Secret Admirer Read Free

a productive second day. By nine-thirty, I’d read only one paragraph of a new client’s profile. Instead of being productive, I was the opposite, unless scribbling one-liners for a stranger at a coffee shop counted.
    I couldn’t stop thinking about Cute Coffee Shop Guy. Friendly, cheerful, and attractive—didn’t those attributes check all the boxes in the guy department? I knew he beat all the duds I’d been around for the last five years, but what could I tell from the three sentences we’d muttered in the past twenty-four hours? Still, it felt fun to have a crush.
    “Earth to Andi.”
    A familiar voice pulled me down from the clouds. “Oh, wow busted,” I said to Bree, pushing back in my chair. “I was really lost in thought there.”
    She remained in my doorway, wagging her pointer finger. “That was no work blank-out, you were thinking about a guy.”
    “No.” I sounded unconvincing, even to myself.
    “I’d say nice try, but that was pathetic.”
    I gave in and laughed. “I’ll tell you over lunch?”
    “Better. Meet you outside at twelve-thirty.” She pivoted on her wedged heels and sashayed out.
    Over another limp salad, I related the very little I knew about Cute Coffee Shop Guy. She hung on to every word as if his outfit and my infatuation was very vital information. I sounded and felt like a fourteen-year-old girl, but I kind of liked the rush of attraction I hadn’t felt in years.
    She clapped her hands rapidly. “A challenge, I love it! Now, we just have to think up reasons to talk to him and learn his name. I’m totally helping you. This will be fun.”
    Fun? How? My new friend’s delighted expression encouraged me to let down my guard. Sure, why couldn’t this be fun? I forced a smile in return matching her enthusiasm.

Chapter Two
    My first lunch meeting as Accounts Director was on Wednesday, sparing me any reprimand Bree prepared to deliver over salads for my lack of progress with Coffee Shop Guy. I saw him again in the morning, but he was leaving as I was arriving—not an opportune time for introductions. Still, he held the door for me and told me to have a great day.
    If only he knew the impact his words had at making that happen.
    At two-thirty, several faint pings sounded from my desk drawer. I’d like to say I’m professional enough to ignore my personal phone at work, but I immediately retrieved it and checked the screen. Bree initiated a group conversation. Hers was the only name listed, the other contacts appeared as numbers. I tapped the message bubble opening the application and watched the exchange unfold.
    Bree—Drinks Friday? 7 @ Jake’s
    860-555-1325—Absolutely! Abbie’s phone died, I’ll tell her
    860-555-0489—Wouldn’t miss
    860-555-1516—Can’t. Paper due Mon :(
    Bree—Aren’t U done yet Mags?
    860-555-1516—Never
    860-555-4535—Not sure yet, will lyk
    Me—Thx. Sounds like fun
    860-555-0489—Who’s the RI number?
    Bree—Andi, she’s new at our office. Say hi everyone!
    860-555-1325—Hi Andi, C U Fri
    860-555-0489—ditto
    860-555-4535—Welcome
    860-555-9229—Hi there, catch u on the later end
    Bree—W/Sam?
    860-555-9229—Hope so, will C
    860-555-2080—Can I go Maggie?
    860-555-1516—LOL! Permission granted
    A minute passed without further comments, so I assumed the conversation was over. The thought of joining this group of established friends intimidated me, but what was my alternative? I had to meet new people, and here was the chance. The first night might be awkward, but I told myself venturing out was a vital part of the start-over plan. Plus, Bree was acting as my self-appointed ambassador. I should consider myself lucky and quit worrying.
    On my way home, I stopped at the grocery store. I’d yet to shop in Hartford, living off the convenience store provisions and the freezer meals my mother had sent. Passing through the automatic doors, I was accosted by Cupid. A Mylar Cupid balloon had broken free from the florist department and