I Never Let You Go (I Never 3)

Lauren: But I’m free the following day.

I throw my arm in the air just like Judd Nelson did at the end of The Breakfast Club in victory.

Me: I can do that.

Lauren: Are you sure? I don’t want you to have to rearrange your schedule.

Oh no, there is no way I’m letting her get out of this that easily. I’m the boss; I can create my schedule.

Me: It’s fine. Like I told you before, I’ll always make time for you.

Lauren: Okay.

I don’t waste time typing my response out before she can change her mind.

Me: How about I stop by your classroom with food. Unless you would prefer to go out somewhere, but I figure it may be more comfortable.

That and she can’t back out unless she calls out of work. Fuck, would she do that just to avoid having lunch with me?

Lauren: I’d like that. It’s probably the easiest for me.

It’s a date, although I don’t tell her that. This needs to be perfect. The day after tomorrow, I begin Operation Get Lauren Back.

“Mr. Reynolds.” I look up from my phone to see Lauren’s boss walking toward me. “Finn, I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting you today. Did we have a meeting and I forgot?”

“Oh no, today’s visit isn’t about business; it’s strictly pleasure.” Fuck. I wince at my word choice, instantly regretting it while her eyebrows shoot up, definitely questioning my choice of words. “What I meant was”—I hold my hands out as if talking with my hands would help the situation—“I’m not here for a meeting. I’m having lunch with one of your teachers, Miss Lawson.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you two knew each other.”

“We grew up together and recently were reacquainted. Just two old friends having lunch, that’s all.” Why the fuck did I just say that? Pretty sure she probably thinks I’m nuts and will pull the plans for us. Good going, Finn.

“Ah, I see. Well, enjoy your lunch, Finn.” She gives me a soft smile before continuing down the hall. I readjust the bag in my arms and grip the back of my neck with the other hand as I finish walking to Lauren’s classroom.

I stand in the doorway, watching Lauren nervously straightening her desk, shuffling papers around. I cover my teeth with my lips to keep from laughing when she moves her stack of books three times before putting it back in its original spot. I know these are things she does when she’s nervous, but it’s just me—no need to be nervous.

I didn’t think she could ever get more beautiful, but it seems that every time I see her, she does.

She then grabs her purse off the top of her desk, and with her keys in hand, she turns to face me.

Oh no, I know she’s not running away.

I clear my throat. “Going somewhere?” I ask as I step into the classroom.

She jumps when she hears my voice, clutching her chest.

I step into the classroom, and her eyes slowly trail up my body. I have no shame in admitting I put a little more effort into how I look today, knowing that I was spending time with her. I settled on black slacks that are snug around my waist, and a purple button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing my toned forearms. There is a moment of hunger in her eyes for a moment before she composes herself and blinks it away.

After I mentally pat myself on my back for picking a color that I know she always enjoyed seeing me in, and clearly that is still true, I focus my attention on her purse and keys. She follows my line of sight. “What? No. I was umm…” she babbles, “I was just going to run to the car for something, but I can get it later.”

Lauren’s cheeks turn the brightest shade of red since I caught her trying to escape.

“Hmmm.” I walk past Lauren, catching a whiff of her familiar scent and set the bag down on the empty spot on her desk.

“What’s in the bag?” She peeks over my shoulder, and I move to cover the bag from her sight. I always loved teasing her, and I see she is still impatient as ever.

She touches my arm to try to see, and I have to swallow thickly and take a few breaths to keep from spinning around and pulling her into my arms.

“Patience. Patience.” I smirk at her.