Page 9 of Cinnamon Strudel
Cheeks on fire, she bit down on her inner cheek. “I could cook you dinner.”
“That just sounds unfair—I get the better end of the deal.”
She giggled, trying not to let on how nervous she suddenly was. “Wait until you taste it before you judge.”
Morgan paused for another drink, his grin widening into a full smile. “When is this date?”
“I have the early shift on Wednesday—I can be over by five.”
“Only if you let me buy groceries.”
“I’ll come up with something and let you know on Monday.”
“Something to look forward to.”
“For both of us. Do you have any allergies?”
“Nope, my brothers usually call me a human garbage disposal because I can and will eat anything.”
She sputtered on her hot chocolate. “True brotherly love.”
Not long after they continued, she had to pull both of them to a halt. Glass splinters littered the middle of the path. “There’s some broken glass.” She quickly switched to his left and guided him and Blue around the splinters. “We don’t want Blue to end up in the ER. I’d never see either of you again.”
“Woman, do you really think you can get rid of me that easily?” Suddenly, the roles were reversed, andsheneededhimto keep herself steady. He chuckled and that signature half smirk of his made her even weaker in the knees. “I did try putting shoes on him—I don’t think he was a fan.”
“Oh,” was all that she could manage.
His grin deepened and those cute wrinkles around his eyes returned. “I wouldn’t blame you if Blue got hurt. It happens and I would never hold you accountable.”
“Okay.”
Morgan paused and faced her, leaning in until he brushed her cheek again. “I find your concern for him endearing, butI’mhis handler. If something happens, I’m the one who’s responsible. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate you looking out for him, but he is my responsibility, and I don’t want you to feel as if you are at fault for anything.”
“Why does that not make the potential guilt go away?”
“Because you are a caring person. I just needed you to hear that.”
“Thank you.”
Holding onto her arm, Morgan let her continue to guide him through the sparkling lights.
Morgan
Their time together came to an end all too soon. Ruby still guided him, and he loved how her other hand laid over his as she did. It felt as if becoming his eyes was second nature to her. She explained their surroundings, letting him know when the ground became uneven or they were about to pass through a crowded area.
“The car next to us parked rather close. Let me back out to make it easier.”
“I don’t mind squeezing.”
“I’m sure you wouldn’t, but that guy is clearly an ass—he knew what he was doing.”
He nodded and stood aside while Ruby reversed the car. He used to hate when his dates had to drive him, often refusing to let them pick him up. Now, it still irked his ego to not be able to spoilthem, but he’d come to terms with it. The engine didn’t cut off, but her door opened, and Ruby’s footsteps came closer.
“C’mon, sweetheart, let’s get you in so you can rest up a little.”
“I like the sound of that, makes me all giddy inside.”
“Your handler needs to get his facts straight,” Ruby laughed, holding the door open for Blue.
