My Miracle

I get out of my car, just as he does the same. He makes his way around and takes my hand as if this is a date or something. “So tell me what made you climb into the dark and broiling attic?”

“It’s a long story, but my aunt left something in her will for me that magically grew legs and ran away.”

We stand in line, but I don’t want to have this personal discussion right here, so I ask, “What are you going to get?”

“I’m starving right now, so probably a cheeseburger and fries. You?”

“Gyro plate. I’m pretty hungry, too.”

We order and get our food with a little small talk. Once we sit down he goes back to grilling me on my hunt. “It’s an 1813 first edition copy with original cover of Pride and Prejudice. It comes in three volume set.”

“Wow, that sounds expensive,” Ben remarks, clearly believing that’s why I want it.

“It’s more than just the price to me. It’s not that expensive. There are far more expensive books. It happens to have been passed down through generations in my family. It was a gift from a great uncle to his American bride. I know my cousins sold it or at least have it hidden from me. Legally it’s mine. Of course, I have no extra money to sue them, but it was left to me in her will which means that I have the rights to it.”

He takes a sip from his milkshake, then says, “I’m sorry. I don’t know how those things work, but if they sell it abroad, there’s a chance you can’t force them to turn it over.”

“I know. That’s the scary part. Obviously, a collector in England would love to have it, I’m sure. The last copy not in as good of a condition sold for nearly seventy thousand dollars.”

“Then there are plenty of people who will pay for it.”

“Yes, so I need to find it. My cousins delayed the will a month as it is, but it’s not your problem. I’m sorry for dragging down the conversation.”

“No, no. I want to know everything about you and what things are special to you,” Ben admits, smirking at me as he lifts a fry to his perfect lips. The hair on his face is so sexy that I’m only distracted by his strong hands.

“Thanks, Ben,” I answer, refusing to take my eyes off the virile manliness.

“Hey, woman. Are you eyeing my fries?”

“I am not.” I clasp my hands to my chest, feigning shock.

“Okay…” he chuckles out. He lifts one up, taking his time bringing it to his lips.

I crack and confess, “I was looking at your hands.”

“Really? Are they too rough for you?” He arches his brow, giving me that suggestive smirk and there go my panties. Wow, I’m afraid that the seat will be wet when I stand up.

“I don’t know. I haven’t really noticed.” I lie my ass off. I felt them, and I want them to run over my flesh. “How old are you, Ben?” I ask, changing the subject before I freaking let on how much I want him.

“I’m twenty-nine. You?”

“I’m twenty-two. Are you the foreman? Or what is that they call it?” I ask. I’ve never been on a real date before. I’m sure I’m making a fool of myself. I sound like a dumb bimbo.

“I own the company.”

Wow, a real leader. “So you work hands-on as well?”

“Sometimes. I have so many things to do in the office that I don’t always get to do it, but I was very fortunate to work on this project.” He gives me a crooked smile full of implications. His eyes drop to my lips, and I’m panting. He might as well have just kissed me the way my body reacts to his gaze.

“Um…I think it’s time I go. I have to get to work at eight.”

“Wow, what do you do?”

“I work for the Forensics Dept. of the CPD,” I say.

“That’s pretty cool. Like on the crime shows?”

“Yes. Today was my off day. Tomorrow is a different story.”

“Okay, but I want to see you again.”

“I’d like that.” He takes out his cell phone and plugs in my number as I read it off.

Seconds later I receive a text. I look down and read it. Thank you, beautiful.

I know that I’m falling for him. This could get dangerous.

Chapter 4

Ben

“Brenda, can you come in here?” I shout out from my office.

“What’s up, boss?”

“Have you had any luck with the search?”

“Boss, you gave the project to me this morning. It’s not that easy. The phone has been off the hook all day. You’re a precious commodity, and you spent the day out of the office. You know how much these ladies want you to do an estimate.” I roll my eyes. Somehow it was spread around town how good looking and wealthy I was. I come from family money even though my father doesn’t approve of my blue collar, dirty hands career.