Harvest of Love: Insta-Spark Collection

Luckily, Noah held my hand and talked during the drive, distracting me.

When we got to my place, I reviewed everything I had and sent it to Carl. Then Noah shut my computer, refusing to allow me to do any more work. He pulled out a couple of board games he’d brought with him, and we passed some time laughing over silly words on the Scrabble board and played rummy with gummy bears he’d stashed in his duffel bag. He cheated a lot, constantly eating the bears and trying to look innocent when I’d notice the betting pot shrinking. He made me laugh with his antics.

Even though I knew there was nothing left for me to do, that everything was done—it was hard to let it go. When my gaze strayed over to my laptop once too often, he drew a bath, sliding in behind me and massaging my shoulders, which led to a breast massage he insisted was required. That, of course, led to another batch of towels required to sop up the displaced water from his vigorous lovemaking.

We ordered a pizza that night when he admitted that was one thing he missed about the big city. We watched a movie lying on my sofa, and he carried me to the bedroom when I fell asleep on top of him. When I woke up with a start in the night, he was there, wrapping me in his arms, humming into my ear, and talking to me quietly about our upcoming weekend, his plans for the restaurant for the next season—anything to keep my mind off the morning. I finally fell asleep again, although I was still tired when I woke up.

He drove me to work Monday morning, refusing to let me take the subway. He blew up my inbox and sent me sweet texts and pictures. Knowing he was close helped keep me calm and steady.

It was after lunch when Carl strode in, his laptop in his hand. He sat across from me, his face creased into a frown. I felt the stirrings of unease begin in my chest, and my hands started shaking. I drew in a calming breath, counting to ten and slowly letting it out.

“Carl,” I said. “I hope the file was to your satisfaction.”

He nodded, never one to mince words. “I went through everything, and you were right. My additions added nothing. Send Martin the original file.”

I tamped down my anger, trying not to gape at him. All that work and worry for nothing. The time wasted over the weekend when I could have been spending it with Noah. Avoided the meltdown I’d had on Friday and the subsequent argument with him.

But I kept my voice level. “I’ll send it right away.”

“You take the lead on Wednesday. No one knows this better than you. You did well, and I apologize for my shortsightedness.”

I blinked. Carl was a decent enough boss, but it was rare he apologized.

“Thank you.”

He nodded. “Martin is working on some other projects. Big ones. I’m sure he is going to want you to work on them. I’ll need you on the ball.”

I swallowed, my anxiety ramping up quickly. “I was thinking about taking a little time off.”

“Probably a good idea. Burnout is common with this sort of job. Get me the requisition, and I’ll have Martin sign off once we meet on Wednesday.”

He left the office, and I felt a swell of relief. Everything was going to be fine. I’d make it through the meeting, go away with Noah, then take a few weeks off and rest, and I would be able to cope better.

I smiled as I opened my laptop.

Finally, I was back on track. I was certain of it.

Chapter Fourteen

Dani

Noah didn’t seem as certain when I told him my news after he picked me up. He was quiet on the drive to my place, not saying much until we got inside. I could smell something delicious cooking as I inhaled in appreciation.

I went and changed, slipping into jeans and a loose shirt. Noah handed me a glass of wine when I returned.

I lifted my glass. “Here’s to brighter days.”

He hesitated but touched his glass to mine. He didn’t take a sip, though.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“Do you really think a few weeks will help you, Dani? That your body will just fall in line and reset itself?”

“Yes. I only need a break.”

He huffed a sigh, pushing off the counter. He paced the room in silence, then turned back to me. “You don’t see it, do you? The similarities between us. What I went through—what you’re going through.”

“No, I do. But I’m different, Noah. I feel anxious, but my attacks are less frequent. I know I need a break, and I’ll take one. I’ll get some rest, relax, hopefully see lots of you…” I trailed off. “Unless you don’t want to see me?”