Survivor - By Kaye Draper Page 0,5
said enviously, “kind of like a private eye or something.”
He snorted. “It can be rather exciting at times, but usually it’s just a lot of boring paperwork.”
I stuffed the last bite of hotdog in my mouth, noticing that Peter had barely touched his. He was probably used to eating something a bit classier than street vendor hotdogs, and I suddenly felt embarrassed and awkward. Seeing my gaze on him, he smiled and took a big bite. I knew it was for show, but I appreciated the gesture. He looked so funny- in his nice suit, with his slicked back hair and expensive sunglasses, holding a paper wrapped hotdog- that I couldn’t help but laugh.
When it was time for Peter to get back to work, we made our way back toward the library. I was sad to think that this was probably the last time I would see him. He was one of those rare people who make you feel like you’ve been friends for years. I was surprised when he hesitated on the threshold. He was still wearing those ridiculously dark glasses, and I couldn’t read much from his expression.
“Do you work tomorrow?” He asked hesitantly.
I nodded. “Sure, I work every weekday.”
“Would you eat lunch with me again?”
Really, you cannot imagine how much that floored me. He wanted to see me again.
I looked up at him, puzzled. “Why?” I asked frankly.
He didn’t pretend not to understand the million questions behind that one word. He squatted down to put us at eye level. It was nice. He was quite tall, and he loomed over me when he was standing. “Because I find you interesting.”
Fed up with not being able to read his expressions, I reached over and lifted up his sunglasses. He didn’t look startled at my invading his personal space. He was pretty interesting himself. He gazed at me seriously, his strange emerald eyes sharp. “May I spend my lunch breaks with you?”
I nodded agreement and he broke into that dazzling smile again. I couldn’t look away from those eyes. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, standing in a smooth motion. I waved and went back inside, completely flustered.
Chapter 2
I unlocked the door and flipped on the light, gesturing for Peter to come in. My apartment wasn’t very large, but thanks to the open floor plan, it didn’t feel as cramped as it could have. The front door opened into the kitchen and dining area. That opened into a living room, with my bedroom and bathroom down a wide hall at the other end of the apartment. Taz met us in a wiggling flurry of happiness. He accepted Peter’s attentions without a qualm, and I smiled happily. I never had people over to my house, especially men, but Peter and I had been eating lunch together for a couple weeks now, and I felt comfortable with him. Animals are generally great at judging character. If Taz was okay with it, then so was I.
Peter set the plant in the center of my little table and took my walker, propping it against the wall just inside the door. I barely ever used the wheeled monstrosity, but I usually carried it with me to the library in case I needed to stand for a minute to see a higher shelf.
“Thanks again for helping me get home. The ladies will be glad I finally moved the plant.” It took up a lot of counter space. I stretched my arms and sighed. I had done a lot of re-shelving today and my arms and shoulders were sore.
“My pleasure.” He crossed to the kitchen in search of water for the drooping plant. I pointed at the lower cabinets. “Where I can reach them,” I explained, and he nodded. The upper cabinets were mostly empty.
He filled a cup with water and gave my dehydrated orchid a drink. “You have a very nice apartment,” he said, glancing around.
The boldness I had felt when I invited him here was fading, and I fought a wave of embarrassment as his gaze traveled over my sanctuary. I wheeled into the living room, and he followed. “The insurance company helped to make it accessible for me after my accident,” I said off hand.
He sank down on the couch, looking delicious. I smiled at him and went back to the kitchen, needing to move. “Do you want something to drink?” At his negative reply, I got myself a bottled water and set it on the counter. “Are you staying for dinner?”