In the Blind Read Free Page B

appeared she was trapping him in the corner. Her crazy position had her
mere inches from him. Fortunately, she’d had pants on and wasn’t on the verge
of tearing her skirt or exposing her panties.
    “I’m
glad you found me again.”
    “Yes,
I was hoping you’d walk past my table.” Her right knee and upper thigh brushed
against him. “I’m so sorry.” Heat had washed over her. What must he think? The crowd had pushed against her back, and her
pussy got ever closer to her white knight.
    “Would
you be offended if I offered you help?”
    “No.”
She’d laughed. “But I’ve got this.” Sweat had rolled down her neck.
    The
elevator had dinged its arrival. The crowd had dissipated before she could
prepare herself, and she had fallen on her ass.
    “Ouch.”
    “It’s
not our lucky day. Is it?” He’d reached out, presumably to help her up, but all
she’d seen was the ring on his finger.
    “I
guess not. It’s okay. I can get up myself.” She brushed her hands down her
pants and used her withering strength to stand. She didn’t even know him, but
he was taken and her heart had stung from the discovery. She wasn’t ready for
someone new anyway, was she?
    “I
wish that’s all she’d said.” He’d reached down and picked up her purse.
    “What?”
    “The
woman on the bus this morning, I was trying to be nice.” He’d handed her bag to
her.
    “I’m
sorry that happened, but it was so funny.” She’d walked out of the elevator
first while he held the door open.
    “I
didn’t dare laugh. I pinched my thigh every time I was tempted.”
    “Smart move. She might have
taken a swing at you, if you had.”
    “I
think I actually pulled out some hair from my leg.” He rubbed at a spot on his
leg.
    “Last
week I heard a woman yell at a man for not giving up his seat.”
    “My
mom taught me to offer my seat and open doors. I don’t know how to be any
different.”
    “That’s
sweet.”
    “Are
you laughing at me again?”
    “No.”
She buried her giggle as she pretended to look in the other direction.
“Seriously though, I can respect a man who remembers what his momma taught him.
I’ll admit to quoting my grandpa actually.”
    “Really?”
    “Absolutely. He’s one of the
smartest men I know.”
    “You’re
lucky to still have him around.”
    “I
guess we’re both lucky to have family around to guide us.”
    “I’m
Rob.” He’d stopped his forward movement and turned to her.
    “It’s
nice to officially meet you.” She’d shaken his hand. “I’m Jane.”
    He’d
gripped her hand tightly.
    They’d
continued walking side by side, all the way to the last food truck on site. Over
pulled pork sandwiches, they’d talked about her recruiting business and the
changes in his career. He’d been working as a consultant since his company was
sold and taken apart. He missed working on a team and the opportunities to
improve his skills, but he enjoyed setting his own hours. He’d finally relented
and stated he’d consider any job description she sent his way.
    She’d
almost forgotten to head back to her table. The charming, unavailable man had made
her as comfortable as drinking sweet lemonade on Navy Pier on a warm summer
day.
    He’d
followed her back to her table. She’d taken his card and promised to call if
she came across a position for him. As he walked away, she grabbed hold of her
table. He belonged to someone else. All he could be was a friend, a fantasy at
best.
    He’d
gotten half way across the room before he turned and came back. A flutter of
impossibility filled her belly. He stopped his forward movement once, but then
continued until he was a foot from her table.
    “I’d
really like to see you again, but—”
    “You’re
married.”
    “What?”
    “It’s
okay. I saw the ring earlier.” She’d shoved her hands into her pockets.
    “Oh,
that.” He’d played with the ring. “My divorce has been final for a few weeks,
but I can’t seem to take it