“So you kiss all your customers?” I had to ask.
He grinned. “Mrs. Pellier is one of my mom’s best friends. I have to kiss her. Kissing you was all for me, Dani.”
He straightened up and reached around me, pulling open my door. “Drive safely.”
I managed to climb into the car without falling on my face. That was a far different kiss than the other woman got—it was far more intimate than the quick peck I’d witnessed earlier. I liked it. He tapped on the window, crouching down beside me. “There’s a lot more to life than business and money, Dani. Remember that.” He swept his arm toward the building we had just left. “Ask me one day.”
Then he walked away.
I felt the warmth of his lips all the way back to the city.
Chapter Three
Dani
The office was deserted Saturday morning as I worked away at my desk. With the deadline looming, and my unexpected afternoon off, I had to work today to catch up—although working on the weekend was hardly new. I had worked late Thursday and Friday nights as well.
I ran a hand over my head, peering at the numbers to make sure I had everything in order. I reached over and picked up the apple sitting on my desk, rolling it in my hand. It was my last one. I had basically eaten everything I had bought at The Harvest Table—I had a constant craving for the honey butter and goat cheese that I had picked up as well as the apples and vegetables. I bit into the flesh, enjoying the crisp texture of the sweet fruit. The aroma wafted up to my nose, and I inhaled the fragrance deeply. The memory of Noah’s warm scent drifted through my head, and I could see his handsome face, his warm smile, and hear his deep, rich voice. I thought of how gentle he had been with me—the way he held my hand to his chest to help me calm down.
I’d had a couple more attacks since returning to the office, although they had been milder. I looked up panic attacks on the web and had to admit my symptoms were very similar in many cases, although I wasn’t sure why they were happening. I’d been involved in other deals since joining the firm, been under pressure many times. Maybe it was the new title of VP that was adding another layer to the mix. I didn’t know, but I hoped they would stop. Maybe I would take a week off once this project was complete. I only had to make it through another couple of weeks.
I finished my apple and turned back to the files. The next time I looked up, I realized it was well past one. I saved the file I’d been working on and stood up to stretch my shoulders and legs. One set of numbers simply wasn’t working. I didn’t know if I had the wrong information or if my logic was flawed, but something was wrong, and I had to find it. This report was due on Monday, and my boss didn’t allow tardiness.
It hit me like a freight train. Panic swelled, my chest becoming tight with anxiety. My legs started to shake, and ripples of fear ran down my spine. Clutching the edge of the desk, I gasped for air as the room around me pulsated. I stumbled back into my chair, shutting my eyes and trying desperately to calm myself.
Unbidden, Noah’s voice filled my head. “Breathe with me, Dani.” I could feel his hand around mine and the warmth of his chest under my fingers. Slowly, I fought against the panic, and my breathing slowed. I slumped down as the tension eased and I was able to breathe normally again.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was my phone. Reaching over, I grabbed it and slipped the card Noah had given me out of the case where I had tucked it. “Read it backward, and you can find your way here again,” he had told me.
I knew right then, I needed to see him.
With shaking hands, I took my purse and phone and, once again, escaped my office.
I pulled up in front of The Harvest Table, after getting lost again—even with Noah’s directions. I was terrible with maps and finding places. The parking lot was far busier than the last time I was here. There were people and staff members bustling around. I parked near the edge of the lot and wondered if this was a good idea. Maybe Noah would be too busy. He probably didn’t need some strange woman he’d been nice to once showing up and disrupting his day again. He might get in trouble with the owners if I pulled him away from work.
The door opened, and I saw his brother Gabe come out, carrying two large boxes. He carried them to the car close to me and placed them in the trunk as he chatted with the customer. I hesitated, wondering if I should ask Gabe if Noah was busy. Then a thought occurred to me—maybe he wasn’t even working today. My hands tightened on my steering wheel as another wave of panic tore through me.