Page 28 of His White Moonlight
“There’s a better opportunity.His food is being delivered at twelve-thirty.If you’re willing to deliver it, I can go to lunch early.”
“Deal,” she said quickly.
A few other women attempted to approach Bennett as the morning progressed, and I gave them the same “Bennett’s insane” speech as the first one, but without mentioning his lunch.Only one of the women dared to knock on his door and enter.The folder she’d carried in sailed out of the room before she ran away in tears.
Bennett stormed from his office to glare at me, which I purposely ignored.His door slammed in response.
Noontime couldn’t come fast enough after that.
As soon as the clock hit twelve, I bolted from my desk and rode the elevator to the main floor with a crush of other people.The street was just as busy as it had been the day before, which I didn’t mind.I strolled in the other direction this time and ended up at a little cafe that had delicious-looking croissant sandwiches.
While waiting for my order, a man walked in.He was about Bennett’s age, with lighter brown hair and blue eyes.Our gazes met.He smiled, which turned him from average-looking to attractive.I nodded, and he went to order.Afterward, he stood beside me to wait.
“Wulf Enterprises, right?”he said.“I saw you on the elevator yesterday.You must be new.”
“I am.Started yesterday in administration.”
“I’ve heard mixed things about that department.How do you like it?”
“It’s a summer job, so it’s okay.”
“I’m at Founders, a Wulf Enterprises sublet on the third floor.My name’s Walt.”
“I’m Wrenly.Nice to meet you, Walt.”I shook his hand.
“It looks like you’re doing fine if you already know this is where to eat.”
“Random luck.I ate at the place with the fancy desserts in the Steele building yesterday.”
“If you like desserts, there’s a place two blocks over you need to try.Worth the walk.”
We chatted until my order was ready, and just as I was going to leave, he called my name.
“Rather than taking that back to your desk, check out the Aspen Knoll Park.Perfect spot for a break on a day like today.”
I thanked him and used my phone to find the park as soon as I was outside.It was only a ten-minute walk, so I decided to go for it.The park wasn’t simply an expanse of lawn but a maze of flower beds, trees, winding paths, and sculptures with benches scattered throughout.I wandered for a bit until I spotted Walt at a bench.He smiled, waved when he saw me, and put his sandwich aside at my approach.
“What do you think?”he asked.
“It’s really pretty.Relaxing to walk around.I think I could lose track of time here.”
“I set a timer, and I eat first.”He motioned to the seat next to him, and I sat.While we ate, he explained the park and how each sculpture had a plaque describing the piece.
“It’s worth taking the time to read them,” he said.
“I will.Thanks for mentioning it.”I collected my garbage and stood.“Maybe I’ll see you around.”
Standing, I waved and turned to leave.Bennett was there, ten feet away.My stomach dropped to my feet.
Mom and Dad had one very firm rule for me: No boys.
They were so serious about it that, when I’d admitted to having a crush on a boy in grade school, I’d been immediately transitioned to an all-girl school.Lessons had been learned.Since then, I’d never let myself feel anything for the opposite sex.Ever.
So I hurried toward Bennett and grabbed his arm.
“Random stranger,” I said softly.
“You smell like him.”
