Now Until Forever Read Free Page B

housekeepers did the mundane stuff for them.
    He looked extremely handsome dressed in worn denims and a black cable-knit sweater with a deep V-neck. A white crewneck T-shirt winked from under the sweater, while dark sneakers covered his feet.
    With a hint of a smile on his full, sensual lips, Keir dipped his head in silent acknowledgment. He returned a melon to the stand and started across the crowded area, heading directly for her.
    Ryan’s heart danced in her breast and her palms felt clammy as she watched the stunning man move toward her. Something about him spoke to her on a fundamental level, which made it almost impossible for her to resist his strong personality.
    Keir stopped in front of her. His eyes swept over her petite frame. “Hi.”
    She responded to the familiar note in his voice. “Hi, yourself. What are you doing here?”
    He lifted a red and green woven bag. “Saturday shopping. And you?”
    â€œThe same,” she answered, lifting her own bag.
    A soft chuckle followed her explanation. “How about a cup of coffee?”
    Okay, Ryan, think logically. This is your boss; you want to stay on his good side. “I don’t want to bother you.”
    Keir relieved her of the shopping bag, cupping her elbow. “First of all, it’s no bother. It’s good to have company while enjoying the sights.” He focused on a spot beyond the market. “What about over there? We can have bagels and lattes.”
    A spark of excitement filled her at the thought of spending time with this interesting man. Calm down , Ryan warned herself silently. This isn’t a dinner date . She shrugged. “Sure.”
    He settled his warm palm at the base of her spine and steered her through the morning crowd to Starbucks. The wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted them as Keir ushered Ryan inside. He guided her to a table. The chairs were decorated in forest green, burgundy, and black. Ryan slid into the spot opposite Keir.
    Keir strolled to the counter to place their orders. Five minutes later, he returned with a round, black plastic tray loaded down with coffee, bagels, cream cheese, and fruit cups. He placed everything on the table and sat opposite her, then gave her a sheepish little smile. “I know you only wanted coffee, but this looked too good to pass up.”
    Actually, it did. “That’s fine,” Ryan said and distributed the food and condiments. They started on their breakfast while watching the morning crowd. “Do you do the market often?”
    â€œI haven’t done this in quite a while. Generally, my housekeeper does all the shopping. I woke up this morning with plans to work, but everything from the vacuum cleaner to the telephone kept breaking my concentration. So, I decided to get out of the house for a while and explore. Maybe by the time I get home, the place will be quiet and conducive for work. What about you?”
    She broke off a piece of her cranberry and orange bagel and popped it into her mouth. “I’ve got family coming to dinner tomorrow evening.”
    â€œOh, family. More work.”
    Ryan laughed. “True. But they feel the need to check up on me every so often, and I have to show them that I’m okay.”
    â€œAre you?” Keir captured her eyes with his.
    â€œAm I what?” she asked softly, fidgeting with her coffee cup. There was an undercurrent of something electrifying flowing between them.
    â€œOkay?” Keir asked. His eyes probed to her very soul.
    Stunned, Ryan realized that Keir was asking about her husband. How did he know about Galen? She scoffed. Glo . “Yeah, I am.”
    â€œGood.” Keir’s eyes swept over her approvingly. “Family can be a trial.”
    Her boss’s lightning change of topics was difficult to follow. “That’s for sure. My brother and sister are more than fifteen years older than I am. Since our parents passed away, Helen and Tony