charlotte turned her face, catching her in an unexpected kiss. Without hesitation, Alex melted into her lips still sweet from the tea she’d been sipping.

As Charlotte slid her hand down her back, Alex knew it was a bad idea. Even with the locked door, it was a risk. But Alex couldn’t resist her. Since they’d parted last night, she’d had an unease in her belly.

Missing Charlotte hurt like a pressed bruise. Just enough of an ache to be impossible to ignore.

“I missed you,” Charlotte whispered against her parted lips, giving voice to Alex’s thoughts.

Alex indulged in another taste of Charlotte’s lips. “Me too,” she admitted, inhaling the soft floral perfume lingering at the base of Charlotte’s neck. She could never get enough of the scent.

“We could skip lunch,” Charlotte suggested, her index finger slipping into Alex’s belt.

Charlotte always had the most tempting o ers. Hovering over her mouth, Alex kissed her again before breaking away.

She couldn’t waste another afternoon with Charlotte. Even though she wanted to.

Over cranberry and walnut salads, they talked casually.

Mostly about work, some about the small flock of Corriedale sheep that had been rescued from deplorable conditions in Ocala. Charlotte was the first person with whom she’d ever shared her dream of creating a farm animal sanctuary. She’d immediately o ered to draw up the papers and setup the nonprofit. A touching reaction.