Page 79 of Second Time Around

Bad because she was tempted to believe him about the “always” part, and she knew that was delusional. She needed to protect herself against that kind of fantasy thinking, but Will made it so damned hard to hold her heart at arm’s length from him.

In fact, she was pretty sure she had utterly failed because it had twisted so hard in her chest that she could barely breathe. She had been afraid that he would notice, but he’d slid her backpack over his shoulder and held out his hand, saying he didn’t want her to be late for work.

The moment had passed, but it had left her shaken.

So much so that she’d forgotten to tell Will that his partner, Greg, was meeting her at the center tomorrow morning to discuss dog food. She was skeptical that she had anything useful to contribute, but he’d seemed genuinely interested. That led to her getting up an hour early to give herself enough time to show him all her research and ingredients. He also wanted to meet Shaq, the pit bull with the sensitive stomach.

She glanced at her phone to check the time.

“You can take off now. I’ll finish up,” Cleo said. “I know who’s waiting for you.”

“You do?” Kyra slotted the last brandy snifter in.

“The gorgeous blond in the power suit, right? Your old college friend turned CEO.” Cleo waggled her eyebrows. “I wouldn’t keep him waiting long because there are a lot of ladies who would be happy to entertain him.”

Kyra chuckled. “Thanks, sweetie. I appreciate it.” She texted Will that she was ready any time. His text came back three seconds later.

Remember what you asked me to do tonight?