Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 258(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 172(@300wpm)
I give Ford a regretful look and turn to the front, pulling out my laptop. I start typing notes when I notice Ford write something down on his notepad.
He holds it out in front of me. Want to meet for lunch after this?
I type onto my computer and point to it. “Can’t. I’m skipping it so I don’t miss the class on new methods of distilling.”
He gives me an unhappy look, but I don’t ask him anything about it. I just keep working.
He disappears halfway through the presentation, and later when I get to the final talk of the day, Ford is waiting for me with a small Tupperware bowl set out in front of him.
“Eat,” he tells me before I even sit down.
I look around, and there are other people with plates of food. “Are you going to eat with me?”
He shakes his head. “Nope. I had lunch with the Milton brothers from Texas. I’m sending them a contract to be signed when we get back.”
I don’t even try to hide my excitement. “The Milton brothers? THE Milton Brothers?”
He laughs. “Yes. They are probably three times the size of Ogle.”
I grab on to his forearm. “Ford! That’s amazing. How did you—?”
I cut off when the next speaker comes to the podium. I lean over and whisper to him, “I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
He leans forward, and his hot breath caresses my cheek. “I’ll tell you anything you want to know, but first you eat. I got you your favorite comfort food.”
It’s then that I really inspect the plate in front me. I peel back the lid and gasp at the ooey-gooey macaroni and cheese that is still steaming hot. I take the fork he’s holding and dig in, moaning as the first taste hits my tongue. Either I’m starving or this is the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever eaten. “Mmmmm, this is good.”
He’s watching my mouth, nodding his head.
I smile at him, wondering what he’s thinking about. “Thank you for the food. I was hungry.”
He nods and dips his hand into his suit pocket, pulling out a handful of peppermint patties. My eyes light up. Peppermint patties are my weakness. “Oh gah,” I whisper. “I could kiss you right now.”
I don’t even think about it when I say it. I hold my hand out, and he puts the chocolate in my palm before grabbing my wrist. “If we weren’t here of all places, I’d take you up on that.”
I fight the overwhelming need to lean forward and press my lips to his. “Deal.”
His eyes flare, and his voice is husky. “I’m going to hold you to that, Lily.”
I nod, biting onto my lower lip. Geez, just thinking about kissing him has me twitching in my seat. He finally releases me and points a finger to my food. “Eat.”
I nod, picking up the fork and piercing a noodle before bringing it to my lips.
I get through the class, and afterward, Ford and I walk around to all the vendor booths. We stay in the same aisle, each talking to different people.
“Hey.” I turn on my heel, and for the first time today, I see Victoria.
I touch her arm. “Hey, how are you? Everything okay?”
I can’t help but look around for her husband and spot Ford while doing so. He’s stepped away from the man he was talking to and is watching Victoria and me. He looks around, no doubt looking for Jim like I am.
“Oh, wow, everything is great. I know how uncomfortable last night had to be for you and Ford, but I needed it. It’s what finally convinced me that I was doing the right thing. Even though it was mortifying.”
Her cheeks are red, hinting at her embarrassment, but besides that, she seems to be glowing with her decision. “Don’t even think twice about it. I’m so happy for you, and if you ever want to talk, you can call me anytime.”
Impulsively, I lean in and hug her. She squeezes me tightly, and we stand here in the middle of the aisle embracing. When she finally pulls back, she’s laughing and wiping at a tear on her cheek. “Oh, I guess I needed that.” She squeezes my hand. “Lilian, you are a gem. Thank you. I’ll be talking to you soon.”
I nod and watch her walk away. She stops and talks to Ford, and he hugs her as well. She’s blushing like a schoolgirl when she walks away from him.
His eyes are on me, and he weaves through the people to get to me. “You okay?”
I bend one knee, holding my foot up behind me. “I’m good. My feet are feeling it, though. I’m not used to all this walking and standing.”
He grabs my tote bag and slings it over his shoulder.
I smile at the image of him with what looks like a purse over his shoulder. It doesn’t faze him, though. He laces his arm through mine. “Come on. Let’s go.”