the reviews say it’s amazing.”
“It is. I used to be a regular.” I checked out the list of rolls, trying to remember what I used to order. “But it doesn’t compare to Japan. That’s the best sushi I’ve ever had. If that country isn’t on your list, add it.”
“It’s already there.” She grinned. “And I’m dying to go.”
“You will, baby.”
A waitress appeared at our table and asked, “What can I get you to drink?”
“Sauvignon blanc,” Whitney replied.
“Whatever wheat beer you have on tap.”
“I’ve never had beer with sushi,” she said once the waitress left. “I expected you to order sake.”
I took the napkin off the table and spread it across my lap. “The guys stopped by for lunch, and we had a few before they went to the Sox game. I’m sticking with what I started with.”
“Beer is all Emily drinks, and when I have a day off, she always brings me one when I’m in the shower.” Her brows rose as she studied my face. “Tell me you’ve tried that.”
“Can’t say I have.”
“We’re going to change that. It’s one of the best things ever; you’ll see.”
“Looks like I know what we’re doing tomorrow.”
She laughed, a sound that didn’t get lost in all the noise around us. Instead, it reached me on the other side of the table, wrapping my chest like her blanket once had. The feeling only intensified when she slid her hand across the small space, clasping mine.
“Thank you for taking me out.”
I examined her beautiful gaze. This woman was far more special than she even realized. “There will be many more dinners, Whitney.”
“Well, my thanks doesn’t end there.” Her stare moved to the sky before it returned to me. “You’ve opened my eyes to things I never believed in.” She took a deep breath. “To feelings I never expected to have.”
“I’m fucking crazy about you.” I squeezed her grip, watching the headlights of the passing cars dance over her face. “You’re incredible.”
She shook her head, humble to the last drop. “No, Caleb. You’re the hero in our story.”
Thirteen
“Thank you for coming with me,” I said to Whitney as we sat in the backseat of my SUV.
“Of course.” She grinned, rubbing my neck. “I’ve really been looking forward to today.”
“So have I,” Alfred added from behind the wheel, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. “We’ve all been worried about you.”
I smiled at the old man, a face I’d watched age since I was a young kid, working in the mailroom at Hunt Financial. Back then, he had been our maintenance man. A few years ago, when his arthritis had become too painful to continue his job, I’d hired him as my full-time driver.
“I appreciate all the messages you sent,” I said to him. “And the flowers.”
“Happy to do it,” he replied. “I’ll make sure to go real slow and avoid the bumps. Wouldn’t want any setbacks on my watch.”
“Thanks, Alfred.”
I glanced at Whitney as she mouthed, He’s lovely.
My arm slipped around her shoulders, pulling her even closer. “You’re about to meet the whole crew. Are you ready for this?”
“Are you kidding? I’ve been secretly dying to see the mastermind’s playground.”
I laughed; her expression was adorable. “I wouldn’t exactly call it that.”
“I’ve Googled you, Caleb. I’ve seen your accomplishments, and you don’t give yourself nearly enough credit.”
“She’s right about that,” Alfred chimed in. “So, I’ll do the bragging instead.” His gaze was now on Whitney as he stopped at a red light. “Caleb’s been at that company since he was nine, running envelopes to all the staff, working his way up to where he was assisting one of the top advisors when he was only sixteen. Came in every day after school, even when he was in college. They started with one floor of offices, relocating to the building they’re in now, slowly taking over all twenty-six floors of the high-rise. Caleb helped build every bit of that.” His eyes were back on me. “Never seen a family as impressive as theirs. Those Hunts are the most driven, hardworking, and giving people.”
Whitney linked her hand through mine. “I’m learning that.”
“His folks didn’t just raise a good one; they raised the best,” Alfred added, winking at me. “Now, they’re counting down the days to retirement when they can hand over the torch, and Caleb will run the whole show.”
“Hunt Financial is going to you?” Whitney asked me.
I’d woken with a tightness in the back of my throat. It’d only gotten worse, the more Alfred spoke. “Yes.”
“Wow,” Whitney remarked.