Page 19 of Sweet Dreams

I sucked hard on my teeth but relaxed my hands. “Sure, okay. You’ve got it boss.”

I shut the door behind me, moving with stiff steps to my desk. Bruce’s eyes were boring into mine, but I couldn’t see them. Not right now.

Instead, I sat quietly, pulling out my earbuds and finding my favorite true crime podcast. The volume drowned out both the scattered pounding of my frustrated heart as well as the voices in my mind that reminded me how bad of an idea it was to stay in Salus Glen.

You will never get out from behind his shadow, the voices sang, sweet and sticky. I groaned, ducking my chin so I could type without accidentally meeting Bruce’s gaze. I had an article to write and while the meeting with my grandfather hadn’t gone according to plans, there was something good I could focus on.

I could go on this date for real now. And, while my frustration still lurked, there was an even bigger thump of my heart when I thought about seeing Zaldi again. I hadn’t dated anyone for, God, years, but this man, there was something about him. He calmed me, simply by existing. Being around him would be no hassle whatsoever.

I smiled, remembering the way his face had contorted with horror at the first sip of the lavender latte. Feeling lighter than before, I curled a leg under my body and doubled down on my typing. Maybe, if I got done early, I would have time to pick up another new coffee for him to try before our movie tonight. The thought brightened my mood even further.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of drafting and initial edits before sending off my next few assignments to my grandfather. I still needed to cover a few upcoming events around Salus, but those could wait for now.

I gnawed my lip, disappointed I’d run short on time before Zaldi would come to the Times for our date.

“I’m going to head out, okay Lu?” Bruce said, slinging his messenger bag over his shoulder. “Your grandpa headed out while you were in the restroom.”

“Oh,” I said, making sure to nod quickly, “Yeah of course.” Disappointment was bitter on my tongue as I realized that I wouldn’t have any time to smooth over the earlier disagreement with my grandfather. “See you tomorrow.”

“See ya.” Bruce’s light footsteps made the way towards the door, where they stopped abruptly. “Oh hi, we’re closing up–.”

“I’m here to meet Lulu.”

My head snapped up at the deep voice, “Zaldi,” I said, my voice soft. “Hi.”

I didn’t need to look at Bruce to know that his eyebrows would probably be at his hairline. “Thanks for meeting me here.”

Zaldi stepped into the space, carefully moving around a still staring Bruce. I rose to meet him, our bodies colliding in a gentle, comfortable hug. He smelled wonderful, the soft shirt against my face felt worn to perfection and I vaguely wanted to steal it to sleep in.

Blushing at the direction of my thoughts, I stepped back. Zaldi’s arms released me, saving the hand that pressed solidly against the small of my back.

He looked between me and Bruce, his handsome face curious. I realized suddenly that he was waiting on me. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. Bruce, this is Zaldi, he’s new to Salus Glen. Zaldi, this is Bruce Miroslav, longtime family friend and fellow journalist.”

Zaldi held his free hand out, but didn’t release me.

Bruce stepped back into the Times and gripped the other man’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Zaldi.”

I could almost feel the questions Bruce was holding back and I knew it would be a short time before they all started bubbling up out of him.

“Well, we’ve got a movie to get to,” I said quickly, tugging Zaldi towards the door. “Can you close up, Bruce? I’ll owe you big time.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bruce flapped his hand, “Go for it.”

I shot Zaldi a quick grin and grabbed my coat off the hanger as we escaped out into the cool spring night. Zaldi stumbled behind me, making me stop and turn to face him.

“Are we in a hurry?” Zaldi said, a smile on his handsome face.

I flushed, taking the moment to slide my coat on. “No, nothing like that, I just get…focused.”

Zaldi’s dark eyes were soft and warm in the setting sun. To my surprise, he stepped closer, his hand moving to fix my jacket collar.

I shivered when his fingers brushed over my skin as he tugged the coat into place. “Better?” I said, trying not to notice exactly how delicious he smelled. What did this man wear on his skin? It was intoxicating–familiar. I was quickly growing addicted.

“Perfect,” he whispered. For one long, hot moment, there were tingles racing down my spine. As if his very touch was setting down sparks against my nerve endings. The feelings left me breathless, and I leaned into him again.

This put us very, very close and for just a moment, I wondered if he might kiss me. The sudden infusion of lust in my blood was leaving me rattled and I watched with utter fascination as his lips parted.

“Hades, the way you look at me.” He licked his lips, “It makes me want to forget…”