So, maybe he didn’t run as fast as he could at the sight of me this morning.
She removed the note taped to the coffeepot and read it.
Good morning, Sweet Jayne,
I had a feeling you’d prefer to be alone this morning. I set your coffeepot up for you so all you have to do is hit “start.” Drink the whole bottle of water and take some ibuprofen. I know your stomach probably feels wobbly but try to eat breakfast. I wish you didn’t have to work in your condition and hope the day is an easy one for you. I’ll look forward to seeing you tonight after work.
-Seth
“Sweet Jayne,” Jayne whispered and hugged herself after she switched the coffeepot on and took the pain reliever like he’d suggested. While the coffee brewed, she started the shower and cringed until her head adjusted to the noise of the water cascading on the tiles.
This day is gonna suck.
She glanced at the note she still held in her hand and smiled again.
Maybe not.
She still had that evening to look forward to.
After she was ready for work and ate a light breakfast, she took her cell phone out and sent a text to Seth.
“Good morning, handsome. Thank you for making me coffee.”
She was sipping the ultra-strong brew Seth had set up for her when her phone dinged with a reply message.
“You’re welcome. How do you feel?”
“In pain but I’ll manage. I hope you have a great day.” She was glad that she’d been alone when she woke up, but part of her was missing his presence right then.
“I’m looking forward to tonight. Take it easy today, if you can.”
“I will. See you at six thirty.”
Mental images from the night before had been coming to her in flickers that had made her blush and wonder how tonight might go. Had she really stripped naked in the hallway? Her clothing had been laid neatly over the back of the chair in her bedroom with her red high heels paired on the floor beside it. A memory flashed through her mind of Seth, his hands roaming freely over her body, telling her that she belonged to him. Her body responded with a wave of need. She recalled with embarrassment her drunken rationalization, as she’d brushed out her hair, that she could take matters into her own hands. She was lucky that he’d been more concerned for her well-being than he had been with his own gratification. There were many men who would’ve taken advantage of that situation.
Snapping the lid on a fresh refill of coffee in her travel mug, Jayne faced the day, resigned to the hangover she’d earned. The library was blessedly quiet until shortly before noon when the kids started arriving for Kookie Kid’s Klub. Thank goodness Daisy was back. She had a cast on her ankle and crutches, but didn’t let either slow her down. She was already setting up the craft tables in the meeting room. Jayne was grateful because she wasn’t sure she could take the chatter or the sound of her own voice reverberating in her skull if she’d had to read to the kids.
When her phone vibrated in her slacks pocket, she slipped it out and squinted at the screen.
“Had a short break between clients. Thought I’d check on you.”
“Hi! I’m doing okay. My head throbs.”
“Dehydration, maybe? Drink more water and it might help. Do you like Chinese food?”
“I just got a big glass and drank it all. Thank you for the reminder. Yes, I like Chinese.”
“Good. I’ll get some takeout for tonight. We can eat before we start.”
“That sounds great. By the way, I loved my origami swans. They made me smile.”
“Good. I want your smiles. Especially when you don’t feel good.” Seth was good at making her smile.
“No more booze for me. I obviously need a keeper when I drink.”
“I’d keep you.”
Jayne’s cheeks filled with heat, and her heart skipped a beat. I think I’d let you, handsome.
“My next client just walked in. I’ll see you this evening.”
“Okay.” She was about to slip the phone back in her pocket when it buzzed again.
“Drink lots of water.”
“Yes, sir. Bossy.”
“You like it.” He followed those words with a little emoticon winking at her.
Maybe I do.
A tussle at the doorway of the meeting room drew her attention as she slipped the phone into her pocket and rose to refill her water bottle. Two little boys were fighting and arguing, blocking the other kids and moms from entering the room, and she braced herself for the drama as she rushed over to intercede.
The rest of the afternoon drifted by on sluggish feet. She knew that was because she wasn’t up to par but also couldn’t help the anticipation she felt at the thought of seeing Seth again. To get her fuzzy mind focused, she took a walk around the interior of the library, straightening here and there. The sun shone brightly on the white concrete sidewalks outside, and she dreaded going out there later. It would still be bright daylight when she left the library, and her retinas throbbed at the thought. After tidying her desk and the checkout counter, she sighed heavily and rested her head in the palm of her hand. A dull ache under her jawline got her attention, and she palpated the area gently.