Page 14 of Hooked on Marshall

“But you’re my boss.”

“That’s irrelevant,” I tell her.

“But-”

“Are you in a relationship with someone else?”

“No.”

“They why can’t you be with me?”

She sighs and looks down. I wait for her response. But when she speaks again, it’s not an answer to my question.

“I need to get to work,” she says softly.

“Your shift is covered for today,” I tell her. “I wanted you to have the time off after what happened last night.”

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“If you need the money I’ll still pay you for the hours,” I say. “It’s more important to me that you’re okay.”

She shakes her head again. Then she steps back, and I reluctantly let her go.

“I really should get home.”

I nod. Then she goes into my spare room for her shoes and her work clothes from last night. When she’s ready, I lead her out to my Jeep. In just five minutes, I’m at the Alehouse. But I put my hand on Lana’s arm to keep her from getting out.

“I want your number,” I tell her.

“Why?”

“I have everyone else’s number, you know,” I explain. “But I never got yours.”

She nods. Then she pulls her phone out and curses under her breath.

“It’s dead.”

“Fine,” I say as I pull mine out. “Just put your number in and I’ll send you a text later.”

She nods and does what I ask. When she hands my phone back, I try a different approach.

“Can I take you to dinner tonight?”

“Why?”

“Fine,” I sigh. “I’ll spell it out for you again. I like you, Lana. I want to date you. I want to be your boyfriend. I want another kiss like we shared earlier. And I want to know that you’re okay. And since you haven’t come right out and said that you’re not interested, I figured we could start with dinner. I’m willing to take things slow, if that’s your issue.”

“That’s not it,” she says.

“Then let me take you to dinner tonight,” I say. “Please.”

She looks down for a moment. And again, I just wait. And hope for the best.

“What time?”

“Whenever is good for you.”

“Okay,” she nods. “I’ll text you later.”

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