Page 69 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

We turned a corner, and my gaze fell on the bookstore—ourbookstore—where Anton and I first met. Despite the damp night air, a food truck was parked at the curb, and a line of customers was waiting. A delicious aroma wafted from the truck, with a spicy scent that reminded me of my small hometown.

Despite the meal I’d enjoyed at the Waltons’ home not long ago, I couldn’t shake the nostalgia of the familiar smell. I pulled Anton to a stop and turned to read the menu on a wooden board. Most of the food was vegan and vegetarian, which wasn’t the kind of food my mother used to make. But this place must use the same spices.

“I'm going to get something,” I said.

“You’re still hungry?”

“Not famished. But the smell brings back memories of home.”

His lips curved in response, and he guided me to the short line.

“Do you want anything?” I asked.

He glanced at the menu board, then shook his head. “I'm more of a meat guy.”

I ordered the spicy, crunchy tofu with sauce on the side. It came in a paper box, tofu aligned on a long thin kebab stick, convenient to hold and bite into the tough flesh of the brown tofu.

I took my first bite and held the stick to Anton for him to taste.

He shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re eating that.”

I was too busy chewing to reply. The tofu was surprisingly well-seasoned. I couldn’t pinpoint all the ingredients, but I tasted black pepper and saw specks of onions and garlic garnishing it.

“I'm going to order this again sometime,” I said between mouthfuls. “Are you sure you don't want a bite?”

He backed away from me. “No, thanks. I’m not a fan of tofu.”

“Only meat, then? How about fish?”

“Fish is definitely on my menu.”

“Well, you’re missing out.”

Anton shook his head again and placed his arm around my waist as we walked.

The food container was empty when we arrived at the front of my apartment building, and I tossed it into a trash can by the curb.

I couldn’t believe it was time to say goodnight to Anton.

“Thanks for inviting me,” I murmured into his chest, hugging him tightly.

He returned the hug, wrapping his arms around me. “Thanks for coming.”

Reluctantly, we pulled back from each other. I walked into the building while he watched to make sure I made it safely before he returned to his car.

In our apartment, I leaned back against the door to settle my emotions before facing Maddison. When I walked by the kitchen, she was there, a knowing grin spreading across her face as she watched me walk past.

“Don’t say a word,” I told her while crossing the living room and heading down the hallway.

She followed me to my bedroom. “I wasn’t going to.”

I pulled my sandals off and tossed them into my closet, unable to contain myself any longer, I said, “We’re back together…slowly.”

She started a celebratory dance but stopped. “What do you mean, slowly?”

“He wants to take it slow. According to him, part of our troubles came from getting in too deep too fast.”

She crossed her arms, leaning against the door jam. “Well, just don’t mess it up this time.”

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